The decision to get admitted into a medical detox center can bring up wildly different emotions ranging from excitement to despair. Sometimes these intense emotions can make it challenging to get the ball rolling and begin withdrawing from addictive substances. It is important to remember that it is perfectly normal to have conflicting emotions about taking this step in your recovery.
Admitting you need professional support as you undergo drug addiction detox is incredibly brave. It shows care for yourself and those around you. Still, it makes sense that you would worry about what to expect in addiction detox—especially the emotional and physical symptoms that may arise from this process. At The Right Step in Texas, our evidence-based drug addiction detox program will help you safely and effectively withdraw from substances while preparing you for long-term success in recovery. Call us today at 17135283709 to get started on the road to lasting sobriety.
What to Expect in Drug Addiction Detox Programs
Many addiction treatment programs require a person to detox before entering, which means that if you want to overcome a substance use disorder, you must go through the detox process. While looking into detox program options in your area, learning what to expect during medical detox can be helpful. The addictive substance involved and your history with it can determine the components and length of your comprehensive and customized treatment plan.
It is also crucial to understand that detoxing from a substance will likely be uncomfortable and difficult. With some substances like alcohol, the detox process can be deadly without medical supervision. Physical symptoms occur as the body readjusts to being without the addictive substance. Psychological symptoms such as increased anxiety, depression, and mood swings can also occur. These symptoms are expected, and a significant reason why getting admitted to a medical detox center is always recommended.
At The Right Step’s medical detox center, our experienced staff members work to help you safely manage these symptoms. You will not be alone and can trust that treatment is confidential and facilitated by trained professionals.
Addiction Detox Is Not the End of the Road
It is not fair to assume that you will remain sober after detoxing from a substance. Often this is not the case at all, as relapse is likely after detox that occurs without continued support. The detoxification process does not eliminate cravings, and when you experience triggers, it will be difficult not to fall into those old patterns without recovery tools in place.
Going into detox is only a portion of recovery, and you should plan for further rehabilitation after this initial step, such as:
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Continued care support groups
It would help if you also kept in mind that detox is not a one-time solution. You may need to detox multiple times as you work to achieve sobriety. In general, addiction treatment programs focus on building recovery skills, including addressing the thoughts and emotions connected to relapse. Allow yourself to see detox as a part of the bigger picture and find ways to continue to support your recovery.
Building a Positive Perspective
During active addiction, it is common to have a warped view of reality for yourself and others. Often people feel difficulty trusting others or are convinced that the world is out to get them. Also common is negative self-talk about feeling worthless or never being able to change.
However, these thoughts are not facts, and there truly is hope for the future when you get connected to an addiction treatment program that’s right for you. Putting less importance on these negative thoughts can help make your time in addiction detox feel smoother and more productive. When negative thoughts come up about your ability to complete detox, begin to shift that thought to remind yourself that you are not alone.
Taking time to pay attention to your self-talk and remembering your intentions about going into detox can change your recovery mindset from paranoia to hope and compassion. It can help to talk to others who have gone through this process as a reminder that recovery is possible. Our thoughts significantly impact how we feel and our behavior. Updating your mindset will be helpful during addiction detox, recovery, and the rest of your life.
Tips to Maintain a Positive Recovery Mindset
Focus on You
Center yourself by ensuring you have the space to make this time about yourself and your recovery. One crucial way to do this is to eliminate stressors from the outside world. Before your detox, plan if you need someone to watch your pet or if you need to pay any bills before you go. Taking these steps will help decrease anxiety if things are already under control.
Thinking about relationships outside of detox can also be distracting. Use this time to focus on what is happening in rehab rather than what’s happening in the outside world. Those who care for you will want you to focus on your recovery.
Normalize Ups And Downs
While you go through challenging times, there will be moments when you feel all in, and other days you would rather quit. This fluctuation is normal. When you tell yourself that it is okay to want to leave and that you might not feel that way tomorrow, you’re setting up a much more realistic goal for yourself which helps you avoid impulsive decisions. Having a bad day does not mean your recovery isn’t working—it is just a part of the process.
Write Down Your “Why”
When you feel motivated to stop using drugs or alcohol, this is a great time to write down why. Taking time to focus on your intention for sobriety and the life you’d like to create for yourself will help to clarify your goals. When your goals and reasons are written down, you can reread your own words.
Before going into addiction detox, you can even ask yourself what you imagine your life in sobriety will look like and the positive things you can imagine happening in recovery. Then, when things are difficult, you can remind yourself of what is truly important to you.
Think About Your Next Steps
Because detox is only part of recovery, having a plan for after your discharge can be helpful. Knowing what’s coming next allows you to have less stress while you are there and lessens feelings of fear about the road to come. Having a solid recovery plan before detox will also help you be more committed to other supportive interventions in your recovery.
Learn More About Medical Detox at The Right Step
If any of these tips feel overwhelming, don’t feel like you have to do it alone—reach out for help. Here at The Right Step, we are ready to help you or a loved one through addiction detox. Contact us today at 17135283709 if you have questions about drug addiction detox.
