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Is Detox in a Professional Environment Always Necessary?

One may not always have to go through withdrawal in a professional detox environment. However, this need depends heavily on the severity of one’s withdrawal symptoms, addiction, and any other co-occurring disorders. Call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) now to find a safe, reliable detox program where you can begin your journey toward a healthier, happier life.

Withdrawal and Its Treatment

Not all withdrawal syndromes are life threatening, and some individuals may not need to be treated in a professional environment. For example, the National Library of Medicine states that opioid withdrawal can be treated in one of three ways, the first of which is “at-home, using medicines and a strong support system.” This may be the best way for someone who has lots of daily responsibilities they want to and will be able to keep while working on their detox, as well as a less intense withdrawal syndrome and no comorbid disorders. Even then, this can be a difficult process.

Some opioid users may still need to be in a professional environment for their detox program and receive more intensive care. This will depend on their specific situation, which is not going to be exactly like anyone else’s. Other withdrawal syndromes can be so severe on their own, though, that professional treatment in a controlled environment is almost always necessary. This includes benzodiazepines (and other types of CNS medications), alcohol, methamphetamine, and others.

It is difficult to be certain what any one person will require for their detox without first consulting a doctor. Detox treatment takes on many different forms, and some people are perfectly suited to withdrawing slowly at home and seeing a doctor in order to stay on top of their progress.

What If I Don’t Need a Professional Treatment Environment?

Perhaps your withdrawal symptoms are not severe and you are not experiencing any mental disorders or other comorbid illnesses. If this is the case, you may not need to be in a professional rehab center 24 hours a day. However, it is still important to seek professional help from an outpatient center or a doctor.

• Outpatient detox centers exist just like outpatient rehab centers, and many of them are one in the same. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, outpatient treatment programs “cost less than residential or inpatient treatment and [are] often more suitable for people with jobs or extensive social supports.” One should still make sure that the program can offer them the medication, therapy sessions, and other care they need while at the facility because some outpatient centers don’t offer anything more than drug education.
• Some individuals see doctors in their offices and receive medication for their withdrawal symptoms. As stated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, buprenorphine is a drug used to treat opioid withdrawal that many doctors are able to prescribe straight from their offices. This is the best choice for someone who does not experience severe cravings or temptations to use again, but if an individual has been abusing addictive drugs, they will still need some form of rehab either during or after their detox has finished.
• Not everyone needs to detox in a 24-hour professional rehab center. However, detox is not a treatment for addiction, and someone who is addicted absolutely must make the transition into rehab or another type of addiction treatment after their detox period has ended (NIDA).

5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Detox Program

The Safest Choice

The safest choice for recovery from addiction and for detox is to always seek professional help. Perhaps you may not need a completely controlled environment in which to receive your treatment, but you absolutely must consult a doctor, a professional detox or rehab program, or another healthcare provider and receive the treatment you require in order to safely withdraw from drug dependency. Many people believe they can go through withdrawal on their own, and while you may not need the strictest treatment options available, it is important to seek help from a program that fits your needs and will allow you to quickly, safely, and effectively detox (and attend addiction treatment afterward if necessary).

Find Detox Treatment Now

If you want to find a detox center that can help you recover on your terms, call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) now and get matched with the best option for your needs. We want to help you begin your journey of recovery; call today.