8 Signs You Need Drug Detox

1. You’re having physical health problems due to your drug or alcohol use.

If you’ve been using large amounts of drugs or alcohol for a long time, you’re likely to suffer some physical side effects. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), some of the most common health problems caused by chronic substance abuse include:²

• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis B and C
• Lung disease
• Mental disorders

People with addiction often have one or more associated health disorders. If the addiction is left untreated, those medical problems will only get worse, as will the substance abuse problems.

Consequently, if you’re suffering from physical health problems caused by drug abuse and you want to get well, treating the addiction is a key aspect of your recovery.

2. You need drugs or alcohol to get through the day.

Maybe your drug or alcohol use started off as something you did occasionally. However, eventually, maybe it morphed into something more serious. If you feel like you need drugs or alcohol just to get through the day, this is an indicator that your “casual” drug or alcohol use has become an addiction.

As your body grows accustomed to the presence of the substance you’re using, you’ll begin to struggle to function without it. This is partly psychological but also physical. For example, if you’re addicted to alcohol, your hands may shake when you wake up in the morning and you may feel sick until you’re able to have a drink. You may also feel like you just can’t cope with the stress of your day unless you’re drinking.

3. Your relationships are suffering.

When relationships begin to suffer, this is another one of the main signs you need drug detox. Many addictive substances can make you more irritable and moody, which can strain relationships, cause arguments, and even lead to physical abuse. Additionally, friends may not want to spend time with you anymore if you’re only interested in getting high or drunk.

The people who care about you are likely to try to talk to you about your addiction. But, you’ll need to be willing to listen and have an open mind. Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to remain in denial than admit that you’ve messed up and that you need help to get well. However, detox is the start of changing your mindset and re-setting your body so you can recover from addiction. If you value your relationships with friends and family, and your drug use is getting in the way of that, it’s best to do something about it.

4. Everything that used to be important to you doesn’t matter anymore.

One of the main signs of addiction is losing interest in hobbies and activities you used to enjoy. Drugs and alcohol can quickly take over your life, pushing everything else that used to matter, out of it. This can also contribute to mental health issues because leading a life without purpose or enjoyable activities is very unfulfilling. Not only do drugs and alcohol contribute to depression and anxiety, but a lifestyle of addiction can too.

If you’ve found that you’re only interested in getting high or drunk, it’s time to seek help.

5. You lie about your drug or alcohol use.

It’s all too common for people who are struggling with addiction to lie and manipulate as an act of self-preservation. Addiction is a complex disease of the brain that makes a person think and behave differently than they normally would. If you’re addicted, you may feel like you can’t survive without your drug of choice and that you need it to function, no matter the cost.

During the times when you are sober, you may feel very ashamed and hopeless about the situation, and lie to avoid facing the anger or disappointment of loved ones. You might even start believing those lies and convince yourself that you can handle your drug or alcohol use. In fact, maybe it’s just your friends and family being controlling. You can handle the drugs and alcohol, right?

Of course, you can see how easy it is to fall into this mindset and trap yourself in a life of addiction, lies, and manipulation. No one can force you to confront these lies, but in detox, you’ll flush your mind and body of toxins so you can think clearly again. After detox, you may decide that it’s time to let go of the shame and choose to hold on to the hope that a sober life offers. Going to rehab after detox can help you make positive changes in your life that will help you maintain lasting sobriety.

6. You’ve tried to quit on your own but can’t.

Another one of the most common signs you need drug detox is trying to stop using drugs or alcohol on your own, but being unable to. Often, when someone is addicted, it’s very difficult to stop using without professional assistance. This is because withdrawal symptoms are often very uncomfortable or even painful and the discomfort becomes too much. It’s easier to give in and start drinking again or using your drug of choice again than to fight through the discomfort and stay sober.

During drug detox, a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, recovery specialists, and clinical counselors will all support you with medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and other evidence-based treatments. That way, you’ll have a much better likelihood of being successful. Detox and withdrawal will also be much safer and more comfortable.

7. You’ve experienced problems at work, school, or with the law as a result of your drug or alcohol abuse.

Legal problems, employment issues, affected grades, or missing important events and obligations are all clear signs you need drug detox. For example, a DUI or OWI are both serious offenses that can have long-lasting consequences. Additionally, losing your job can have a huge impact on your family and their well-being.

Consequences like these should be a major wake up call that your substance abuse has reached a critical turning point. Rather than brushing these issues aside, you should address them by taking care of your substance use issues. At a certain point, your addiction will affect the health and wellbeing of those around you, not just yourself. So getting help for your addiction will benefit both them and you.

8. Your loved ones have told you they are concerned.

If your family or friends have recently talked to you about your substance abuse via an intervention, you might be feeling very ashamed, angry, or upset. It’s definitely not easy to hear these comments from loved ones, but it’s important to consider that you may need help to overcome your addiction. If nothing else, maybe it’s the motivation you need to make a change and start living a life you can be proud of.

Related post: How to Prepare for Detox

Understanding the signs that you need drug detox is just the first step. Briarwood Detox Center offers comprehensive resources to guide you through every stage of your recovery journey in Austin, Texas and beyond.

Learn More About the Detox Process

• The Importance of Medically Supervised Drug Detox – Discover why professional medical oversight is essential for safe withdrawal management.
• Why Supervised Medical Detox Is Essential – Expert insights into the critical role of professional care during detoxification.
• The Hidden Risks of At-Home Drug Detox – Understanding the dangers of attempting detox without medical supervision.

Next Steps After Recognizing the Signs

If you've identified with any of the signs discussed in this article, it's important to reach out for professional help. Briarwood Detox Center provides medically supervised inpatient detox in Austin, Texas, as well as outpatient detox services in Houston, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs. Our board-certified physicians and addiction specialists are here to support you through every step of withdrawal and early recovery.

Call us today at (866) 710-7710 to speak confidentially with an admissions specialist about your treatment options.