“Cold-turkey” is the term used to describe quitting an activity or substance deemed harmful by ceasing the activity abruptly and entirely. In the cold-turkey approach, there is no tapering off or reducing frequency. Many people attempt quitting cold turkey because, from their standpoint, it seems like the best option they have for stopping. Despite some peoples’ anecdotal success stories with the cold-turkey method, many more people run into serious problems approaching addiction in this way.
If you or someone you know is attempting to quit cold turkey and would like to try a medical detox program, please don’t hesitate to call Baltimore Detox Center at [Direct] today to speak with a counselor about getting the help you need to ensure a successful recovery.
The Risk of Quitting Cold-Turkey
The cold-turkey approach to substance abuse recovery always comes with a set of risks. Some of the dangers from quitting abruptly are worse than others, and the size of the risk depends on the drug. It isn’t widely known because of its mainstream acceptance in American culture, but alcohol is considered to be one of the most dangerous drugs to quit on your own. Breaking the chemical dependence your body develops toward the drug too suddenly causes a shock to the nervous system, which results in a cascade of dangerous effects on the body that many will not know how to deal with safely. The side effects can be dramatic and painful, so recovery in a safe environment such as Baltimore Detox Center surrounded by trained professionals familiar with the risks of withdrawal can ensure that your detox experience is as comfortable and secure as possible.
Whether the drug you are discontinuing is alcohol or a heavier substance, abruptly quitting on your own isn’t advised by the medical community. There are so many possibilities for things to go wrong without clinical supervision that the risk outweighs the possibility of reward in this situation. For many addicts, quitting cold-turkey can seem like the only option because being around the drug at all is too tempting, and the client doesn’t think they have the strength to ignore this temptation. Although it makes sense that this option appeals to an addict, there are too many risks associated with it to justify an attempt. One of the most dangerous risks associated with quitting cold-turkey is that because your body quickly loses tolerance to alcohol and drugs, you are much more susceptible to an overdose if you’re tempted to partake in them again during a substance relapse.
Attempting At-Home Detox
When time is limited, a short stay in detox is often the safest option when the situation calls for it. This way, medical staff can assist in the case of an emergency. However, it is possible to safely detox at home while maintaining outside meetings with a doctor. Your doctor may also prescribe specific medications to you, depending on the drug you are withdrawing from. There are steps you can take to make an at-home detox as beneficial and safe as possible. Feeling better during an at-home detox incorporates many elements of a traditional medical detox program. Some important things to remember are :
- Eating a healthy diet and maintaining nutrition is crucial.
- Plan on taking time off from work or school to attend meetings and meet with your doctor.
- Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you should rely solely on yourself. Remember to get help from an outside support network.
- Be prepared to expect feelings of anger and discomfort. Detox can be painful, emotionally and physically.
Contact Baltimore Detox Center Today to Begin Recovery with Our Medical Detox Program
Whether you plan to attempt detox independently, with outside help from a doctor, or you’re interested in one of our inpatient detox programs, we are here to answer any questions that you may have about treatment. Please contact Baltimore Detox Center today at [Direct] for more information.
