Detoxification, or detox, is the first phase of overcoming addiction. Undergoing detox means that you are safely eliminating toxic substances that have accumulated in your body. It’s challenging without a doubt, but it’s essential to start your recovery with the right foot forward.
By understanding detox, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about where your alcohol and drug addiction recovery will take you next. If you’re ready to take that step toward drug and alcohol detox, let’s begin.
Source: Pacific Crest Trail Detox
Medical detox is the first step towards substance abuse recovery. It’s a medically supervised process of eliminating drugs or alcohol from your body. This process includes professional monitoring and safe management of your withdrawal symptoms with the help of prescribed medications.
These medications aim to alleviate the discomfort of your withdrawal symptoms and reduce your drug and alcohol cravings. While all of these medications can be intimidating, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and life-threatening.
Undergoing detox will benefit you in about a thousand different ways. The first few benefits you will likely see are the physical ones. Here are some that you can look forward to:
Detoxification removes harmful substances from your body. Remember that during your drug addiction, a substantial amount has accumulated in your system. Safely and slowly removing them allows your body to begin the healing process. Signs of healing you’re likely to see are improved sleep quality and energy levels and increased urination and sweating.
Medical detox also provides you with a controlled environment where professionals can manage your withdrawal symptoms. Positive indicators that your medical detox is helping include stabilized vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate, and a reduction in tremors, nausea, and vomiting. When such indicators progress, you become less likely to experience health complications during the withdrawal process.
Substance abuse can deplete essential nutrients from your body. Undergoing detox allows your body to replenish these with the help of a balanced diet and prescribed supplements. Signs that your body is recovering include improved digestion, enhanced appetite, and weight stabilization. You may also notice that your body recovers faster from minor illnesses and physical fatigue.
Source: Pexels
Substance abuse can negatively affect your cognitive abilities. This is because alcohol and drugs disrupt your neurotransmitter interactions and interrupt your brain signals. Signs of poor cognitive ability during addiction include forgetfulness and disorientation.
However, undergoing detox means that your brain is no longer exposed to these substances. As a result, it clears out the mental fog you may be familiar with. You may experience improved focus, concentration, and memory.
Alcohol and drug addiction often lead to emotional instability. This usually manifests as feelings of depression, anxiety, and even mood swings.
Detox is one of the first steps to take if you experience these at the onset of frequent substance use. It’s also essential before you begin additional therapies such as counseling. Not only will detox help your emotions stabilize, but it also provides you with a stronger foundation for the rest of your recovery.
Detox allows you to start with a clean state. Before any further improvement, it's crucial to grasp your physical and mental health first.
You’ll surely learn how to develop healthier coping mechanisms and habits after you’ve experienced improved sleep, higher energy levels, and emotional awareness.
Moreover, you’ll be more prepared to proceed with therapy and counseling. During this period, you may even start feeling optimistic about where your recovery takes you next.
Completing medical detox is an achievement you should be proud of. Because it is indeed the first step to your recovery journey, but the first step is always the hardest.
Proceeding with your detox program despite the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges is a testament that you are capable, determined, and resilient. That you are more than your addiction. Knowing all of this can improve your self-esteem and motivate you to overcome the next steps of recovery.
Undergoing detox can improve your relationships. This is your opportunity to rebuild trust and stronger bonds with your loved ones. You may also find yourself spending more quality time with them.
In this manner, detox could also make you less resistant to receiving more support from your loved ones. Being comfortable with encouragement will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
Now that you have a healthier mind and body coupled with stronger relationships, it’s time to create healthier routines and habits. Getting rid of your old habits to begin new ones at the onset of your recovery sets you up for a healthier well-being.
You can begin by establishing regular sleep schedules, diets, and exercise activities. You may also start new hobbies such as crocheting or running. However, remind yourself to take it easy during this period–you’ve just undergone detox, and your body needs the time to adjust.
Source: Pexels
Detoxification is a crucial step in alcohol and drug addiction recovery. It will be undeniably challenging and you’ll want to give up a few times. But the physical, mental, psychological, and social benefits of detox most definitely outweigh the costs. During the medical detox process, you’ll experience higher energy levels, a clearer mind, emotional stability, and improved relationships. So in the end, you’ll be more capable of maintaining a healthy and sustainable recovery.
If you’re ready to begin your journey and are looking for a detox center in Portland, contact us at Pacific Crest Trail Detox today! There’s no better time than now.