5 Benefits of Doing a Natural Detox from Drugs and Alcohol

1. Less Expensive

According to SAMHSA, one of the positive aspects “of the nonmedication approach [is] that it is highly cost-effective and provides inexpensive access to detoxification for individuals seeking aid.” Many people who are experiencing debt as a result of their drug and/or alcohol abuse may want to look for a possible detox method that is effective but less expensive. One of the possibilities is a natural detox, a benefit of which is that patients do not need to pay for their medications.

2. No Proven Detox Medication for Certain Substances

Certain substances, like opioids and alcohol, have medications that can curb withdrawal symptoms and cravings to lessen the issues that might come up during detox. But, according to SAMHSA, “there are no medications proven to treat stimulant withdrawal.” This could make a natural detox much easier and more beneficial in the long-run for someone who is addicted to stimulants, marijuana, or another kind of substance that does not officially have medications to treat the withdrawal syndrome. This will all depend, though, on your condition and what you and your doctor decide is the best course of treatment.

3. You Will Be Reminded of Life Without Drugs

Withdrawal is a difficult and, sometimes, even physically and psychologically painful time. But it is also a time where patients can be reminded of what life is like without drugs. Patients who attend outpatient treatment can go home and spend time with their families and friends while not being intoxicated or even managed on drugs. It may allow you to see more reasons why you have decided to quit your substance abuse and gain control of your life back.

4. Focus on Behavioral Therapies

Natural detoxification is a smart choice if you want to avoid medications.

Many people feel that they come to rely on the medications when they are in a detox setting. But as the NIDA states, “Counseling––individual and/or group––and other behavioral therapies are the most commonly used forms of drug abuse treatment.” They are also one of the most effective, and patients are able to change the way they think about their drug abuse in behavioral therapy, a concept that is extremely successful for long-term recovery. If you choose the way you think and feel about your substance abuse, you can start to change your behaviors which is what addiction treatment is used for. Patients can start this early in detox with a focus on behavioral therapy.

5. Some Medications Can Be Habit-Forming.

Some of the medications that are used to treat withdrawal from other substances can be habit-forming. Some individuals begin to abuse the drugs they are meant to take in order to lessen their abuse and their cravings. For someone doing natural detox, this can be avoided somewhat and, although relapse is still highly possible, some patients may feel less tempted by a natural detox without the use of medications than by a detox program that uses medications similar to those they are trying to escape. As stated by the NIDA, though, “No single treatment is appropriate for everyone,” so try natural detox if you think it will work for you.