The first step in recovery is detoxification, a process in which the body naturally dispels any toxins that were inhibited from addiction. Detox can seem daunting, especially if you are unsure of what you will be experiencing. Knowing what to expect can provide you with a sense of relief, and knowing that you will have a team of health care professionals that support you means that you will be provided with optimal care. Rehab International, an online treatment center directory, has noted that detox care begins with completing assessment paperwork. With this intake assessment, you will inform your healthcare team of your health issues, addiction history, and more. Transparency is incredibly important to ensure you receive the best care possible. From there, a brief physical assessment may take place as well as a tour to help you feel more comfortable.
Many people who enter recovery fear the pain of detox. However, the detox process is designed to be a painless as possible. WebMD notes that you may be given medication to assist with any unwanted withdrawal symptoms as you go through detox. There are several symptoms that you may experience from detox:
- Anxiety
- Delirium tremens
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty sleeping
- Shakiness
- Changes in blood pressure or heart rate
- Impaired memory
- Clumsiness
This list is not exhaustive, and it is not meant to scare you. This list is to prepare you for what lies ahead – but these symptoms will not last forever and with your support team, you will be able to get through this. Detox can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the drug or substance addiction and the body’s response.
In addition to physical withdrawal symptoms, you may experience psychological cravings for the drug or substance. Group support and therapy can help you to learn how to deal with the root causes behind your addiction and how to manage your psychological symptoms. Many people experience anger, grief, depression, joy, impatience, irritation and jubilation when going through detox – therapy will help you to re-learn how to react to even the smallest things to better support your recovery.
Once you have completed detox, you will be entered into a treatment facility to help you learn more about your addiction, yourself, and others. Treatment is a time for you to build your support network, develop tools to manage and succeed in life, and to become the healthiest you’ve ever been. Developing a new lifestyle is important to ensuring you do not retreat to old negative patterns of behavior.
If you have an addiction, call the Avalon Malibu Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Center today. Our licensed health care professionals are dedicated to helping others heal – we focus on potential not pathology. Partaking in our residential treatment center means that you will be provided with the best care possible. Take control of your life and call us today at 844-642-5059.
