After detox, the next step in the addiction treatment process is to learn how to stay sober. This is crucial to long-term sobriety and will help you avoid relapse.
Detox can be uncomfortable, but medical professionals can provide medications and support to make the withdrawal symptoms less severe. These treatments can reduce your cravings and decrease the likelihood of future substance use.
Medically Supported Detox
Medically supported detox is the most safe and comfortable way to rid your body of drugs and alcohol. It involves supervision from medical professionals, and is often a precursor to entering a substance abuse rehabilitation program.
After a thorough assessment, the medical team will develop an individualized detox plan that meets your specific needs. They may also screen for co-occurring mental health disorders, infectious diseases and nutritional deficiencies.
During the medically supported detox process, patients will receive medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for the drug they are trying to stop. Some programs also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines behavioral health therapy and FDA-approved prescription medications to help clients successfully overcome addiction.
Regardless of the medically supported detox model that is used, it’s important to find a facility that offers aftercare services for patients who complete detoxification. These include support group meetings and other activities that can help individuals maintain their sobriety in the long term.
Therapy
Detox clears the body of toxic substances and leaves behind healthy cognitive and stress management skills, but overcoming a substance use disorder requires ongoing treatment. Rehabilitation involves therapy and support to address the mental, emotional, psychological, and social effects of drug or alcohol use.
The therapy process helps you understand what led to your addiction and what can be done to stop using drugs or alcohol in the future. It also teaches you new coping strategies for dealing with stress and other triggers for drug or alcohol use.
When you go to therapy, you are talking with a trained counselor who will help you explore your thoughts and emotions. The therapist will guide you to look at your strengths and weaknesses, point out how you can manage your stress, and challenge you to think about your goals.
Family Support
After detox, family members can play a vital role in the recovery process. Supportive communication, education and encouragement can help your loved one continue to build a solid foundation for their sobriety.
Addiction is a chronic illness that takes time to overcome. As a result, it is important that family members understand the disease and participate in support groups and therapy sessions.
Getting educated about addiction can also help family members escape the blame game. Rather than blaming their loved one for their addiction, they should learn that it is the result of changes in the brain and can be treated with therapy.
It is also essential that family members avoid enabling their loved one’s behaviors or attitudes. By setting boundaries and limiting access to drugs and alcohol, you can be an invaluable source of support for your loved one during their journey back to health.
Family members can also find support in peer-led programs like Al-Anon and Alateen. These groups offer a safe, nonjudgmental environment where families can learn more about addiction and how to cope with it.
Exercise
If you’re detoxing from alcohol or drugs, exercise can be an excellent addition to your recovery plan. It can help keep your body healthy, strengthen your muscles, and prevent relapse.
A regular workout routine can also help reduce stress and improve your mental health. It can improve your sense of well-being and self-esteem, and it can help you overcome cravings.
It can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it can increase your energy levels.
Moreover, exercise helps in detoxifying the body by increasing the flow of oxygen to the tissues and organs. It increases enzymatic activity, ensuring that nutrients are well-assimilated.
Exercise also promotes good hormone health by increasing the production of adrenaline and other brain chemicals. These chemicals ensure that the body is free of toxins, which in turn reduces stress and anxiety.
