Not everyone knows what to expect from medical detox. As a critical part of drug rehab, medical detox makes a significant difference in recovery rates: people who go through detox are 20% more likely to get clean and kick their addiction. However, before beginning detox and rehab, it is important to be prepared and to know what to expect from the staff and from yourself. Knowing some of the common mistakes people make during detox can help you avoid them.
Mistake #1: Not Asking Questions
Although the staff on your treatment team will do their best to prepare you for the detox process, they won’t be able to answer any questions you have if you do not ask them. Even when they do go over information about detox, it is easy to forget about specific points because of withdrawal symptoms you have or if you are intoxicated at the time they give you the information. You may need to ask questions about:
- withdrawal symptoms, especially if a particular symptom you are having is so severe that you are afraid for your health
- how long withdrawal symptoms are expected to last
- how long detox will last
These are only a few questions you may have. The rehab facility staff members are there to make sure you feel as secure as possible, and they should be happy to answer any questions you have.
Mistake #2: Expecting too Much too Quickly
Detox is a slow process because your body needs time to rid itself of all of the drugs or alcohol that you’ve taken. Depending on what substances are in your body and how long you have been addicted, detox could last for weeks. Some people coming off of drugs, such as crack cocaine, experience withdrawal symptoms for up to 90 days. Although it is difficult to remember when you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, you must remember that your symptoms will pass. Most people only need up to one week for detox.
Mistake #3: Thinking That After Detox, Recovery Will be Easy
Recovery is a difficult path, and it does not end after detox is over. People in detox should prepare themselves for cravings for drugs. Between 40 and 60% of people who complete a rehab program, including detox and therapy, will experience at least one relapse in the four years following their completion of the program. Although detox makes your recovery more likely, it will not make it certain.
Mistake #4: Not Having a Plan for After Detox
Most inpatient detox facilities strongly encourage their patients to undergo treatment after detox is finished. Many addicts do not think that far ahead and are simply trying to get through the day. Once detox is finished, you may feel the urge to leave the facility because you are thankful that detox is over. However, you need to work with staff to make a plan for treatment and sober living. Having a plan gives you something to refer to when you are feeling lost or unsure of your future.
Mistake #5: Thinking That Detox is Enough
After finishing detox, you may feel as though you don’t need to complete counseling or a program. However, people who complete a treatment program after their detox remain sober for 40% longer than people who only go through detox. Many more do not relapse at all. Following through with treatment makes sure that you not only stay sober, but that you form connections with other people in recovery so that you have support from other people, which is crucial to getting and staying clean.
Medical Detoxification 