No matter how long you’ve been struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, treatment can help you break free of your addiction and make a fresh start. The process of addiction treatment begins with detox, which allows your body to get rid of the toxins that result from ongoing substance abuse.
Detox has many effects and benefits—some are noticeable right away, while others don’t reveal themselves until later on in your recovery journey. In this article, we’ll look at both the short-term and long-term effects of detox.
Understanding the Detox Process
To appreciate the various effects of detox, it’s important to understand how the process works. When your body becomes dependent on alcohol or a drug, it can be dangerous and even fatal to abruptly stop using the substance. In a detox program, withdrawal is handled in a safe and gradual manner that makes the process more comfortable. In some cases, a replacement medication is provided to stave off cravings and help withdrawal go more smoothly.
Dealing with Withdrawal
Detox centers carefully monitor the health of their clients, and they work hard to make the withdrawal experience as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, it’s hard to completely avoid some of the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal. Cravings for your substance of abuse may be strong, especially during the early days of withdrawal.
The symptoms experienced during detox will differ depending on the substance of abuse, and the length and severity of symptoms will also vary depending on the extent of the addiction. Some common withdrawal symptoms include: (1)
Muscle and bone pain
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Depression
Anxiety
Insomnia
Restlessness
Although the effects of detox can be unpleasant, they don’t tend to last long—most withdrawal symptoms subside after several days. Certain triggers will still provoke cravings, but the tools and techniques you learn in rehab will prepare you to handle temptation and avoid relapse.
A Long-Term Investment
Detox may not be easy, but it’s important to focus on the big picture and keep the long-term benefits in mind. Once you complete addiction treatment, it doesn’t take long to start seeing and feeling the benefits of a sober lifestyle: (2)
Increased energy
More self-confidence
Improved personal relationships
Overall feeling of well-being
Lowered risk of health issues related to substance abuse
Completing detox is an essential first step on the journey to recovery, but detox won’t be effective on its own. It’s essential to follow detox with a rehabilitation program that addresses the psychological aspects of addiction and teaches you the coping techniques you’ll need to maintain your recovery after you leave the treatment center. With the right course of treatment, you can overcome your addiction and begin a new life.
References:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/frequently-asked-questions#withdrawal
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/tc/benefits-of-quitting-alcohol-or-drugs-topic-overview
