Many people may think that the best way to detox from drugs and alcohol is to do so “cold turkey,” meaning to stop doing everything abruptly. While, yes, recovery must include the abstinence of drugs and alcohol, doing so suddenly and all at once can be dangerous. This is especially true with alcohol and benzodiazepines (it can even be deadly). The key is to detox from drugs and alcohol safely, and the best way to do that is under the care of professionals. The good news is that, with professional help, detoxing can be painless and lead to the next steps of recovery.
How to Best Detox From Drugs and Alcohol
Again, the best advice that one can get regarding detoxing from drugs and alcohol is to do so in the care of professionals. This includes medical professionals, holistic healers, and addiction specialists. They have the tools to make sure that the detox process is safe and secure. They can also greatly reduce the discomfort that often comes with detoxing.
It is also important to stick with a detox once it has started. Again, this is where professional help comes in handy. Many people do not see the detox process all the way through because they become so uncomfortable. This ultimately leads to a relapse, and many people don’t realize just how common relapses can be.
According to the peer-reviewed journal Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment.” Also, “For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.” However, a detox does not need to be part of your detox story.
What Does It Mean to Detox From Drugs and Alcohol?
The concept of detoxing from drugs and alcohol is pretty straightforward. It is the process of getting alcohol and substances out of the bloodstream over time. This can be difficult because these substances can cause both physical dependence and psychological addiction (including cravings).
Detoxing can also lead to medical issues that need attention right away, especially with alcohol. Detoxing from alcohol can lead to something known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), and it can be very uncomfortable.
According to the peer-reviewed journal Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, “The alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a well‐known condition occurring after intentional or unintentional abrupt cessation of heavy/constant drinking in patients suffering from alcohol use disorders (AUDs). AUDs are common in neurological departments with patients admitted for coma, epileptic seizures, dementia, polyneuropathy, and gait disturbances. Nonetheless, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed until dramatic symptoms occur.” This is why reaching out to detox professionals as soon as the signs appear is so critical.
The Signs That It May Be Time to Detox
Ultimately, the signs that it might be time to detox are the same signs that someone might be addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. The following are just a few of those signs:
- Isolating away from friends and family
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Uncontrollable cravings from drugs and alcohol
- Feeling anxious and depressed when not drinking or using
- Struggling to sleep when not using or drinking
- Mood swings and angry outbursts
- Struggles at work and school due to alcohol and drugs
- Wanting to hurt oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
As you can see, these can be serious signs of a problem. This is why reaching out to a detox professional is vital. It could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. They can also lead you to the next critical steps of recovery.
The Next Steps After a Safe and Secure Detox From Drugs and Alcohol
A detox can be particularly important because it is the gateway to the next right treatment. This might be residential addiction care or perhaps an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Both of these options are great ways to start a program that might include psychotherapy, experiential therapy, or holistic healing methods like mindfulness meditation or yoga therapy.
Yoga therapy can be particularly beneficial because it offers so many benefits. This is why it has been practiced for thousands of years and has recently entered the recovery realm.
The benefits of yoga are physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. According to the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “Therapeutic yoga is defined as the application of yoga postures and practice to the treatment of health conditions. Yoga therapy involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent, reduce, or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional, and spiritual pain, suffering, or limitations. Yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.” The key after detox is to find what works for you and stick with it.
Next Level Success With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why we are firm believers in a safe and secure detox followed by individualized treatment plans with a focus on the future.
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then you are ready for recovery. You can do this! We can help.
Many people don’t realize just how dangerous the detox process can be if it is done without the aid of professionals. Detoxing on your own can even be deadly, especially when detoxing from alcohol or benzodiazepines. The good news is that with the right help, the detox process can be the first step to a new and better life. If you feel like you or a loved one may be struggling with issues of mental illness, addiction, or both, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about safe and secure detoxes, reach out to Lantana Recovery at (866) 997-2870.
