Reasons Why Addicts Avoid Detox
Reasons Why Addicts Avoid Detox
What are some of the reasons why addicts avoid detox? Are they in denial or are they afraid of withdrawal symptoms? Sadly, whatever their reasons for avoiding detox, this decision could cost the person their life. More than 23 million people are addicted to drugs as stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
What Addicts are Using
- Prescription pain pills
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Crack
- Alcohol
- Meth
The cycle of addiction starts when a person receives a pleasurable feeling from taking some drug. For example, opiate pain pills sometimes cause feelings of euphoria or overwhelming happiness. Individuals who take opiate pills experience relief from their pain, as well. They sometimes take the drugs repeatedly to experience those pleasurable feelings. The body develops a tolerance over time, and the tolerance is what causes the addiction. The person needs to take more of the drug each day to maintain the same feelings as before. Eventually, the person will feel as though he or she cannot function appropriately without taking the drugs.
Detoxification is the first step of the recovery process. It is a process during which the addicted person rids himself or herself of all the harmful toxins. Many addicted people avoid going through detoxification and continue to use drugs for as long as possible.
Denial Makes Addicts Avoid Detox
The main reason that addicted persons avoid detox is denial. Many of them refuse to admit that they have a problem with drugs or alcohol. They swear that they have it under control. Other times, addicted persons do not realize any level of a habit or addiction. The detox phase can sometimes last months or years.
Shame and Guilt
Shame and guilt are two additional reasons addicts avoid detox. The person may want to keep the information away from family members and friends so that no one knows about the problem. Many people practice avoidance because of guilt and shame.
Fear of Pain and Discomfort
Some addicts avoid detox because of withdrawal symptoms. They may have heard that some people experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle pains, irritability and the like when they stop using drugs. Many people avoid detox so they can avoid the pain associated with detox.
Inpatient rehabilitation services can help an addicted person to get over his or her bad habits. Such an establishment can assist the person to detox and learn positive coping methods for handling emotional pain and stress with the added benefit of helping the person avoid using addictive substances for the long-term.
