Detox vs Rehab: Understanding the Key Differences
In their view, it is dangerous—a matter of tempting fate—to say that you are fully recovered. We want you to know that there is no reason you can’t change who you are, including your “addict” identity, with alcohol, drugs, or anything. It may be take time, but carrying the baggage that you must always (or ever) think of yourself as an alcoholic or drug addict will only weigh down your recovery effort. The addiction field has an evocative term for this phenomenon—maturing out. Many people once addicted to heroin or other so-called “hard drugs” often use this term. The best strategy is to create your own small culture of health and responsibility—at work, at home, or elsewhere.
- Otherwise, their behavior is at risk of cementing the problem in place.
- Others in recovery or professionals who work in addiction understand that you still need support.
- Remaining in touch with a concerned third party who provides you with objective feedback focuses you on your behavior and your desire to change it.
- The chronic nature of addiction means that relapsing is often part of the quitting process.
- After finishing a treatment program, it can feel like second nature to return to these places and reconnect with friends from your past.
- Most people quote ‘hitting rock bottom’ as their motivation to change.
Medical Supervision During Detox
If you choose to quit without rehab, look for other forms of support in managing cravings—from other peers in recovery, to private counselors, or even podcasts and apps. If you want to stop drinking without rehab, one of the best tools at your disposal may be your smartphone. Online alcohol treatment is becoming more popular, and can give you many of the tools you’d get in traditional rehab with less disruption and cost. You don’t need to put your life on hold, and it’s easier to be discreet about your recovery process if you wish to. Unfortunately, our culture still places a lot of shame on people with substance use disorders, including alcohol. Having to tell people you are taking time off to attend rehab can be a problem in itself.
Dual Diagnosis: Substance Abuse and Mental Health
But with medically assisted detox, you get to mitigate the withdrawal symptoms and treat the co-morbid symptoms. Not all rehab centres offer medically assisted detox for drugs and alcohol. Similar to these medical conditions, drug or alcohol addiction is influenced by genetics and environmental factors. Therefore, if you are thinking about overcoming addiction on your own, you need to realise https://thetennesseedigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ that you’re trying to overcome a condition that’s medical experts state it’s like cancer or diabetes type II. Therefore, the idea of overcoming addiction by yourself instead of seeking drug addiction treatment seems plausible. If you were addicted to a prescription drug, such as an opioid painkiller, you may need to talk to your doctor about finding alternate ways to manage pain.
- She also took up running, and around the same time started dating someone new—someone who didn’t smoke.
- You need to take responsibility for your addiction; it is yours and no one else’s.
- If you’re reluctant to turn to your loved ones because you’ve let them down before, consider going to relationship counseling or family therapy.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
- A medical assessment will give you an objective view of your addiction.
- Some people can engage in addictive behaviours and not end up with an addiction.
- Addictions can cover up past trauma or underlying feelings of emptiness, sadness, or fear.
- Although the doctor provides structure and feedback for change, the manner in which you decide to tackle the problem is up to you.
What’s more, the treatment is tailored to address your drug-use patterns, drug-related medical, psychiatric, environmental, and social issues. If you have concealed a part of your life from them, they may feel that you’re okay. It would help to be honest with your friends, Top 5 Advantages of Staying in a Sober Living House as their support can boost your efforts during the recovery process. If you suspect that you’re struggling with addiction, but you’re friends keep insisting that nothing’s wrong, you should consider if you’re friends are drinking and/or taking drugs as well.
