Alcohol and Drug Detox

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Most people who enter alcohol and drug rehab need alcohol or drug detox. It's normal for people to continue drinking or taking drugs up to the day they enter drug or alcohol treatment. This is not only because they enjoy the effect, but also because by the time someone goes into alcohol or drug rehab the withdrawal symptoms are likely to be bad enough to encourage them to keep using.

Alcohol and Drug Detox Options

Some alcohol and drug detox centers offer more options than others. Some will have their own state-licensed facilities while others may contract with private companies or hospitals to provide medical detox.

Most people who enter alcohol and drug rehab need alcohol or drug detox. It's normal for people to continue drinking or taking drugs up to the day they enter drug or alcohol treatment. This is not only because they enjoy the effect, but also because by the time someone goes into alcohol or drug rehab

Medical detox generally uses a mild form of medication to safely ease a person off of alcohol or drugs with as little discomfort as possible. Going through detox from alcohol or benzodiazepines can result in severe withdrawal symptoms, such as hallucinations or life-threatening seizures. It is always advised that someone coming into alcohol and drug rehab with these addictions receive a medical detox. Some alcohol and drug detox centers also offer holistic therapies during this process, such as acupuncture and massage, to stimulate the body to help release toxins and minimize withdrawal symptoms.

It is never recommended that individuals go "cold-turkey" off alcohol or drugs. As mentioned, this could result in life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Some likely symptoms for withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines and opiate-based drugs (codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycontin, heroin) include headaches, nausea, body-aches, night sweats, night terrors, restlessness, insomnia, hallucinations and in extreme cases, convulsions. Withdrawal from stimulants such as cocaine, crack and methamphetamines generally results in heavy fatigue, depression and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. A lot of rest is required in the initial days of detox. Medical detox serves as the safest form of withdrawal from drugs and alcohol for most drugs.

Alcohol and Drug Detox for You

Inquire about the best alcohol and drug detox for you prior to deciding on a treatment center. Some facilities may require that you arrive at check-in already detoxed. Others may offer a state-licensed facility on site. Find out what kind of detox options they have and make sure you're comfortable with it. Remember, alcohol and drug detox is the first step toward a healthy new life in sobriety. Don't short-change yourself and suffer through the withdrawal process if you don't have to. It could make all the difference between staying sober and falling back into alcoholism or drug addiction.

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