Detoxification, or detox, is the process of removing any harmful substance, such as drugs or alcohol, from a person’s body. If you’ve previously gone through substance abuse and are now seeking a detox procedure, you might feel uncertain or even scared.
However, recognizing the problem and wanting to get rid of it is the first step towards leading a healthy life. In 2023, there were 17,561 substance abuse treatment facilities in the US, helping people like you turn over a new page in life.
Even though the detox procedure can be different for every individual, here’s a detailed guide on what to expect and how to make your journey successful!
1. Know that it’s a Long Procedure
The length of detox can vary due to different factors, such as the type of substance taken, duration of substance abuse, family and social background, and any underlying medical conditions.
On average, it takes anywhere between a few weeks to a few months for you to completely detox yourself.
For example, withdrawal symptoms from an alcohol abuse detox journey can level off within a week. During this week, the person may experience serious health issues.
But what’s more important during the detox procedure is to make sure that you don’t relapse or become dependent on harmful substances again. Both inpatient and outpatient rehab can help with that.
2. Talk to Experienced Professionals
It’s always a good idea to consult your physician or any other licensed professional who specializes in addiction treatment before starting the detox procedure.
Detoxing alone can be dangerous, especially if you’ve been a victim of drug abuse, so you should always have a professional who will guide you.
Alternatively, you can contact a rehab center, such as the Malibu Recovery Center, to get a tailored recovery plan. These experts take a detailed history of your daily life and why you started substance abuse in the first place and then give you a personalized treatment regime. There are also detox plans that offer you 24/7 supervision, which can be very useful.
3. Be Aware of the Side Effects
Even though taking positive steps to heal your body is a great thing, the process of detoxing yourself can sometimes be painful and even dangerous. This is why you should always consider medical detox under licensed professionals.
When you check into a rehab center that offers tailored programs and medical supervision, your body will heal faster.
Some of the common side effects of detox are nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, mood swings, and sleep problems.
Although medical detox reduces withdrawal symptoms, some of them are unavoidable. So, many patients prefer inpatient rehab centers as compared to outpatient addiction recovery clinics.
4. Have a Strong Support System
Detoxing is tough, so you need a strong network of supportive people around you. This makes a significant difference, especially when you feel like relapsing.
Surround yourself with loved ones, such as family members, friends, relatives, or anyone else who can offer you emotional support.
Consider going to therapy to strengthen your mind. If you wish to enroll yourself in an inpatient facility, then your medical supervisors will act as your support system.
On the other hand, if you want to receive treatment from an outpatient clinic, have someone to stay with you to monitor your progress or help you out during emergencies.
5. Prepare Your Surroundings
Remember, a clean mind leads to a clean body. If your home is cluttered, you’ll feel even more stress and anxiety.
Make your surroundings comfortable so that you can heal your body in peace. Remove all sources of clutter to improve your mental clarity. Next, stock up on essential items like water, healthy snacks, easily digestible food items, and soups or juices.
Wear comfortable clothing, especially if you’re planning to receive treatment at home. Since withdrawal can cause chills, sweating, or discomfort, prepare soft, comfortable bedding to ensure restful sleep. Stock up on calming items like a white noise machine or scented oils.
6. Understand Cold Turkey vs Tapering
Quitting any harmful substance cold turkey can not only lead to harmful withdrawal symptoms but also increase your chances of relapsing. This is why most medical professionals warn their patients against quitting cold turkey.
Instead, try the tapering method, where you’ll be advised to slowly wean off the harmful substance.
Substances that are dangerous to quit cold turkey include opioids, such as fentanyl and heroin, benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium, and alcohol.
With heroin or alcohol addiction recovery, you’ll be prescribed drugs that act in the body, like heroin or alcohol, which will help you manage side effects. These doses will then be gradually reduced over time.
7. Understand Detoxing At Home vs In Rehab
Most drug addictions are caused by underlying trauma or mental health disorders, which is why many patients prefer to go through the journey in a rehab center.
The right kind of detox program will depend on what substance you’ve been using or the degree of addiction.
If you’re not sure of how to start, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline.
On the other hand, detoxing at home gives you the option to heal from the comfort of your house, but it also means that you might have to go through the process alone.
Detoxing at home can be a good option if you haven’t been using high amounts of substances.
8. Stay Hydrated and Healthy
Withdrawal can lead to extreme dehydration, so you need to stock up on food and drinks that keep you refreshed and hydrated.
Before starting the process, make sure you have plenty of electrolytes, smoothies, and healthy snacks.
Food rich in vitamins and minerals is best for managing withdrawal symptoms, so eat eggs, leafy green vegetables, nuts, berries, fish, and dairy products.
Avoid items rich in caffeine or sugar because they can lead to dehydration and even cause anxiety and insomnia. Stay away from junk food or fried items, and instead, have a balanced meal that contains proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Conclusion
Detoxing is not just a physical process but an emotional and mental one, too. You might experience different types of withdrawal symptoms, but remember to stay strong and seek help from your loved ones.
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