Apart from coming to terms with drug or alcohol addiction and making the steps to seek help, detoxification is incredibly important to establishing a strong path toward sobriety. While an individual may make the decision that he or she is ready to “come clean,” the truth is that many substances will linger within the body, creating a chemical dependency that is hard for any addict to deal with.
When addicts try to achieve sobriety cold turkey, they will typically succumb to the painful symptoms of withdrawal—and will return to using the substance. Fortunately, medically-assisted detox makes it possible for individuals to rid their body of a substance and enter addiction recovery free of the drug in their system. Although detox times can vary depending on the drugs used by the patient, it is important for this step to happen.
However, many believe that once one has gone through detox, they are free from the addiction and have enough to stay sober on their own. This rehabilitation myth is one that pulls many toward relapse and makes it tougher for individuals to face addiction in an honest fashion. Here are just a few reasons why detox is not the end of the road when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction recovery:
- Some Detox Programs Are Not Enough to Begin With
Depending on the treatment center that an individual decides to work with, the level of detox care may be lacking. Detox should allow for patients to truly clean their bodies of the substance that has plagued them. For instance, an individual may feel that they have gone through the worst stages of withdrawal, only to still have traces of the addictive substance in his or her system. With the help of medical attendants, however, it is possible for individuals to determine whether or not they need to be in detox longer.
Those who move from detox centers to inpatient facilities are afforded greater assurance that any residual bodily presence of a substance will dissipate during their recovery.
- Detox Doesn’t Provide Life Skills
Living in sobriety means embracing that addiction recovery will be a major change in lifestyle. As such, those in recovery must go through various treatment and therapies to assess certain triggers and situations that may make it difficult for them to abstain in the future. Through counseling and flexible treatment, individuals can learn how to ensure that their bodies stay clear of drugs or alcohol—and future risk of relapse into addiction.
- Detox Is Not Self-Reflection
Detox and withdrawal is something that most chronic drug and alcohol users will experience, even if their symptoms vary. Given the intensity and isolation that often comes with the detoxification process, individuals entering recovery are most likely not in a state of mind to truly examine their previous behaviors and how substance use disorder has impacted their health, mind and relationships.
Fortunately, those who transition into a residential inpatient rehabilitation facility will be able to look at addiction from several different perspectives—without being bogged down by the negative impact of withdrawal or the desire to use. Addiction recovery—no matter how long or what approach a patient decides to follow—is a period in which individuals can reflect on their choices and the reasons why they have used drugs. Self-reflection is critical to understanding addiction both in the grander scheme of things and in developing a stronger appreciation for one’s own life.
Detox and Recover Comfortably at Chapters Capistrano
With an on-site detox center, offering seven- and 14-day detox tracks, our guests are afforded top-notch medical assistance as they work through the initial stages of recovery. Having these facilities on site makes it much easier for Chapters Capistrano clients to transition into inpatient rehab where they can begin to pursue their own individualized track to wellness.
To learn more about detox and the addiction recovery process—and what it can do for you or a loved one—please call us today at 949-276-2886.
