If you or a loved one is among the 13.8 million Americans who have a problem with drinking, you can see you are not alone. Alcohol is the #1 most abused drug. And if you’re ready to take steps to become clean and sober, an detox center can help. But before check in, there are some things you should know about the process and some things you can expect.
1. Remove all alcohol and drugs from your home. Recovery is hard enough without the temptations. If you are lucky enough to have support at home, they can help ensure that the alcohol and drugs do not re-enter.
2. Withdrawal is unlikely to be a serious problem. Only a small number, 10% to 20% of alcoholics experience symptoms serious enough to require monitoring and medications. Fear of withdrawal should not keep you from seeking treatment.
3. A qualified detox doctor can help. Doctors are trained in the physical and emotional aspects of alcohol and drug recovery and with time, it is possible to be free from the addiction.
What’s more, understanding the seriousness of the drug and alcohol addiction problem in the U.S. illustrates the growing need for detox centers. Young people between the ages of 18 and 29 are the most vulnerable for developing an addiction to alcohol. In fact, about 20% of all college students meet the criteria for needing and enrolling in a detox program. And while your son or daughter is in college, it may not be feasible for him or her to visit your family doctor, but detox centers are available across the country and in growing numbers.
Two leading factors that contribute to drug and alcohol abuse are mental health and pain management. Considering 80% of depressed individuals never seek professional help, it’s easy to see how easily accessible alcohol can be the perceived solution for so many.
Pain management is often the start of addictions. In 2015, 20.5 million Americans 12 or older had a substance use problem, and of those, 2 million involved prescription pain relievers. Heroin abusers were likely to have started out with a pain medication addiction. In fact, 4 of 5 new heroin users were previously abusing prescription pain medications.
If you are struggling with an addiction yourself, or you are a friend or family member of someone who is struggling, know that you are not alone and help is out there. Second chances are for everyone. You deserve it.