Many people throw the term “detox” around without realizing that it has a more clinical context. Going through a dietary “detox” is one thing, but going through detox and withdrawal from alcohol and substances is something totally different. When it comes to addiction, detox and withdrawal should be taken very seriously, as they are critical components of a successful recovery.
What to Know About Detox and Withdrawal
So, what exactly are detox and withdrawal? Distilled down, detox and withdrawal are when an individual stops using a specific substance and it dissipates from the body. Of course, the process is much more complex than this.
It is also helpful to understand that “detox” is also the term used when someone goes into a clinic or recovery center to recover while the alcohol and substances leave their body. This detox process is critical because it helps an individual get through that first difficult part of the recovery journey.
Detoxing and withdrawing can be very uncomfortable, especially for individuals who have been drinking and using for a long time. This is why detoxing in the presence of professionals is so important. They can make the experience more comfortable, safe, and ensure that a relapse is less likely to happen. Also, the safety component is key. Many people don’t realize just how dangerous detoxing on your own can be.
The Dangers of Detoxing on Your Own
Detoxing on your own is not only dangerous, but it can even be deadly. This is especially true with alcohol. Detoxing from alcohol can lead to something known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), and it can be very dangerous. So, what exactly is AWS?
According to the peer-reviewed thesis Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, by Doctors Canver, Newman, and Gomez, “Following alcohol cessation, alcohol withdrawal syndrome typically presents as minor symptoms such as mild anxiety, headache, gastrointestinal discomfort, and insomnia. This syndrome can further progress to severe manifestations, such as alcohol withdrawal delirium, which poses significant diagnostic and management challenges. Mild symptoms may progress to alcohol hallucinosis, characterized by visual or auditory hallucinations that usually subside within 48 hours after alcohol cessation. Withdrawal seizures can occur in patients within just a few hours of alcohol cessation.” This can also lead to delirium tremens (DTs), which can be deadly.
The Signs and Symptoms of Detox and Withdrawal
It is also important to understand the signs and symptoms of detox and withdrawal. This can help you better understand when it is time to seek professional help. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Struggling to sleep
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling like you need to drink or use to not feel sick
- Stomach pain
- Extreme headaches
- Feeling anxious or depressed
- Dry mouth
- Pale appearance
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, these symptoms can be severe, which is why seeking professional help sooner rather than later is critical. Professionals can help ensure that the detox process goes smoothly, as well as help reduce the chances of a relapse.
The Importance of a Safe and Secure Detox
Many people who struggle with addiction don’t realize just how dehydrated and nutrient-depleted they actually are. This depletion can be at dangerous levels. That is why a professional detox setting ensures that these levels are corrected as soon as and as safely as possible.
A professional detox setting can also use medications to make the process safer and smoother. This is especially true with someone going through alcohol or opioid withdrawal.
A professional detox is also important because it can connect an individual to the next stages of their recovery. After all, a detox is not the only process that is going to keep someone sober. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), “[D]etoxification is not the same as treatment and is not sufficient to help a person recover. Detoxification alone without subsequent treatment generally leads to the resumption of drug use. For people with addictions to drugs like stimulants or cannabis, no medications are currently available to assist in treatment, so treatment consists of behavioral therapies.”
The Next Stages After Detox
Now, the next stages after a detox are critical. These stages usually include connecting to the right recovery program. This may be a residential program or an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
These next stages will also include effective means, methods, and modalities for recovery. The key is to use a multi-angled approach and try many treatments. This may include psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy, and holistic healing methods like yoga and mindfulness meditation.
Long-Term Success With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” That is why we first focus on detox and then continue with individualized treatment.
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then the time to recover is now. You got this! We can help.
While not everyone will go to detox, it is important to understand withdrawal symptoms to know when detox may be necessary. It is also essential to know the next steps after completing a detox. This may include going to therapy, working with a counselor, and attending 12-Step recovery meetings. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of mental illness, addiction, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about withdrawal and the detox process, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
