Dominate Recovery with These Drug Detox Strategies
Drug addiction and substance use disorder are recognized, treatable illnesses. Beginning the journey of lifelong recovery is possible with sufficient support systems. Knowing and implementing strategies to effectively detoxify the body, mind and spirit from the toxic effects of substances will help recovering addicts dominate recovery. Call our helpline at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) for professional assistance.
Addiction as a Disease
The National Institute on Drug Abuse identifies addiction as a treatable disease that can be managed, much like diabetes, asthma or hypertension. While it cannot always be cured and varies widely from individual to individual, it can be arrested with proper treatment. Most specialists agree that treating addiction as a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual condition is important to achieve lasting recovery.
Treating Withdrawal
The first step on the road to detoxification from any substance is treating withdrawal. The body and brain develop dependence and addiction when substance abuse is present for an extended time. Withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating and shaking can feel debilitating. Seeking medical help to manage withdrawal is the best idea for long-term success.
Physical Health
Addiction affects the body’s systems in many ways. The digestive system, specifically the liver, kidneys and pancreas are required to process and filter substances. With drug abuse, the filtering systems can become damaged. The circulatory systems and nervous systems also suffer ill effects from drug addiction. Detoxifying the body’s systems is an important step toward healthy recovery.
Mental Health
Writing in a journal daily can help you detox emotionally.
Drug addiction also affects a person’s mental health. Drugs affect the brain’s pleasure center and the way the brain processes pain. Certain pharmacological interventions like buprenorphine, morphine or clonidine may be necessary to help manage cravings and stabilize neurological reactions. Prescriptions are often offered during medical detoxification from different types of substances.
Emotional Health
People do not generally fall into substance use disorder with healthy methods of coping with emotions. Finding a support system and undergoing a process of emotional detoxification is important, as well. Many in early recovery find the following emotional rituals helpful in restarting on an emotionally healthy journey.
- List regrets
- Talk to someone about the list
- Destroy the list in a ceremonial ritual
- Find a network of people to call during mood swings that will come
- Begin journaling daily
- Make gratitude lists
Spiritual Health
Most addicts carry a sense of shame and avoid spiritual practices. Upon detoxification, it is important to purge negative spiritual energy. Some people engage in smudging rituals from the Native American tradition, while others rededicate themselves to specific religion. This is a very personal choice for each individual. However, the most important thing to remember is to engage in detoxification as a process for the entire human being.
Continuing Recovery
Detoxification can help set those struggling with addiction on a positive path of recovery. Remembering that addiction is a disease is important. As with asthma, a relapse can occur. The most important thing to remember is to continue the detoxification process and treatment to place the disease in remission.
For help finding a detox or addiction treatment program, call our toll-free helpline at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?).
Resources
Gould, T. J. (2010, December). Addiction and Cognition. Retrieved October 29, 2016, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3120118/#b63-ascp-05-2-4
Opiate and opioid withdrawal: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm
H. (n.d.). Treatment and Recovery. Retrieved October 29, 2016, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
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