How to Prepare for Addiction Detox

It’s never a good idea for a person to detox at home or to attempt dealing with the withdrawals from drugs or alcohol cold turkey. There is a danger of having medical problems tied to detoxifying alone, which could include but not limited to medical emergencies such as panic attacks, rashes, and seizures. The intensity of symptoms and the varying nature of symptoms depends significantly on the substance a person is using. A person should undergo addiction detox in a medical setting where professionals can monitor him or her appropriately. It is more effective that way, and it’s much safer.

The chances of recovery for a person to beat physical dependence on a substance in a controlled environment improve significantly within a facility. Ordinary temptations and stimuli get eliminated by being away from his or her standard home setting. Another significant benefit of having detoxification at a medical facility is the availability of medications which could lessen the discomfort of experiences a person may have with withdrawal symptoms.

When a person has decided to enter a facility for detox, he or she may have fears, misconceptions, and be overall mentally unprepared for the experience. The following six suggestions may help a person get ready for the critical first step to their recovery as they prepare to enter a treatment center for detox:

Resist the Temptation to Binge

Once they have a date for admittance into a detox center, many people see the time leading up to rehab as an invitation to go on a binge or bender. When a person overindulges, they increase the possibility of overdosing considerably. A binge could also create circumstances culminating in life-threatening results. Aside from these risks, a person makes detox more challenging when time to go into the facility because there is more of the substance in the person’s body.

Keep the Dosing Schedule Unchanged

It’s just as crucial for a person not to make sudden changes and to stop using a substance too soon as it is to not go on a bender. Being an inpatient at a detox facility means a person has medical supervision for treatment of any complications or withdrawal symptoms. Unless a counselor or physician has instructed a dosing change, a person should not stop too early to avoid any unnecessary adverse reactions.

Mentally Get Prepared

There is typically a physical correspondence to anxiety and negativity. Especially when preparing for detoxification, a person should not add to possible physical withdrawal symptoms with the physicality of worrying. A person should stay clear of any individuals who may try to discourage them or encourage them to continue their substance abuse. It’s much better for the person to hang around only supportive people who want to see them be successful in their addiction detox. Detox is a huge step and it only natural that a person has some degree of anxiety, but there hotlines available with counselors who can be additional support leading up to detox.

Get Plenty of Rest and Eat Healthily

Before going to detox treatment, it’s vital for people to take extra care of themselves. That involves the person building strength with rest and healthy foods, as the start of detox can be extremely stressful and demanding on the body.

Pack with Comfort in Mind

The detox facility a person enrolls in will likely provide the individual with an information packet which will outline what to bring and what not to bring along for the stay. A person should pack comfortable clothes and take along with them any items which are comforting and illicit pleasant memories of times with family and friends and not anything that will impede or negatively impact treatment.

Have a Plan in Place

Addiction detox is not the whole of treatment but a crucial first step in the process of recovery. Therapy following the subsidence of withdrawal symptoms is necessary because there are typically underlying issues which need addressing as they could be pre-existing psychological issues causing substance abuse and drinking. Professional staff members at the detox facility can help you put a plan in place if you haven’t already done so. Effective therapies include the following according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:

• Life skills classes – learning how to live to not return to former habits of drugs and alcohol
• Personal therapy – focus on the underlying conditions which trigger substance use
• Educational courses – teaches patients how drugs and alcohol affect the body to prevent possible relapse
• Medical services – adequate medical care for co-occurring or chronic illnesses can discourage self-medication with drugs

Many people who have addictions to alcohol or drugs might fear detox. Detox is not a piece of cake to accomplish but receiving detoxification at a medical facility, monitored by professionals can help a person manage and reduce the discomfort and uneasiness of physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. Medication and counseling are a part of harm reduction therapy which eases suffering from withdrawal. With a caring medical and treatment team, individuals can receive the help they need to overcome addiction and lead healthier and happier lives.