The journey to get clean from addiction can be long and painful. Drug detox recovery is different for every person who is trying to recover, and the specific challenges depend on each unique situation. There are several different contributors that can be an indicator of challenges that may lie in recovery. These include but are not limited to the following.
Drug Type
It is no secret that some drugs are more addicting than others. Cocaine is one of the most addicting substances on earth because it floods the mind with chemicals that give off an extreme feeling of excitement, happiness, and focus. With the brain experiencing that kind of euphoria, the potential for addiction is extremely high. If someone is going to recover from this type of addiction, there will be extreme lows in mood, as the brain learns to survive without the drug. Other less mentally stimulating drugs may be easier to come off of.
Medical Conditions
Some mental and medical conditions may make addictions harder to recover from. For example, someone who is in the middle of dealing with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder will likely have a more difficult time handling the effects of withdrawal than someone who is mentally healthy. Extreme care should be taken to ensure that medical conditions are dealt with before and during withdrawal.
The Length of Addiction
It is easier to stop a habit that you recently started, than to stop doing something that you have been doing every day for years. Think about it; For individuals who have been addicted for a long amount of time, they have likely incorporated their addiction into every day of their lives. They are likely fixated on how, when, and where to get their next fix. Cases with longer addictions should expect to be in recovery for a longer amount of time, and often with more support.
The Dosage and Frequency of Drug
For individuals who take a high amount of the drug, or for those who take it more often than others, withdrawal symptoms may be more severe.
In an effort to aid an individual's withdrawal symptoms during detox, recovery programs offer several different types of intervention. These interventions methods include but are not limited to: medication, individual counseling, group therapy, family support, and more. If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, there is help, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. Contact a drug detox recovery center near you for more information.
