Should people be quitting drugs cold turkey, or should they go to drug detox? Most people assume they can quit cold turkey when recovering from drug addiction. They’re not interested in drug detox and actually feel physically, mentally, and emotionally equipped to take on the challenge of quitting cold turkey. Perhaps that’s where you’re finding yourself right now. You know the importance of quitting, and you’re sure you can do it all alone.
There are many reasons why going to a drug rehab and detox center is a much better option than quitting addiction cold turkey. To learn more, contact Northpoint Recovery today at 888.296.8976.
Why Can Some People Quit Drugs Cold Turkey?
When quitting drug addiction, some people have the strength and willpower to quit cold turkey without professional help or going through a detox program. Often these individuals have been using drugs for a shorter period or have only been using them recreationally without becoming addicted. These individuals may also have friends and family members who can provide emotional support and accountability during recovery. Additionally, they may have a strong sense of purpose and motivation that helps them stay on track when quitting cold turkey.
Quitting Cold Turkey vs. with Professional Help
Most people who are addicted to drugs cannot quit cold turkey without professional help and drug detox programs. This is because addiction changes your brain chemistry and physical condition, making quitting much more difficult without medical help.
Getting Through the Withdrawal Phase
The main reason people fail when attempting to quit cold turkey is that they cannot get through the withdrawal phase. When you’re addicted to drugs, it’s easy to commit to quitting shortly after you’ve used it. That’s what happens with most people. Some of them even get through the first few days without incident, other than a few slight cravings. However, other withdrawal symptoms tend to surface as the days wear on—such as:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating and chills
- Muscle pain and spasms
- Nausea or vomiting
When these withdrawal symptoms become too much to bear, it’s easy to give in and use drugs again. In addition, there are other, more dangerous withdrawal reactions. Seizures, heart problems, and delirium tremens (DTs) can be problematic and common for some people.
Lessening the Duration of Withdrawal
If you choose to quit using drugs cold turkey, there is no timeline you can follow to know when your symptoms will subside. Of course, every drug is different, but for the most part, symptoms can continue for weeks or even months. Many people find that once they feel a little better, their symptoms return without warning. When you choose drug detox, whether you opt for a holistic drug detox program or a medical drug detox program, you’ll find that the duration of your withdrawal is lessened considerably. The right combination of diet, exercise, and sometimes medications can help you get through this challenging period much faster than you would if you quit using drugs alone.
Preventing Relapse
Finally, the risk of relapsing if you go cold turkey is very high. Without proper professional guidance and education, many people often return to using drugs within a year or even less. Drug detox allows your body to quickly rid itself of those harmful chemicals, which means you feel better much faster than you would if you quit alone. Remember, your goal is to quit for good. Going cold turkey without professional support puts your quit at risk, and it’s often much harder to stop after you’ve relapsed. Going to drug detox gives you an excellent advantage to help you stay in recovery for the rest of your life.
Find Drug Rehab and Detox in Idaho at Northpoint Recovery
Are you interested in finding a drug detox center that can help you overcome your drug addiction? Here at Northpoint Recovery, we can help you with that. If you want more information on quitting drugs cold turkey vs. with professional help, please contact Northpoint Recovery today at 888.296.8976.