Why Detox Is Important 

What Is Medical Detox?  

Medical detoxification, or medical detox, is the process of ridding the body of drugs and alcohol. Long-term drug and alcohol abuse can lead to a condition known as physical dependence, which is marked by withdrawal symptoms whenever the individual suddenly stops using or drinking. At this stage, the body has become dependent on these substances to feel “good” or “normal,” making it difficult for a long-time addict to suddenly quit. 

Medically monitored detox is a medically-assisted form of care that may be administered either at a medical facility or by certified medical staff at an addiction treatment center like our Banyan facilities. The team is usually headed by a physician and consists of nurses, clinical staff, and therapists to offer the individual both physical and mental health support.   

Like diabetes, asthma, or rheumatoid arthritis, addiction is a chronic and relapsing condition that can “flare up" occasionally. However, like these conditions, addiction can be managed and treated to help the individual maintain sobriety. Similar to an ER visit for a severe asthma attack, medical detox for addiction is meant to stabilize the individual for an acute flare-up of their condition.   

When Is Medical Detox Necessary?  

Individuals with substance use disorders who are physically dependent on drugs or alcohol are candidates for medical detox. This treatment can be provided to individuals who are either struggling with physical dependence and want to avoid developing a formal addiction or those who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder.  

Signs that you may need medical drug detox include symptoms of physical dependence, such as: 

• Long-term and regular use of a substance in large quantities  
• Requiring higher doses of the substance to experience the same effect (tolerance) 
• Craving drugs or alcohol regularly when you don’t have access to it  
• Multiple past attempts to quit using drugs or alcohol that were unsuccessful  
• Multiple past relapses 

Unfortunately, drug and alcohol detox can be considered the hardest and most uncomfortable part of addiction treatment. Even so, releasing toxins from drugs and alcohol from the body is crucial for establishing a strong foundation in recovery. Oftentimes, addicts face health complications in the future, such as heart, kidney, and liver failure, if they do not detox properly.  

A professional treatment center has procedures in place to help patients safely and effectively work through tough withdrawal symptoms. A secure and comfortable setting is crucial in easing the pain, and our Banyan team encourages all addicts to seek professional help. 

Why Is Detox Important? 

There are various reasons why detox is important, the main one being addressing the physical impact of drugs and alcohol. Chronic substance abuse can have a severe impact on the mind and body. Repeated use interferes with the chemical balance in the brain, making resistance, control, and quitting without professional support nearly impossible and even dangerous. What’s more, substance abuse can also have a severe impact on various regions of the body, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.   

Additionally, without the support of medical detox, recovering addicts are more likely to give in to severe drug cravings (which are common in early recovery) and experience a relapse. Recovering from a relapse can be especially challenging and may even require additional detoxification sessions to ensure the individual is set up for success.   

Furthermore, to put it plainly, withdrawal symptoms are highly uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous, and the importance of detox is greatly based on client comfort, safety, and health. Some of the major benefits of detox for addiction are safety and medical support. Our detox centers offer medically assisted detox to offer clients a safe and clean space where they can take their time recovering from withdrawals while receiving medication (as needed) to ensure their physical safety.   

Offering this top-tier care decreases the risk of relapse and makes it more likely that patients will move forward with their treatment after undergoing detox. Also, because at-home detox is dangerous for many reasons, we offer an alternative and much safer solution for patients with all types of substance use disorders.