Medical detoxification (informally detox) is part of the withdrawal process from drug or alcohol abuse. Based on the type of substance addiction, detoxification can take different amounts of time and have varying symptoms.
The length of detox depends on the type of substance used. Withdrawal symptoms for drug or alcohol abuse can be mild to severe and include nausea, dizziness, irritability, insomnia, sweating, agitation, muscle aches, tremors, anger, depression, and guilt.
However, the list of symptoms can be longer and more extensive based on multiple factors like the type of drug (or combination of drugs), the length of use, and the method of ingestion.
Drug addiction and alcoholism are both chronic diseases, which have serious and damaging effects. Physicians, mental health professionals, and treatment centers are all skilled and equipped to help patients through the detoxification process. Specific monitoring and care is needed when addicts make the transition into coming off of a substance for good.
Recovery in all phases is different for everyone. People thinking about starting the healing process often feel apprehension, anxiety, or fear due to the initial pain of life without substances during detox. However, there are steps individuals can take, especially during the detox process, to stay positive while working towards recovery. Here are 4 ways to stay positive through detox.
1. Stay Positive Through Commitment
Patients going through detox need to realize that they have made crucial steps by acknowledging their problem and seeking treatment. Recognizing their previous commitment to finding help for their addiction should be a source of pride and positivity.
Furthermore, committing to the work of detox, rehabilitation, and recovery can increase momentum. And commitment provides a source of positive through empowerment. Patients need to truly believe that they are capable of achieving a life free from addiction and pain.
Remembering the strength that got them to seek treatment is one crucial way to stay positive through the detox process. Those in detox should keep their commitment to treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery at the forefront of their mind.
2. Stay Positive Through Thoughts of Loved Ones
Addiction is not something that affects one person. It is a ripple effect that can touch a whole community. Family, children, friends, and colleagues all bear witness to the dangers, lows, and pain of addiction. Those in detox should stay focused on the different person they will become. This future self will positively impact the lives of their loved ones and others.
People going through drug addiction need to remember that a life of sobriety is the only way to develop a lasting relationship with loved ones, especially children. Staying positive through persistent thoughts of future experiences with loved ones can help ease the emotional pains of anger, anxiety, and depression.
3. Stay Positive By Talking to a Therapist
Detox rids the body of toxins from substance abuse. Withdrawal during detox can be an incredibly intense and overwhelming experience. It is important to talk to a therapist during this time to work through the intense and overwhelming emotions that may come up during detox.
Therapy is necessary because it helps work through feelings that may have been previously buried with the help of drugs or alcohol. Talking to a therapist helps gain perspective, serenity, and grasps emotional highs and lows.
For example, for detox from the drug cocaine, patients often experience an urge trigger called, “euphoric recall.” During this memory, they only remember the highs of cocaine usage, without remembering any of the lows. This can cause people to seek out the drug by any means and spiral into relapse. Staying positive and on track during detox is dependent on sharing these urges with fellow residents and mental health professionals.
Additionally, talking to a therapist is a positive experience and a sign of life in recovery. Psychologist John M. Grohol, Psy.D. says that in addition to medical methods, addictions are treated with a combination of “psychotherapy and social support.” Talking to others in during the recovery process will help patients stay positive as they confront feelings head on.
Seeking support from a mental health professional is required while on the path of addiction free living
In detox, people are separated from their regular social worlds as they deal with the serious challenges of detox and rehabilitation. Developing strong bonds with mental health professionals and other residents in treatment can boost positivity. In recovery, this continues through groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other drug support groups. Structured community support can help recovering addicts commit to lasting sobriety.
4. Stay Positive By Making Future Goals
The idea of freedom from drug or substance abuse can help sufferers stay optimistic during detox. Taking it a step further would be to concentrate on what that freedom would specifically look like. Setting future goals and making plans can keep spirits high during the challenging process of detox.
A specific plan should target problems, triggers, and address ways to work through those issues in a healthy and safe way. A life free from drugs and alcohol should always be the focus of future goals.
Making the decision to only be around positive people in recovery is a worthy goal, which can start in detox. Relying on physicians, mental health professionals, and sponsors in treatment is the first step toward finding the right support system.
Patients need to understand the present process and the road ahead. When patients realize seriousness of their addiction, it can help gain realistic expectations about their journey.
Making concrete plans to always practice substance free living and self-care results in a healthy life. Putting energy into self-care and maintenance is never a selfish act. When people do everything in their power to take care of themselves in the healthiest way possible, they are putting the best versions of themselves out there in the world. And self-care begins in treatment and detox. Don’t waste another second on a life of addiction.