Addiction treatment is a long process that requires intense periods of recovery. This recovery journey is marked by very strong withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to life with substance use. Make sure you’re prepared to get through this withdrawal period as you work to achieve sobriety by keeping the following four tips in mind.
One of the most important steps to take when preparing to face withdrawal systems is to find a rehab center that has a medically assisted detox program. This type of medical detox provides round-the-clock medical assistance and supervision while your body detoxes from the substance. Depending on the substance abused, the rehab staff may provide medications to help ease the discomfort and severe symptoms caused by this detox.
One of the best programs to consider when seeking treatment from a rehab center is inpatient residential treatment. In this type of program, you’ll undergo a medical detox program, followed by inpatient treatment where you’ll work to achieve mental and emotional sobriety. While this can be an expensive option, it is by far the safest when you choose a high quality clinic. Check with your insurance provider to see if any rehab costs can be covered by them, and reach out to local and national aid programs for further funding. Even if you have to reach out to friends and family for help, know that true friends won’t mock your decision, but will be supportive of your recovery.
Withdrawal symptoms should never be faced alone. While you may be tempted to try to get clean on your own, it’s important to get professional help. Going cold turkey or trying to get clean on your own will put you at risk of relapsing. As symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens can be very intense, this may lead you to use again, causing you to potentially relapse. It is therefore essential that you not only handle withdrawals in a tapering manner, but you also absolutely need professional supervision to help you manage the dosage, prevent relapse, and help protect you from yourself during the transition.
As you undergo treatment, you’ll learn new coping mechanisms to help you achieve long-term sobriety. With the help of counseling and support groups, you’ll adopt a new routine and mindset to help you stay strong when rehab is over. During this process, it’s important to put together a relapse prevention plan. This plan details exactly what to do and what you learned in treatment to prevent relapsing after you leave treatment. This can include things like how to avoid running into temptation, such as destroying your stash, avoiding old friends who would pressure you to relapse, and getting a sponsor.
Don’t leave rehab without identifying a strong support system. Whether you join Alcoholics Anonymous or stay in contact with your peers from group counseling, having a support system is a significant part of your relapse prevention strategy. Staying in contact with this support system will help you stay strong the next time you’re triggered to use again. A sponsor is especially helpful in these situations. A sponsor is someone you can call and come to when you feel like relapsing. Any time day or night, they agree to be on call to talk you out of harmful decisions and help you when you’re stuck.
There's no denying how uncomfortable it is to go through withdrawal symptoms. While this stage may seem unbearable, you can get through this. Keep this information in mind as you prepare to go through recovery.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.