5. Do I need drugs to recover from drugs?

Posted by Tony Bylsma on January 21, 2010 under FAQs for Detox Rehab | Be the First to Comment

This question of medical-detox is a questions that I’ve heard a thousand times. The answer is no simpler than the whole phenomenon of addiction.

Addiction to drugs creates changes in the addict. Not only mental changes, but bio-physical changes as well. Sometimes these changes are so complete that sudden withdrawal of the drug can cause severe reactions in the biological balances of the body.  These withdrawal symptoms often keep the user going back for more of the drug, even though he or she knows the withdrawal symptoms will only be worse next time they try to stop.

While most of these symptoms are not life threatening, some drugs, alcohol and certain prescription drugs in particular, can cause dangerous seizures and other hazardous reactions when withdrawn too rapidly.  These reactions can be treated in medical facilities and it is during this process that drugs might be used, for a short while. Some call this medical-detox, or drug assisted withdrawal. But as soon as the withdrawal becomes non-dangerous, then I feel it’s best to continue treatment without any added drugs.

Most experts agree addiction treatment that is simply throwing drugs at the problem is more than just a waste of time, it’s actually counter-productive.