Many people with addiction struggle to accept their reality. They would immediately avoid conversations about rehab because they believe they’ve still got their substance use under control. Some may even claim that they can quit without help. Since the determination seems present in this case, should we allow an addict to quit without rehab?
When you are struggling with a disease, it’s natural to deny your reality. You may be diagnosed and all, but that fact will not be processed until some time. It’s our nature to believe that we are always alright, despite the difficulties we’re experiencing. For addicts, this false belief can be stronger, because their addictive behavior itself is their coping mechanism. They think that as long as they can still smoke, drink, or take drugs without dying, their body is still strong enough.
For this reason, self-treating an addiction is extremely risky. It might work in cases of mild addiction, but even that is at risk for severe addiction. As long as the person is exposed to their triggers, DIY treatments will be ineffective.
Why is it So Hard to Quit?
For someone who has never struggled with addiction, quitting sounds like an easy choice. It’s just putting down a drink or throwing away a pack of cigarettes. But it’s not that easy at all. Addiction affects the frontal cortex of your brain, which is responsible for impulse control and judgment. It also alters your brain’s reward system, triggering cravings for the addictive substance because it reminds you of its good effects the last time you took it. Even if there had been negative effects, like lightheadedness or vomiting, your brain will focus on the “high” or relaxation you experienced because of the substance.
This makes addictions difficult to quit. But it’s possible. The best way to overcome an addiction is to check yourself into a reputable detox center. With professionals to monitor you 24/7, you can ensure that you’ll stay far from your triggers. If your addiction is still considered mild, you may consider outpatient treatment. It won’t require you to reside in the facility. Instead, you’d visit your doctor upon your agreed schedule while undergoing self-detox.
The Effects of Quitting
Detox treatment isn’t a magic pill for addiction. What it does is rid your body of the addictive substance it’s been fed for a time. Therefore, it would trigger your cravings again, because your brain has already been programmed to crave the substance when you stop taking it.
You will experience withdrawal symptoms after quitting. They vary depending on the nature of your addiction but generally speaking, you may experience the following:
- Feeling unwell
- Nausea
- Shaking
- Appetite changes
- Muscle pain
- Upset stomach
Psychological symptoms are also common among recovering addicts. These include:
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Mood changes
- Sleep difficulties
According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, psychological symptoms tend to last longer than physical ones. Physical symptoms usually last for around a week only. Hence, addicts in rehab are also given counseling or group therapy.
If you’d self-treat at home, you may be unable to address the psychological effects of your detox. If you can sign up for therapy, that may help. But if your addiction is severe, it would be best for you to reside in a rehab facility. That will allow professionals to keep your behaviors under control.
Alternative Treatments for Addiction
If medical rehab isn’t in your options, some alternative treatments for addiction might work. They’re still facilitated by a professional, though, so they’re not completely a form of self-treatment.
These alternative treatments are also called natural or holistic treatments. They treat your whole body, mind, and spirit, unlike medical treatments that only focus on the disease itself.
As a result, holistic therapy is said to improve overall well-being and make a person more attuned to their mind and emotions.
Examples of such treatments include acupuncture, yoga, Tai Chi, spiritual therapy, and routine exercise. If you’re interested in these types of treatments, do your research well and find a holistic treatment facility.
Challenges in Self-treating an Addiction
Addiction recovery is a long process, sometimes as long as a lifetime. Hence, self-treating it doesn’t fully ensure that you can stay sober. First off, it doesn’t take you away from your triggers completely. If you won’t leave home, and a beer or drug dealer is just within reach, you may have little to no control of your impulses.
Addiction is a disease, medically known as substance abuse disorder. As such, it’s no different from any other illness that requires a professional’s involvement to treat. While mild addiction can be resolved by quitting and lifestyle changes, the fact that addiction still occurred is concerning. Therefore, don’t risk a relapse by dismissing the idea of rehab. In most cases, it’s the most helpful treatment.
