Before treatment can begin, a patient must detox from the drugs or alcohol that they’ve been addicted to. At Banyan, we know that detox can seem like a frightening process. Fear of the unknown often keeps many people trapped in cycles of addiction, forcing drug or alcohol use just to stave off withdrawal symptoms. However, safe, comfortable, and effective detox is possible. Knowledge is power, so here is a complete list of common misconceptions about detox which should be addressed before beginning the treatment process.
Myth: Detox Is Painful
This myth is extremely far from the truth. While withdrawal symptoms can occur, they are not always painful. With medical detoxification, patients can experience safe and effective detox for their recovery. Our facility provides monitoring and treatment to help mitigate any discomfort, withdrawals, or other symptoms associated with detox. This will all transpire under the guise of trained clinical professionals, whose goals are to ensure that you emerge on the other side of this process as safely and comfortably as possible. At the same time, if you do experience discomfort or other unpleasant sensations, being cared for by our staff will ensure that any dangerous reactions will be dealt with promptly and efficiently.
Myth: You Have to Hit Rock Bottom to Need Detox
It may be a common occurrence for someone to wait for a problem to escalate before seeking help. This is due to the difficulty it can take to even admit that an issue is present. Despite that, there really is not any reasonable explanation for why someone should procrastinate necessary treatment. Seeking help early can mitigate collateral damage. Early intervention heightens the likelihood of recovery before more permanent damage can be done. The goal of any treatment program should be to aid a patient in achieving a better quality of life, and there is no time like the present to do so.
Myth: Detox Is a Fast Process
Each patient has a unique experience when it comes to their detox process. Certain substances have faster detox processes than others, and other factors can also influence the duration of detoxification. These factors can include how heavily the person abused the substance in question, along with their physical faculties like weight, metabolism, age, and whether they have undergone detox in the past. Detox can take up to a week. Some substances are shorter, and others may take longer.
Myth: Prescription Drug Detox Is Not Necessary if I Got It From a Doctor
A common myth amongst prescription drug abusers is that the presence of a doctor’s prescription clears them of any wrongdoing. This is an excuse that many use to justify their drug abuse. Even if someone initially takes a prescription as directed, straying from a doctor’s orders can instantly morph into a full-blown addiction before you even realize what happened. Like with any substance abuse, detoxing from prescription drugs could be an extremely necessary part of recovering.
Myth: I Can Detox at Home
While the detoxification process is defined as the cessation of drug or alcohol use, it is not a process that should be done at home. As the body goes into shock over the loss of substances that it has become dependent upon, withdrawals can increase in severity. For instance, if a person needs to detox for benzo addiction or alcohol abuse, their withdrawal symptoms could be severe or risky enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room. Therefore, it is crucial to detox with proper medical supervision.
Myth: Detox Is Only for the Wealthy
While tabloids have made a name for themselves by overexposing their audience to the scandalous happenings of the rich and famous, that does not mean these are the only people in need of professional addiction treatment programs. Luckily, many of our Banyan treatment programs around the country accept a variety of insurance and health care plans that can ensure you are not deprived of the proper care that you deserve.
Myth: Drugs Used in Detox Are Replacing One Addiction for Another
The reality is that many of the medications utilized in our programs are specifically chosen to aid in a gentler transition throughout withdrawals. They are designed to wean the body off the substance it has grown dependent on, and, unlike self-medication, they are administered in prescribed doses by medical professionals. This is done to avoid mental and physical complications throughout the process, which are more likely to take place when attempted by oneself.
Myth: A Person Is Sober After Detoxing
Medically speaking, an individual is not physically controlled by withdrawals after completing drug and alcohol detox. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are sober. The cravings, emotional needs, and mental controls of addiction are still there. Sobriety is not achieved after detox but, instead, after comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment. Detox is the first step to long-term sobriety.
Banyan’s Stuart Addiction Treatment Center Can Help!
This list of common misconceptions helps to bring light to the vast amount of misinformation surrounding addiction. Obtaining professional help does not mean you need to be at the end of your rope or that all hope is lost. It can be one of the most transformative experiences that a person has, should they choose to be invested in the process.
Banyan’s Stuart, Florida, drug rehab is equipped with a variety of effective care levels that can comprehensively evaluate all facets of your individual situation and determine what therapy methods will be most effective in helping you turn your life around. For instance, our Intensive inpatient program is an excellent option for patients in need of comprehensive care while staying full-time at a facility. No matter what the case, our staff will do everything in their power to ensure you get the most out of your recovery experience.
To learn more about the programs offered, call Banyan Stuart’s addiction treatment facility at 888-280-4763.
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