Detox programs – the perception of what they are, and the mere thought that they may end up having to go to one, make many alcohol and drug users shudder, perhaps for a variety of reasons.
One major reason why entering a detox program for an alcohol or drug-dependent person is taboo to them is the realization that the use of their substance of choice will be over. This thought alone makes many turn away from treatment available to them. Their “good times”, as they perceive it, are over.
Others, who may earnestly be trying to quit, are hesitant to enter a facility to begin treatment for their addiction. Even if they’ve had bad episodes in the past as a result of previous self-detoxing efforts, they still prefer to “tough it out” on their own, hoping and praying that this time they’ll be OK during the period of time directly after quitting, when the body struggles to adjust to functioning without that substance being continually put into the body.
The simple, and scary, fact of the matter is that detoxing on one’s own (especially if they live alone) can be a very dangerous, even life-threatening situation. Many people have lost their lives as a result of devastating fits, seizures, and other such events that strike people down without notice. There is no “progression” in getting sick here. The sooner someone who has been heavily dependent on substances realizes this, as they attempt to quit, the much better chance of their making a healthy transition through this detoxification process.
Someone facing this situation must absolutely seek out a detox program to get into, and quickly. There can be no putting it off on the calendar for a month, or even a week, after quitting. Those who are in this situation and need help should know what is ahead of them if they do make the smart choice and look into getting help in a detoxification program.
The detox program, first and foremost, focuses on removing alcohol and/or drugs from the patient’s body. It is a process that can last as little as a few days, or it can take several weeks. It all depends on the toxicity levels in the body, and what kind of detox the patient is going through.
Withdrawals the body suffers can appear within 24 hours, so time is a critical element in this situation. Users with this health concern should most certainly seek immediate medical attention to address these concerns by contacting a treatment facility that specializes in detox and treatment programs of varying levels. Programs such as those offered by Elevations Health, who can help patients get back to healthier living from Day 1 of detox all the way through the aftercare program.
Patients should look for a treatment program and facility that is smaller, ensuring the 24/7 supervision that is provided can be sure to attend to their needs on an immediate basis.
The program the patients should also seek is one that customizes the patient’s treatment plan, not just a “cookie-cutter” program that plugs people in for a certain period of time, then sending them back out on their own.
Counselors at accredited programs will be able to assist in diagnosing and assisting patients with other issues in their lives that may also be of concern, up to and including sex issues related to the patient’s addiction.
Recovery and sex is a dynamic not too many people recognize, but qualified counselors can address issues related to this, and integrate issues into the treatment plan.
Patients should be conscious of the different types of programs the facility they’re looking at has. Most likely, the person with the addiction has no idea as to the level of help they need, how long they’ll need help, or where they’ll get this help.
It is really of supreme importance in the user’s life and health to find the right program for them that has the appropriate level of detoxification programs to suit whatever situation they’re in.
Hospital or clinic-based programs are suited for many whose withdrawals may result in serious consequences. For those with more minor addictions, an outpatient detox program may be suitable. And if the addiction is quite severe, as is often the case with opiate addiction, then a rapid detoxification may be necessary.
It’s a very difficult thing to do for the addict that plans to quit, to make plans to go through detox. But it’s something they must do; perhaps the most important decision they will ever have made in their lives, and could be a life saver.
