Why is Medical Detox Required Before Rehab in Canada?

medical detox center in Toronto

Drug and alcohol addiction are major problems in Canada. According to the Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey in 2012, roughly 22% of the Canadian population (approximately 8 million people) is experiencing a substance use disorder. A report from the United Nations states that Canada is the world’s largest producer of methamphetamines and ecstasy.  However, the most abused substance in Canada is alcohol.

Helping a person to break free from drug or alcohol addiction is very difficult. The cravings are intense and some of the side effects of the drug may make individuals who are trying to recover unpredictable or even violent. Medical and mental health care are essential in breaking free from addiction. But before a person with substance addiction is admitted to a rehab program, he or she must first go through the detoxification process.

What is Detoxification or Detox?

Detox is a medical process that aims to help a person with addiction through acute withdrawal. The purpose of detox is to remove all addictive substances from a person’s body. Canadian residents with an addiction issue are often referred to a medical detox center in Toronto as the first phase of recovery. Detox centers have trained medical personnel and the equipment needed to safely manage the intense symptoms associated with withdrawal.

Are Medical Detox Centers in Toronto Really Necessary?

Some Canadian residents who have addiction issues may wonder if going to a medical detoxification program in Toronto is really necessary. They may reason that they break their addiction on their own or they can detox at home where they have social support from their family members and friends. However, it is important to note that the detox process usually takes a major toll on the mind and body of the addicted person. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Severe mood swings
  • Changes in appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Muscle pain
  • Tremors
  • Congestion
  • Sweating
  • Restlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep issues

Family members and friends who do not have medical training may be unsure what to do in the event of an emergency and even if they did, they may not have the necessary tools and medication to get their loved one through the detoxification process safely. The detox process also varies depending on the type of substance a person is addicted to. Some men and women have died after they suddenly stopped drinking or taking benzodiazepines without medical supervision.

Besides the possibility of death, people in Canada who try to detox on their own are also at a much higher risk of relapse. However, residents who choose to find a medical detox center in Toronto have the benefits of a trained medical team that provides 24/7 monitoring and can significantly ease the discomforts of withdrawal. If you have a problem with substance addiction and live in Toronto, Neworld Detox Centre can help you to get through the detox process safely. Once your detox is complete, their highly trained staff will ease your transition to outpatient care or inpatient treatment at a residential rehab program so that you can continue your journey to long term recovery.

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