5 Detox Myths That Might Stop You From Getting Help
When it comes to drug and alcohol detox myths, forewarned is forearmed.
Detoxification is the safe removal of alcohol and drugs from the body and managing the resulting withdrawal symptoms. When detoxing, patients can expect a variety of uncomfortable mental and physical symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and body discomfort. Fear of a painful withdrawal or past negative experiences with withdrawal are the primary reasons individuals avoid seeking detox. Of course, fear of detox is why professional detox services are so important. Although each person experiences detox differently, at Sanford Behavioral Health, we decide if medically monitored detoxification is necessary for each person or whether they can safely detox during residential or outpatient treatment.
We’re debunking 5 detox myths that might stop you from getting the help you need.
1. Detox is for “serious addicts,” and I’m not at rock bottom yet.
Let us be the judge of whether you should go to detox. Admission to detox treatment includes assessing a person’s needs, preferences, and likelihood to benefit from medically monitored detox, whether you are functioning or at rock bottom. We provide a medical evaluation that includes:
- Physical examination
- Orders for appropriate service
- Face-to-face consultation
- Risk assessment with a personal safety plan
We also complete a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment as soon as we admit a patient into an appropriate program.
2. Detox is painful and lonely.
When an individual tries to detox from alcohol and has a seizure, they might end up in a hospital or panic and return to using alcohol or drugs. It is scary, lonely, and dangerous. If you have had a seizure before, we want to know and act accordingly. At Sanford, we use medications to replace drugs or alcohol, which last longer than the drugs of use and are easier to taper down. As a result, patients do not feel the lows or scattered feelings they might have felt with self-detox. Those with a history of seizures also have anti-seizure medications for a few days as a safe method of detoxing from alcohol. We are committed to providing a safe and comfortable detox from drugs and alcohol. Within 24 hours, you should be feeling much better.
3. I hear detox is just the beginning of recovery, but I don’t know what to do next.
Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus allows us to treat different diagnoses across multiple levels of care under one roof. Mental and behavioral health treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Each patient has specific and individualized needs. At our campus, we can provide access to psychiatry providers, nurses, clinical therapists, recreational therapists, case managers, dieticians, and more. Which means we begin group therapy and offer the next steps in the continuum of care while you are in detox. Not only is treatment available at our campus, but many of our services can be provided virtually as well.
4. It’s shameful to go to detox; what if I lose my job or my family?
Addiction often strains relationships between family members, friends, or colleagues. A detox program can actually strengthen these relationships once sobriety is achieved. Further, improved relationships will lead to a more successful recovery because you have support from your friends and family. Receiving assistance and encouragement can be a great asset for anyone on their journey to recovery, giving them the strength they need to maintain it.
5. After detox, I’ll go home and face the cravings with lower tolerance. Will I overdose?
Withdrawal does reduce tolerance. Those who have been through the detox process can become affected more quickly and intensely by their substance of use. And they can overdose on a much smaller amount than before detoxing. Therefore, it is crucial to go from drug and alcohol detox to intensive therapy or an addiction treatment program that provides coping tools. Sanford’s MAT program helps patients get through the discomfort of opioid withdrawal, and it also helps to reduce cravings. We use MAT primarily for the treatment of addiction to opioids and alcohol. The prescribed medications normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, and relieve physiological cravings.
Detox Myths
When it comes to drug and alcohol detox myths, forewarned is forearmed. Getting the right information and working with a trusted provider will reduce fear and provide help and guidance throughout long-term recovery. Medically monitored detox can reduce health risks, improve mental health, increase self-confidence, bolster relationships, and reduce the temptation to use. Likewise, family and friends can experience the benefits of detox. When a loved one goes through a successful detoxification program, it gives their families hope and the opportunity to work together towards a common goal.
For more information, click the link below or go to our website DETOX TREATMENT:
Combatting Fear of Detox: Taking the First Steps to Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, eating disorders, mental health conditions, or daily functioning, please don’t wait to change your life for the better– click the link below to speak with an admissions specialist today. Sanford Behavioral Health 24/7 EZ Admissions – talk to a human, receive an assessment, and start the process of admission to treatment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
