You’ve decided to begin a detox, and you’re ready to get clean.
You know it’s going to be a difficult process, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it right!
There are several mistakes people make during their detox that can make the process more difficult or even put them at risk of relapse.
The key is knowing how to avoid these 10 common mistakes so that you can focus on getting better:
1. Quitting Before Treatment is Completed
If you have decided to go through the process of detoxing, it is important that you complete it at a center like Connecticut detox. This means that even if you are feeling better and think that your body has recovered from the drug or alcohol use, continue going through with your program. Quitting before treatment is completed can lead to relapse. The symptoms that may indicate a relapse include:
- A desire to take drugs or drink alcohol again
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms again
- Using other substances in addition to drugs/alcohol
2. Hanging Out with Friends that Still Use
Friends who still use are not the best support system.
They may encourage you to use again or be using themselves. They may also not understand what you’re going through and may not be supportive of your goals. You might experience strong urges and cravings that you can’t control.
3. Expecting Too Much
Detoxing is not a quick fix.
It’s a long-term process that requires you to make some changes in your life, including eating healthier and exercising more.
Expectations for detox should be realistic and based on what you can do not what others are doing.
4. Going at it Alone
Trying to detox alone can come with serious health risks or your caving on this important journey.
Detoxing can also be accompanied by some serious health symptoms like seizures. Having medical professionals who can help treat your withdrawal symptoms or a family member stand by and help you through the most difficult part will strengthen your success.
5. Refusing Help
When you’re trying to detox your body, it can be incredibly confusing. What is the best way? Is it going to hurt? How long will this take? And what about my family?
It’s not only about getting the drugs out of your system but setting you up to resist the cravings and cope with the emotional stressors that led you down this path.
Whether it’s help from family and friends or a specialized detox center, reach out for help. Those who have a support system are more likely to have a successful, long-term sobriety.
6. Isolation
Isolation is one of the biggest mistakes you can make during your recovery.
Not only will it make you more susceptible to relapse, but it also creates an environment where you’re more likely to feel alone and helpless, which may lead to a negative mindset.
In addition to having friends and family members in your life who support your sobriety, it’s important that you have a safe space for yourself as well.
Having a private place where nobody else has access (like an office at work or even just an unused room in your home) can be helpful when going through tough times because it allows for privacy and peace of mind when needed most.
7. Cold Turkey
Cold turkey detox is not a good idea. You should always taper off any drug or substance you are using, especially if it’s a controlled substance like Vicodin or Xanax. This will allow your body to slowly adjust without getting hit with withdrawal symptoms all at once.
Stopping alcohol and some other drugs can cause serious side effects like seizures, delirium tremens, and heart failure. Withdrawal can take your life.
Even if you’d like to detox at home, talk with a medical professional and plan out a safe detox.
Detox comes with physical and mental/emotional symptoms.
Physical Symptoms:
- Shaking
- Irregular heart rate
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches
Mental and Emotional Symptoms:
- Cravings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- paranoia
8. Taking Care of Your Body
Your body is under an incredible amount of stress. Detox will be even more stressful on you. Making sure your body is getting what it needs nutritionally, will ease some of those physical symptoms.
Keep yourself hydrated and nourished. Even if it’s only ice chips, ginger ale, or Gatorade. Food and hydration will help you keep your strength for this important journey.
9. Temptations
Understanding what temptations are, what they look like, and how to recognize them is the first step in avoiding them. In fact, if you can avoid temptation altogether then it’s highly likely that your recovery will be much easier.
If you’re not participating in a detox program at a monitored facility, you need to make sure you’ve removed temptations from your life.
Remove all drugs and alcohol from your home that weren’t prescribed by your doctor.
Go through your phone and remove names and numbers of people who are still using and are associated with drugs and alcohol. The same goes for your social media.
10. Not Preparing
Make a plan. Detoxing can be overwhelming at times and if you are not planning it can lead to problems down the road.
We strongly suggest that before starting your detox journey, sit down with someone who has been through it before, or a detox professional, so they can help guide you through some of these difficulties that may arise during detox.
The less stress you feel, the more successful the outcome. Make yourself as comfortable as possible heading into this journey. This includes talking with your employer.
Conclusion
You might be feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of detoxing.
You may feel apprehensive or nervous about how it will affect your daily life, and perhaps even worried that you won’t be able to do it at all.
But remember that recovery isn’t just about getting clean—it’s about making positive changes for the rest of your life. The most important thing is to keep going!