5 Things Everyone Should Know When Going to a Drug Detox Center

Going through drug detox is a necessary first step to overcoming addiction. Many addicts aren’t sure what to expect from a drug detox center, and conjure images of what treatment is like based on what they’ve seen on television or read in books. Knowing what to expect from drug detox can help you mentally prepare for the journey ahead so you can succeed with achieving lifelong sobriety.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, understand that help is just one phone call away. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) to speak with a drug abuse counselor about your options for nearby drug detox centers.

Don’t let scary misconceptions about detox prevent you or your loved one from seeking treatment! Here are five things you should know about treatment at drug detox centers.

1. Detox is Always Step One

When you stop using drugs, your body goes into withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms vary based on the addiction length and type, and include vomiting, rapid heart rate, and seizures. Symptoms like these can make it difficult for you to focus on anything else as your body overcomes physical dependency.

Detox is always the first step of most addiction treatment programs. Drugs and alcohol must be eliminated and flushed from your body before you can proceed with counseling, therapy, and other addiction treatments.

2. Detox May Be Challenging

If you opt out of receiving medications, the withdrawal will likely be more challenging.

Each drug detox center offers its own unique detox treatments and therapies. For instance, you can undergo a holistic detox that strictly involves nutrition, massage, and yoga. Or, you can choose to undergo medical detox and take medications that eliminate withdrawal symptoms.

Some detox programs may be more challenging than others, since some use methods that ease discomfort, while others don’t. If you’re not sure which drug detox program will work best for you, call our 24/7 helpline at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) to discuss your options with an experienced treatment specialist.

3. Detox May Take Longer Than Expected

There’s no set amount of time for drug detox, since the length of treatment depends on your unique addiction status and health history. Detox may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or longer, depending on the severity of your addiction. For example, if you’re a heavy, long-term user of opioids, you may spend up to several weeks in detox until the drugs have fully been eliminated from your system.

4. Relapse Can Be Deadly

Following detox, your body will be far healthier and clean of any drugs. This means that if you relapse and use, you face a higher risk for drug overdose — especially if you take the same high doses you were taking prior to detox. Understand that relapsing after detox puts you at high risk for overdose, coma, and death.

5. Detox Staff Can Help

Some addicts think they’ll be left to fend for themselves when going through withdrawal in drug detox centers. But the staff at these facilities specialize in treating addiction, and are devoted to helping recovering addicts overcome physical dependency.

At most drug detox centers, you’ll be closely monitored by medical staff in the event your withdrawal symptoms cause extreme discomfort or become life-threatening. Understand that while drug detox may not be comfortable, the outcome will be worth it in the end.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, understand you’re not alone in your fight. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) to speak with an addiction counselor who can help you or your loved one find a nearby drug detox center.