Is Natural Detox Really Effective?

Natural detox is a method of clearing unwanted toxins from the body without the use of other chemicals such as benzodiazepines, antagonist or partial antagonist medications, or step down dosages from the drug of choice.

Natural detoxes are growing in popularity as more people find themselves ready to live healthier lifestyles and understand the effects that drugs can have on a person’s whole being.

About Addictions

Addictions can result in a matter of days with drugs such as heroin, prescriptions pain killers, cocaine, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines. No one wants this to happen and in the beginning they may take every step possible to prevent it. However, any drug that has a psychoactive effect can alter brain functioning, and once the addiction takes hold, the person may be powerless to overcome it alone.

Addiction Detox

Detox from addictions to alcohol or other drugs often involves painful and unpleasant physical symptoms along with a intense cravings for more of the substance, and psychological conditions that can become terrifying to some.

Anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia and many other conditions are commonly treated with medications in traditional detox as a way of keeping the person as comfortable as possible while helping them to remain engaged in the process and regain stability. The NIDA considers medications “an important element of treatment for many patients, especially when combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies.”

In contrast to conventional detoxes, when a person undergoes natural detox, they don’t have to worry about what kind of alternative drugs they will need to be taking and for how long.

Is Natural Detox Really Effective?

Natural detox is holistic in nature, and includes a well-balanced diet.

Natural detox can be as effective as a traditional detox by promoting the person’s natural healing abilities through natural or holistic means. Good nutrition, hydrations, the replacement of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, rest, exercise, education, guidance, and support are the key elements of the detox process speeding it up while improving overall physical and mental health.

In fact, many who undergo a natural detox increase their odds of remaining drug free in the future because they have no relative reliance on chemicals that could harm them in the future. Instead, they develop a sense of control and power over their own abilities to heal, encouraging the continuance of positive and healthy behaviors moving forward.

Common Methods Used in Natural Detox

Beyond the supportive measures that are commonly found in any addiction detox program, are wide variations of complementary and integrative treatment methods that augment the natural “flushing” of toxins from the body and rebalance physiological processes that have been disrupted or damaged by substance abuse. Common methods used in natural detox include:

• Nutritional counseling, dietary changes, the use of raw fruits and vegetables
• The use of vitamins, minerals, or supplements for optimal health gains
• Message therapy
• Acupuncture
• Exercise
• Herbal resources for remedies, mood enhancements, calming, focus, energy, and other healing effects.
• Hydrotherapy
• Saunas
• Lifestyle counseling