For those that struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD), detox is commonly the first step on the recovery journey. While there are many ways to go about this, there can also be many dangers, which is why it should be done in a professional setting. Detoxing from any substance without around-the-clock support and guidance can harm your body.
While some treatment centers offer detox programs, others provide you with the right connections. We at Healing Pines Recovery believe that detox is a vital part of recovery. Therefore, we provide the necessary transportation to and from locations and detox centers. With the proper guidance and help of professionals, detoxing can be a safe process to help you recover from SUD.
What Does It Mean to Detox?
The definition of detoxing is removing toxins from the body. When it comes to substance use disorders detoxing is typically described as the period it takes for the substance to be metabolized or processed out of your system.
The main goal of recovery is to help you get sober and stay clean. Long-term success is what Healing Pines Recovery is aiming for. Detoxing is one of the first steps you will take on this journey. A common misconception is that detox is the same for everyone and can be “easy.”
The detoxing process is different for everyone and depends on what substance you are struggling to quit. There is no “standard” or one-size-fits-all approach to detox because not everyone will react to treatment the same, nor will their bodies. While there is no one way to detox, there are still many ways it can go wrong and be dangerous.
Dangers of Self-Detox
Along with the many ways to work through detox, there are also many ways that it can be dangerous. Not only dangerous physically but mentally as well. Withdrawal symptoms are the main dangers faced by those with a substance use disorder. A common term is going “cold turkey,” which means to stop using all at once. This can be very dangerous as your body will experience these withdrawal symptoms.
Some of the physical withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Along with physical symptoms, withdrawal can also affect your mental health. Some of these can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Experiencing hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Irritability
The dangers of detoxing can affect physical and mental health, so it is essential to have trained professionals give proper guidance and treatment. However, while detoxing, each person will experience different symptoms, and it can be hard to know exactly what to expect.
Healing Pines Recovery uses treatment methods with the guidance of professionals to avoid these dangers. Using different treatment programs — such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) — and building individualized plans for each client allows Healing Pines Recovery to help with these dangers and treat them if they occur.
Types of Professional Detox and Treatments
The first step in detox is seeking a professional in the field that can assist with creating a treatment plan. Once you have reached out to the appropriate parties, it depends on you and what substance you are trying to detox. For those that have been using it for longer, this process can be very different from someone who started a few months ago. Establishing what substance you struggle with will significantly determine what type of treatment is best suited to you.
There are many different types of treatment out there, and they can vary depending on the substances you have used. For example, there is MAT for those struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD). Medication-assisted treatment is usually paired with other types of counseling and behavior therapies. This treatment is most effective for those with OUDs but can still help those struggling with other substance use disorders.
Along with MAT, there are also other options for treatment. Some options that Healing Pines offers are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family therapy, and more. We also offer transportation to detox centers in the area since we do not provide this directly at our location.
Going through detox can not only be dangerous, but it can be scary. However, there are many options for treatment out there with professionals that can provide you with the proper care. The main goal is to ensure you are safe while working through detoxing and withdrawal symptoms. If you feel ready to take the steps needed toward recovery and are considering starting a detox, reach out to a professional.
While Healing Pines Recovery does not offer our detox program, we still have many other options available to you. With genuine care from our staff, we can help those in need and help make this journey safe. No one should have to go through this alone.
Taking the first steps toward recovery can often involve detoxing. Detoxing is a way to cleanse the body of toxins and clear out your system.
When deciding to detox, you must be aware of the dangers that can come with it if not properly advised. It is always recommended to seek professional guidance when removing substances from your daily life. For those that have been struggling with a substance use disorder for years, it is best to avoid going “cold turkey.”
There are many treatment options for those in need of help. If you are seeking further help with detoxing and identify as male, reach out to Healing Pines Recovery today at (720) 575-2621.
