It can be difficult to choose a path that leads away from substance use and towards a brighter future for yourself and your family. Choosing recovery options like alcohol detox is not easy, but neither is coping with the effects of substance use disorders. Facing this decision is life-changing and it’s worth setting the fear aside.
There are many approaches you can take to confront your drug and alcohol addiction. As a first step in recovery, you should consider finding the best detox center near you. You will want to look for addiction treatment centers that have experience treating people like you and that offer a full spectrum of care. Once you’ve selected a place for treatment, the recovery program will begin with detox.
What is Detox?
Detox refers to the process or a specific period of time when a person refrains from using drugs or alcohol. This period can result in experiencing withdrawal which is why it’s important to detox under the supervision of a healthcare professional. This process allows the body to reset and reach an abstinent state.
People who are occasional drinkers are unlikely to experience intense withdrawal symptoms. That said, if you have experienced the effects of withdrawal from alcohol in the past, it is more likely that those symptoms will return the next time you detox.
If you are a heavy alcohol drinker and have been for weeks, months, or even years, detox could mean facing mental and physical symptoms while in a drug detox program. These symptoms may be minor but they can also be severe and even life-threatening.
Some common symptoms you may experience during an alcohol detox program may include:
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Extreme hallucinations
- Disorientation
- Delirium tremens rapid onset of confusion)
- Muscle aches
Many people who face drug or alcohol addiction also struggle with other mental health issues and co-occurring disorders.
Medical detoxification at an alcohol detox center is recommended so that your symptoms and health can be monitored to ensure your comfort and safety. By starting out in a detox center, you’ll be better equipped to further free yourself from the influences of alcohol and drug addiction. Detox should never be attempted at home or without medical supervision at a licensed detox facility. If safe detox at an alcohol detox facility is not an option and you are considering detoxing at home, make sure you have support from a loved one and consider the following:
Limit Alcohol Consumption
It is said that more than 90% of alcohol is metabolized in your liver. Liver enzymes help metabolize alcohol to acetaldehyde, which is a known cancer-causing chemical. The liver converts acetaldehyde into a harmless substance called acetate, which is later eliminated from your body helping with the detox.
Drinking too much alcohol reduces your liver’s ability to carry out its normal functions, which is why it is crucial to limit alcohol consumption. Limiting or avoiding alcohol entirely is one of the best ways to keep your body’s detoxification system running properly.
Focus on Your Sleep Cycle
Getting adequate and quality sleep each night is important to support your body’s health and natural detoxification process. While you’re sleeping, your brain works hard to reorganize the day’s thoughts and remove any toxins that have accumulated from substance use. The quality of your sleep impacts your body’s ability to perform these recovery processes so it is important to do what you can to improve the nature of your sleep.
Drink More Water
Water is essential for your body’s regulation system. It regulates your body temperature, lubricates the joints, aids in digestion and helps in your nutrient absorption. It is also key for detoxification as it helps the body remove waste and toxins. Staying hydrated during the detox treatment process is essential and will aid the overall process.
Reduce Intake of Sugar and Processed Foods
Sugar and processed foods contribute to a variety of health problems. Because these foods put extra strain on your body, they can make the detox process more difficult. These kinds of foods and beverages have also been linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. If your body is working to recover from other illnesses, detox becomes more strenuous.
Eat Foods High in Prebiotics and Antioxidants
Antioxidants help protect your cells against damage, so consuming a diet that is rich in antioxidants helps your body reduce the risk of diseases that can impact the detoxification process. Gut health begins with prebiotics, a kind of fiber that assists the microorganisms in your stomach. The good bacteria in your gut can easily become unbalanced, weakening your immune and detoxification systems.
Decrease Your Salt Intake
Consuming too much salt often results in your body holding extra fluid which can impact your kidneys and liver, both critical in the detox process. The remaining fluid can be taxing on other systems and organs in the body, which increases the overall strain your body endures during detox.
While it may sound counterintuitive, increasing your water intake is one of the best-known ways to eliminate the excess water weight that you put on due to consuming too much salt. By increasing your water intake, your body reduces the secretion of the antidiuretic hormone and increases the process of urination which helps in eliminating more toxins and waste.
Get Active
Regular exercise is associated with a reduced risk of many conditions and diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. While there are several health benefits associated with regular exercise, reduced inflammation is key for people planning to detox.
By reducing inflammation, exercise can help your body’s systems function properly and protect against disease. It is recommended that you do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercises, such as a brisk walk, every day.
Ready for Alcohol Detox?
No matter where you live, there is a drug rehab center that can help you overcome your substance abuse problem. Finding the rehab center that best suits your needs is key to long-term recovery. Pacific Sands Recovery Center helps you take the first step towards a new life. Our medical detox center is equipped to cater to a client’s health and comfort needs by providing round-the-clock medical care for a long-lasting recovery.
If you’re ready to detox and are looking for help to start your journey to recovery, get in touch with us today! We offer a wide range of detox services that can guide you to a safe and happy life. We are standing by 24/7 to discuss your treatment options.
