How to Cope With the Fear of Detox

Detox is usually the first step in any treatment and recovery program and can often serve as a deterrent for many. Most programs require that you go through the detox process in order to participate in rehabilitation programming. Detox is important because it allows your body to reset and reap all of the benefits the treatment can provide.

Some hesitancy or concern regarding the detox process is understandable. It can be a difficult process for many. Detox often symbolizes the first step to changing their life. They know that once they walk through those doors, they will not be able to access the substances they have become so dependent on. While this is a good thing, it can be intimidating.

What Is Detox?

Detox is the process of cleansing your body of all toxins, or in this case, substances, to allow for healing. This process can vary in duration depending on the substances used, how frequently, and for how long.

Detox addresses withdrawal symptoms and can help you cope and remain as comfortable as possible as your body learns to function without substances. Withdrawal symptoms can be pretty significant depending on the type of substance, frequency, and duration. In fact, experiencing withdrawal can often lead people to continue using to ease the symptoms.

While going through detox, you’ll be monitored closely to ensure you are safe and responding well. Symptoms will be managed safely and in a way that supports your path to sobriety. In many cases, pharmacological treatments are used to help cope with severe symptoms and avoid shock.

Why Detox Is Important

In order for you to benefit from all treatment has to offer, you must begin with a clean slate. Getting your body back to baseline, if you will, allows you to re-focus your mental and physical energy and prioritize recovery.

It would be very difficult to focus on participating in therapy, health and wellness groups, and other important activities during the treatment process if you are struggling with withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to address these needs before beginning treatment so that you are most likely to benefit from the program.

Fears of Detox

Being afraid of the detox process is common. If you have experienced withdrawal symptoms before, you will likely want to avoid these at all costs. As mentioned, symptoms can be so severe that you might prefer to continue using to cope with the pain that you experience during withdrawal.

It is important to consider the long-term goal, however. The sooner you go through detox and begin treatment, the sooner you can begin healing. The benefit to going through a safe detoxification process over trying to detox at home would be the level of care and support you can receive. Choosing a facility that offers a calming and soothing healing environment along with 24/7 observation and care can help you get through it.

Choosing the Best Facility

Because detox can often be a deterrent for many when it comes to seeking help, it is important to consider the type of treatment facility and environment that might work best for you. For example, choosing a treatment facility that takes a holistic approach to healing and provides a calming and supportive detox environment can make the process and transition into treatment a little more comfortable.

Just as person-centered and individualized treatment is important, so is individualized detox. Some may have more than one addiction that needs to be addressed during the detox phase. Selecting a facility that prioritizes tailored detox and treatment programs is your best bet.

After Detox

Even following detox you may continue to experience some unpleasant symptoms such as anxiety, symptoms of depression, trouble sleeping, etc. However, it’s important to remember that the opportunities following detox are endless. This is where the real healing begins, and your new lifestyle can begin to develop.

Many begin treatment immediately following detox to ensure there is no time for potential relapse or distraction. This is the model used by most facilities. Depending on your treatment plan established at intake, you may be transitioned to residential living, or you may be on track to begin outpatient therapy. At Enlightened Solutions Detox, counselors will review your individualized program steps and details with you at the appropriate time.

After detox, you will have a clearer mind and cleansed body, and you can begin to consider what might be next for your life. You will start feeling better both physically and mentally and can take full advantage of what treatment has to offer. Overcoming your fears of detox allows you to move forward and begin your recovery journey.

Detox is the first step toward treatment and is a very important process. Many fear detox and allow this to serve as a barrier to seeking treatment. Don’t let the fear of detox keep you from getting the help you need. At Enlightened Solutions, we provide a safe and supportive environment for the detox process and aim to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Following detox, you will have the opportunity to meet with counselors to review program steps and create a treatment plan. Let us help you recover from your addiction and begin healing physically, mentally, and spiritually. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, we can help. Detox can be scary, but we will help and support you every step of the way. Give Enlightened Solutions a call today at (833) 801-LIVE.