Alcohol is a toxic substance that assaults your brain and body. It wreaks havoc on everything from your relationships to your work to your health.
Detoxing from alcohol is a critical first step to recovery. When done correctly, it can help you break free from the addiction and lead a life of sobriety.
1. Stay Hydrated
One of the most important things you can do during alcohol detox is to stay hydrated. It can help you manage the withdrawal symptoms and get over them faster.
You can drink water and fluids with electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and calcium. This will help with dehydration and nausea, both of which can be a big issue during withdrawal.
Another way to stay hydrated during your detox is to eat healthy. Eating a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber will help your body heal and recover from the effects of alcohol use.
Medical professionals will also be able to provide you with medications and treatments that are designed to help you with your detox process. These include Benzodiazepines, which are prescribed to reduce anxiety and help people overcome the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol addiction.
2. Eat Healthy
While eating healthy isn’t always easy during alcohol detox, it is essential to fuel the body and keep it well-nourished. This will help support the process of reestablishing healthy habits and avoiding relapse in recovery.
The best foods for detoxing from alcohol are those that are high in fiber and nutrient-rich. These include vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins.
Eating foods rich in fiber can help stabilize blood sugar and prevent irritability and anxiety that may accompany cravings. Additionally, a diet low in processed foods can help ease the liver’s workload and calm inflammation.
Another important nutrient that is depleted with regular alcohol use is vitamin B. Foods that are rich in this nutrient include salmon, eggs, leafy greens and whole grains.
3. Exercise
Exercising during alcohol detox can ease some of the discomfort associated with withdrawal and help to keep your body healthy. In addition, it can also provide a sense of control and self-esteem during this difficult time.
In fact, many drug rehab centers across the country are incorporating exercise into their recovery programs as part of their addiction treatment plan. Several studies have shown that physical exercise can increase abstinence rates, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms, and improve overall health.
Adding exercise to your recovery program can help you establish new habits that will last once you leave rehab. Whether you’re trying to get back in shape or simply stay active, it’s important to set goals and celebrate small wins along the way.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep quality is one of the most critical factors in recovering from addiction. Not only does it decrease your chances of relapse, but it also helps you heal from the mental health issues that often accompany drug and alcohol use.
Getting enough sleep is a key component of any treatment plan, and it’s particularly important during a detox. Not getting enough sleep can cause many withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia, to worsen and lead to relapse.
During the night, your body cycles through four different stages of sleep: three non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stages and one rapid eye movement (REM) stage. The presence of alcohol will disrupt the brain’s normal sleep cycle and reduce the amount of time you spend in REM sleep, which can lead to poorer quality sleep overall.
5. Stay Positive
Alcohol detox can be an extremely difficult time. However, staying positive is key in overcoming this challenge.
It can be easy to focus on the negative aspects of the detox process, but it’s important to remember what you are aiming for and why you decided to enter treatment in the first place.
By maintaining a positive attitude during the detox stage, you can minimize your relapse risks and enjoy the healing process more.
One way to stay positive during this time is by surrounding yourself with things that make you happy. These may be small reminders or meaningful items that represent what you want from life in sobriety.
