Social Difficulties of Drug Detox

Drug detox is one of the most talked-about but least-understood procedures there is. Though it strictly consists only of the procedure of eliminating the unwanted drug from the body, it is often confused with rehabilitation, the larger framework of which detox can be the vital first step. But it is only a first step, and its longer term success depends on many elements.

Thus, when discussing the difficulties of drug detox, it is difficult to avoid talking about larger issues which are not strictly speaking  part of the actual detox procedure itself. Drug detox is a physical procedure, the success of which depends upon the immediate environment, the degree and type of addiction, and the mental makeup and will power of the patient. These are quite straightforward issues, which can be dealt with in terms of success or failure to eliminate the drug from the system. The circumstances surrounding the detox are where larger complications and further difficulties enter the picture.

A primary difficulty for the person undergoing detox is in the sphere of his or her friendships. It is well documented that, although a patient completes a successful detox, if the patient is again surrounded by other users, the relapse rate is greatly increased. Breaking up friendships is difficult for anyone, but for the person who has just gone through a stressful, difficult detox, it can be nearly impossible. But often it must be done.

Likewise, the person who has completed drug detox must look at his or her romantic relationships. If there is a significant other, is he or she supportive of the detox efforts? Is he or she a user, or friends with other users? A supportive home life or romantic partnership is well known to be a major positive factor in successful recoveries.

The flip side of the patient sometimes needing to break up social connections, is the difficulty in establishing new ones. The individual may feel isolated or misunderstood, and if the person’s addiction is well known in the community, some may shun the friendship or romantic advances of a “known drug addict”.

Other social frameworks can act as support systems in the wake of detox. Churches, activity-related groups, and classes can be great sources of social connection, and working out at a gym can provide the extra benefits of keeping the patient in shape and working off stress.

Keep at it, and the social difficulties of drug detox can be overcome, as they have many times before.