The decision to stop using an addictive substance is a positive life-decision. Many recovering addicts cannot conquer their dependencies without a rehab facility’s assistance. That said, other users believe they can achieve said goal on their own accord.
This begs the question, can a person truly stop using drugs without entering rehab?
Important Considerations
The decision to undertake the rehab process on one’s own should be made only after serious deliberation on several critical considerations including:
The Drug Being Taken
Arguably, the most crucial concern is the drug in question. Certain substances can be abruptly ceased without the potential for major, potentially life-threatening physical and mental withdrawal symptoms.
Possible physical and mental withdrawal manifestations produced by the instantaneous halting of substance ingestion include:
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Digestive issues like nausea and vomiting
- Body aches
However, other drugs, especially alcohol are simply too dangerous for anyone with a moderate to severe dependency to end cold turkey. Attempting such endeavors could result in significant, potentially life-impeding reactions, such as heart rhythm irregularities, respiratory system failure, seizures and coma.
The Duration The Drug Has Been Used
Naturally, a longer duration of usage will likely have created a more serious dependency. The minds and bodies of those who have ingested a particular substance for prolonged periods often develop a certain degree of chemical reliance on said products.
The Amount Of Drug Being Ingested
Addicts often must intake larger and larger quantities of a given drug to produce the intended high and satisfy the body’s cravings. Therefore, dependents likely ingest significant amounts of their chemical of choice. Ergo, unmonitored cessation of drug usage is typically not advised in persons with discernible addictions.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Chemical dependency can wreak havoc on the body when suddenly stopped. Such impacts could exacerbate or precipitate various underlying biological and mental illnesses.
Current Life Circumstances
An individual’s present life circumstances often play a considerable role in their ability to stop drinking or drugging. Those living in, working at, or frequenting toxic or excessively stressful environments or dealing with trying events usually fare better in more controlled settings like treatment centers.
Personality Type
Certain subjects possess more adventurous and destructive personalities than others. Attempting to kick a substance or alcohol habit without assistance might prove more challenging for said individuals.
Ways Persons Can Cease Drug Use Without Attending Rehab
Individuals who use drugs recreationally or who possess relatively minor addictions might be able break off their use without professional treatment. Researchers have found that several methods might produce favorable results including:
Outpatient Therapy
Sometimes, drug users may cease ingestion following therapeutic counseling. During these individualized sessions, a licensed and trained counselor will work in conjunction with the patient and attempt to identify the reasons they rely on chemicals.
In many instances, the precipitating factors include serious but deep-rooted mental, physical, or emotional pain.
Lifestyle Alterations
In an appreciable number of cases, one’s drug use is significantly influenced by toxic people and environments. Occasionally, eliminating these negative influences might inspire a user to pursue sobriety.
Meetings
Some people might benefit from attending public meetings at which individuals dealing with or overcoming the same addiction meet and discuss their experiences. Such gatherings offer the subjects in question a safe environment to voice their feelings with others holding similar encounters and emotions.
Important Considerations
Healthcare providers firmly urge those considering abrupt drug use cessations to consult with a medical professional prior to committing to any specific plans.
Full physical and mental assessments will help the pondering subject gauge their level of biological and emotional fitness. Persons with any type of underlying problem would likely be better suited to employ rehab.
Moreover, anyone with moderate to severe addictions is implored to seek professional treatment. Such subjects will first need to undergo detox, which is a supervised medical process by which a drug is safely and gradually eradicated from a dependent’s system.
Moreover, persons with more notable dependencies stand at greater risk of developing prominent mental cravings often necessitating intense therapy from trained staffers employed inside rehab establishments.
Contacting Us
Those yearning to quit using a particular substance are encouraged to reach out to us. Our highly experienced staff members can help individuals determine if inpatient treatment would best suit their needs.
We have aided countless former addicts in their quest to strike down their dependency and, once again, lead joyful, sober lives. Call us at 833-680-0165.