Addiction is often viewed as an issue of personal responsibility. Someone got themselves into an addiction, they can get themselves out of it. Or so the public consciousness thinks. That mindset is also pervasive among many people who actually struggle with addiction. It’s one of the factors that make so many people opt for an at-home detox versus accessing a medical detox program. Then too, some people even wonder, “Does medical detox work?” It is true that relapse rates for people in recovery from addiction remain higher than anyone wants. However, if you or a loved one is looking to achieve sobriety, the most effective method for doing so is to start with a drug detox center in Texas.
Need help? Contact San Antonio Recovery Center’s Texas medical detox center at 866.957.7885.
What is Medical Detox?
Medical detox is the first step in recovery. It’s the process of removing the presence of a drug from the body. A quality medical detox program in San Antonio, Texas also offers a range of support to help people manage cravings, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and educate people about their addiction and how it has affected their physical and mental health.
Withdrawal is often serious. In some cases, it’s even life-threatening. Therefore, a big part of medical detox is supervision and medical care should any issues arise. How long withdrawal takes is different for everyone. Additionally, the severity of an addiction and the drug in question both influence how long withdrawal symptoms persist. Typically, the detox process takes anywhere from a few days to a month.
Does Medical Detox Work?
The short-and-sweet answer is yes. Medical detox is an effective solution for getting someone sober. It also lays the groundwork for long-term recovery through therapy and support groups. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of medical detox programs should not be confused with long-term treatment outcomes. For a variety of reasons, drug relapse for people in recovery is common.
It’s worth mentioning that at-home detox kits don’t really work. It’s tempting to try one because they are easy to get, are affordable, and require less commitment than entering a medical detox program. Unfortunately, they do little to reduce cravings or alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Those are the two biggest reasons people fail to complete detox.
Moreover, as alluded to earlier, withdrawal from certain drugs is often difficult if not dangerous. Trying to do it without medical support may be life-threatening. The types of addiction that most require the support of a medical detox program include:
- Alcohol
- Opioids
- Benzodiazepines
- Stimulants
- Marijuana
Take Advantage of the Benefits of Medical Detox
Medical detox takes patients through three steps: evaluation, stabilization, and preparation for future treatment. The benefits of medical detox inherent to each of the three phases are explored below.
Evaluation
The evaluation stage commonly includes filling out a questionnaire, completing a physical exam, getting blood tests, and more. It offers an opportunity to discover and diagnose what may actually be at the root of an addiction. One of the benefits of medical detox is that it gives people a clear picture of where they are physically and mentally. This then allows the creation of a quality treatment plan that fits their needs.
Stabilization
Stabilization is the process of guiding people through a cessation in drug use. The tapering approach is used in response to some addictions. This means a medical detox program guides someone through taking less and less of a drug to protect their health and give their body time to adjust.
Preparation
Detox providers are well-positioned to offer support and guidance to people as they figure out next steps. Detox is just step one of a longer process. The benefits of medical detox are that they help you complete step one and prepare you for the steps that follow.
Discover the Benefits of Medical Detox at San Antonio Recovery Center
San Antonio Recovery Center is a specialized provider of medical detox. Rest assured your needs and wellbeing are a priority at every stage of the process from evaluation through preparation for what treatment you receive in the long term.
Contact 866.957.7885 to learn more about the benefits of medical detox.
