To recover from a drug or alcohol addiction, detox is an important component. Unfortunately, many patients think that can skip detox and head straight to a rehab for treatment. Detox symptoms vary, but they need to be carefully monitored. Otherwise, they could impact health and even overall recovery.

Don’t Unnecessarily Suffer Through Detox Symptoms

One woman consoling another through detox symptoms.

Many people mistakenly believe that detox symptoms are something that have to be endured. It is certainly true that most of the time, this phase of recovery brings discomfort. However, there is no benefit to suffering through every single symptom. In fact, this may be unnecessary, and it could even cause you to associate sobriety with negative feelings.

The good news is that in a detox facility, patients can rely on a number of resources designed to reduce discomfort. There are several methods that can significantly reduce the pain, discomfort or unpleasantness of any detox symptoms. These methods may include:

  • Weaning or tapering techniques
  • The use of synthetic drug substitutes
  • IVs and other hydration options
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Prescription sedatives.

Most of these options are only available in a medical detox facility. If you’re at home, even using over-the-counter medications can be contraindicated. Skip any unnecessary discomfort and opt for detox in a safe, secure environment instead.

Certain Withdrawal Symptoms Can be Severe

Some detox symptoms are unpleasant but mild. Often, they are comparable to having the flu. In rare cases, symptoms are severe and even life-threatening. If these symptoms aren’t monitored properly, they could disrupt life as well as recovery.

Severe symptoms of withdrawal are rare but possible. Some patients may experience heart attacks or strokes, or they may suffer from rapid onset mental health conditions. Fortunately, medical attention can quickly address and treat these conditions. Then, patients will be healthy enough to continue with their addiction treatment and full recovery.

Therapy is Most Effective After Withdrawal is Complete

Some prospective patients enroll in an addiction treatment program and plan to complete withdrawal at the same time. This is absolutely a mistake. Therapy and rehab won’t be effective if patients are distracted by the symptoms of detox.

Detox programs are designed so that patients can finish withdrawal in a safe place without distractions. Once it is over, further treatment for addiction recovery can begin. Trying to complete therapy and make meaningful progress is tough if you’re being overwhelmed by detox symptoms.

Failed Detox Could Mean a Return to Addiction

A major focus of addiction treatment is the risk of relapse and how to prevent it. This is important, but what may be more critical is the risk of relapsing before the detox is even complete. Detox is challenging, and there is a much greater chance of failure if people try to detox on their own.

Even in a short one or two week withdrawal period, cravings and temptations can be too much to handle. In a secure, monitored detox facility, there isn’t a chance of relapse. If there are no addictive substances on the premises, then patients have no choice but to stay abstinent if they remain in the facility.

For people trying to get through withdrawal solo, however, one wrong choice could mean a failed detox. Once that happens, recovery becomes harder to achieve and even less likely. If you’re serious about recovery, then start by committing to a detox program that can get you to the next step.

Detox symptoms are often unavoidable, but professionals at a quality medical detox program can minimize discomfort and maximize recovery. Serenity House Detox & Recovery has the tools and resources to help you overcome addiction starting with detox. Call 866-294-5306 for details on the program that could turn your life around forever.