Choices: Detoxing Alone or at a Detox Center
Every drug and alcohol user has a choice when they want to stop using. You can detox alone or you can choose to get help. It is important to understand the choice you are about to make. There are benefits and drawbacks to each. If you are considering detoxing from drugs or alcohol, call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?).
Detoxing Alone
Detoxing alone is always an option. Sometimes people are afraid to go to a detox center. They are afraid of what people will think about them if they ask for help so they decide to go it alone. This might seem particularly appealing when you are already isolated due to your drug use. There are benefits and disadvantages of detoxing alone.
Benefits of Detoxing Alone
The benefits of detoxing alone are:
- Privacy
- No one you know will know about your addiction if they do not already
- You can sometimes maintain your work or school
Drawbacks of Detoxing Alone
There are also many drawbacks of detoxing alone. Several studies show that detoxing off certain drugs can be deadly. One study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that seizures kill up to 5 percent of the people who try to detox alone. Several drug classes can cause death through a variety of symptoms. These classes are:
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines
- Some opiate replacement drugs
- Hypnotics
- Amphetamines
These drug classes often have detox symptoms like:
Certain substances can cause dangerous detox symptoms.
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Delirium tremens
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Heart failure
- Respiratory failure
- Stroke
- Convulsions
- Dehydration
These symptoms may come on slowly or suddenly depending on the type of detox.
Detoxing at a Treatment Center
When you choose to detox at a treatment center there are also advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes people want the comfort of knowing there is a medical staff close at hand.
Benefits of Detoxing at a Treatment Center
One of the main benefits of detoxing at a treatment center is that you will receive treatment for your detox and your drug addiction. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, some of the services you can receive at a treatment center are:
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Medication
- Medically monitored detox
- Choice of inpatient or outpatient treatment
- Support activities such as mentoring, skill training, and employment counseling
These are just a few of the advantages to seeking the help of a detox center.
Disadvantages of Detoxing at a Treatment Center
Like every form of detox there are a few disadvantages of seeking treatment in a detox center. These disadvantages are:
- Possibility of people finding out that you are in drug treatment unless your treatment is out of town
- You will be monitored for drug use while you are in treatment
- You have to pay for treatment but insurance may cover it
These disadvantages can easily be turned around by taking some basic steps. The first is to find a private detox facility that is right for you. For more information, call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?).
Rapid Detox -
Individuals who suffer from certain types of addiction such as prescription drugs addiction, opiate addiction or other long-term addiction problems can benefit from the treatment offered in a rapid detox program. The process of detox typically lasts around 7-10 days but with rapid detox, the entire process of overcoming physical drug or alcohol dependence can ... 
Luxury Detox -
Luxury detox centers provide a safe, secure place for unwinding and getting past the hurdles of addiction in an environment where comfort and luxury abound. These facilities can be found both within the parameters of most major cities as well as outside of the city in areas such as the Mountains, beaches or other scenic ... 
Natural Detox -
Addiction to drugs or alcohol, especially addictions that include physical elements of dependence, can lead to serious consequences. Natural detox methods can help an addict to heal and recover without subjecting him or her to the struggles associated with using other drugs in order to remain abstinent from substance use. Addicts often need a boost ... 
Medically Assisted Detox -
Anyone who suffers from drug or alcohol addiction can find great benefits in the care that is offered by medically assisted detoxification. These programs offer medical care, supervised treatment and the necessary intervention methods that many recovering addicts need in order to get well. Doctors, trained treatment professionals and qualified staff work together to observe ... 
Holistic Detox -
A relatively new method of detox that is gaining popularity is holistic detox. This type of detox involves the use of both alternative medicine techniques and traditional treatment to help patients overcome physical drug or alcohol dependence and stop harmful behavior that otherwise could lead to serious consequences or life threatening problems. Certain drugs are ...