5 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Detox Program

Before choosing a detox program you should consult your doctor, undergo hair analysis, arrange to have someone or a support group help you, avoid or inform the people you previously used alcohol or drugs with of your plans, and find a detox program that you can afford.

Detoxification, or detox, is defined as the process of safely cleansing or removing toxic substances from one’s body using physiological or medicinal procedures. Detoxing is considered the safest way to stop being dependent on toxic substances like alcohol and drugs. In addition to purifying the body from these toxins, a detox is also meant to aid the patient during the withdrawal stage after the detoxification procedure. Detox programs help manage the patient’s withdrawal symptoms and usually provide follow-up treatments to facilitate the patient’s transition towards abstinence or moderated substance consumption. There are several home detox programs available, but before you choose one, you should take note of a few things as part of your preparations. Here are some tips to consider:

Consult your doctor

Although detox programs offers beneficial results, you should seek the advice of your physician. Each body is unique and might have different responses towards the effects of the detoxification process. Because of this, it is a good idea to consult your doctor so you can assess your situation better and see if you are fit for detox.

Undergo hair analysis

Hair analysis is not compulsory when going through detox. But if you show symptoms of vitamin deficiency, internal parasites or heavy metal toxicity, a hair analysis procedure can help you decide which detox method is appropriate and is capable of resolving these other internal conditions.

Arrange to have someone or a support group help you

Remember that during the course of the detox program or after, you might suffer from withdrawal symptoms or have the tendency to relapse. It is a good idea to ask someone to give you support during that time. It could be a close friend of yours, a support group who is familiar with detox cases, a therapist or someone from your community clinic. The important thing is to have someone who can regularly check on you and make sure that you are doing alright and have not relapsed. These people should also be someone whom you can readily call if you feel tempted to use drugs or take a drink.

Avoid or inform the people you previously used alcohol or drugs with

If you previously engaged in social drinking or used drugs with a certain group of people, it is a good idea to let them know beforehand that you are going to undergo a detox program. In this way they can avoid offering you alcohol or drugs or can simply avoid inviting you to gatherings where there is sure to be substance use. However, if you think telling these people will not be helpful or effective, you can choose to simply avoid seeing or keeping in contact with them.

Find a detox program that you can afford

There are several detox programs available and all have different price ranges. Search for possible options and fine a detox program that you can afford or is covered by your insurance.

The success of detoxification does not depend solely on the cleansing procedure but in conjunction with the preparations made before it and the follow up treatments as well.