Detox is a difficult part of the process for anyone who enters drug or alcohol rehab. The Detoxing process looks different for everyone, depending on the substance in question and how severe the addiction is.
It’s often an unpleasant experience but also potentially dangerous. Depending on your symptoms, medical intervention may be ideal or even necessary. For this reason, it’s best to go through your detox period in a safe environment with supervision and access to medical care. This is something we offer at Lily Recovery.
While unpleasant, detoxing is often a necessary step to take before entering a proper rehab program. Read on to learn more about detoxing and how it helps you on your addiction recovery journey.
What is Detoxing?
Detoxing is the process by which any trace of drugs and/or alcohol is removed from your system. Addiction and dependence on substances form when your body becomes so used to the substance and therefore craves and even requires it to function. Thus creating a cycle where you need more and more of it to satisfy these cravings as you build a tolerance.
When the body suddenly stops receiving a steady stream of the substance in question, the levels you’re used to drop drastically. This can wreak havoc in the body for a short time, but it’s ultimately the right thing.
A properly managed and supervised detox process helps you minimize the side effects and withdrawal symptoms, and at least make them more bearable. Once you’re through your detox period and your body is clear of all substances, you’re ready to begin a proper rehab program while bettering your health.
Trying to detox on your own has a low chance of success. You may experience unnecessary and avoidable side effects, depleting any motivation to continue. With no one by your side and monitoring symptoms, it’s also much easier to simply go back to the substance to ease the pain and feel better again.
Detoxing Side Effects
The side effects of detoxing vary widely. Some will be mild, others uncomfortable, and some quite severe. It largely depends on the substance you’re detoxing from, the severity of the addiction, how long you’ve been addicted, and how you personally react to things.
That said, some of the most common physical side effects and withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shaking or shivering
- Increased heart rate
- High temperature
- Chills
- Runny nose
- Excessive sweating
- Headaches
- Increased blood pressure
- Exhaustion
- Muscle, bone, and joint pain
- Vivid and sometimes unpleasant dreams
Beyond physical reactions, you may experience a variety of psychological symptoms, as well. This includes:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Mood swings
- Intense cravings
- Lack of concentration
These are many of the common things those going through withdrawal experience. While unpleasant, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, they are well-managed by a professional medical team like the one we have here at Lily Recovery. Vitals can be monitored and helpful medication can be administered as necessary.
More severe symptoms can sometimes include things like delirium, hallucinations, and seizures. It’s most important to be in the care of professionals should these things occur!
When to Seek Medical Detox
It’s always advisable to seek a medically supervised detox instead of trying it on your own. If you even suspect you may be at risk of developing an addiction or becoming dependent, you should seek medical help and advice. Some of the signs of dependence include:
- Using a substance frequently and in large amounts.
- You’ve noticed a diminishing of the effects of the substance, therefore requiring more to reach the desired effects.
- You’ve been using it for a lengthy period of time.
- You crave the substance when you’re not using it and don’t have access to it.
- You’ve tried to quit but can’t do so by yourself.
- You’re prioritizing it over other things, spending more and more of your time and money on it.
If you’re at all concerned that you may be heading down this road, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our friendly and compassionate staff will offer guidance where they can, and provide more information about our programs.
How it Helps
Not only is detoxing in a proper medical setting with the presence of professionals the safest way to do it, but it’s an important step in your recovery. Entering into a rehab program without first properly detoxing will make for a less comfortable and productive experience.
There are dedicated detox centers that you can attend, but we also offer this as part of our program here at Lily Recovery. Detoxing at our private and comfortable facility means that you can transition seamlessly into our drug and alcohol rehab program for women. You won’t have to pack up and relocate, and you’ll already be familiar with our team.
You’ll be able to benefit from our many therapies, activities, and more right away:
- Group and individual therapy. You’ll participate in individual and group sessions each week. Both have incredible benefits and they complement each other well. Our therapists specialize in many types of therapies and will craft a personalized treatment plan for each individual.
- Holistic activities. In addition to clinical therapy, we offer holistic therapies such as art and journaling. You can also spend time in nature, workout at our onsite gym, engage in yoga and meditation, and more.
- Healthy meals. We offer a high-quality menu of healthy, freshly cooked meals each day. Proper nutrition will help you stay focused and feel good physically.
Detoxing is the start of many journeys of healing and recovery. It can be intimidating, but we’re here to make it as safe, comfortable, and easy as possible.
Detox Safely at Lily Recovery
Our program is set up to accommodate women of all ages, circumstances, and walks of life. Our team is also employed by women, which we hope makes everyone feel as safe and comfortable as possible.
Detoxing from drugs or alcohol can be worrisome and overwhelming, but we’re here to help you through it every step of the way. Once you’ve successfully detoxed, you can seamlessly join our rehab program and be well on the way to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about the program and how to register.
