Addiction is rife across many parts of the world at the moment, whether it be the opioid crisis in the USA, or the millions of people that abuse alcohol around the world, and more people need help than ever before.
Taking that step to get help is never easy, and it can be an uphill battle to even get to the stage where you recognise you need an alcohol or drug detox and treatment. The path to recovery begins there, though, and exploring the options and best process for you is always a good start.
It is possible to detox either at home or at a rehab centre, and it’s really worth thinking about to ensure you get the right possible option for you. So, to help with your decision, here’s a guide to both…
Rehabilitation: A Structured Recovery Environment
With a professional rehab centre, you get a much more structured approach to treatment. Importantly, it’s highly supervised during a period where individuals can feel extremely vulnerable and suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms. That can potentially prove life saving, monitoring the detoxification process and ensuring the safety of you throughout.
Of course, from there it all gets a little more advanced too, with comprehensive and tailored treatment programmes that are designed to address all elements of addiction and set you up on a pathway of recovery, with coping mechanisms, stress relieving practices and much, much more.
Of course, that comes at a price, but it’s a much more effective method of treatment than going it alone. What’s more, you’ll find many other people there in the same situation as you who will form part of a support network and be involved with group therapy that can help draw strength from one another. It can form friendships that last a lifetime.
Home Detox: Familiar and Comfortable Surroundings
Many people who don’t believe they can afford rehab opt for a home detox in which they have their own privacy and comfortable surroundings. The first thing to note is that it is much harder than rehab, where you have everything you need and professional help under one roof.
While our homes may be more comfortable, there is that element of risk when it comes to suffering withdrawal symptoms. You don’t want to be on your own. Firstly, because it’s dangerous, but also cravings will kick in and should you have substances in your home, you’re much more likely to relapse.
However, that said, home detoxing provides a more flexible approach that allows people to continue with their daily lives and responsibilities, such as work, childcare and general day-to-day things.
With that will come potential trigger points though, so it’s important to have plenty of support, just as you’d get in rehab. That could be friends or family, with the presence of loved ones there to offer support, help and encouragement during the more difficult times of the process.
Coming out of the other side, it’s important to have structure, routine and coping mechanisms, similar to what you’d get in rehab, with the likes of AA or online resources helpful with this.
There’s no right or wrong way to kick your addiction, it’s all about what’s best for the individual. While this article may help, it’s important to do plenty of research, speak to professionals and take the time to understand exactly what you need and whom can provide that.