What Is Detox?
Detox on its own is a period of time where you abstain from a toxic substance. Or, you can define detox as a process in which you rid your body of unhealthy or dangerous substances.
While detoxification can be done at home or in a facility; it’s safest to go through detoxification at a clinic familiar with detoxing people from drugs or alcohol. During your stay in detox, you’ll rid your body of the substance you abuse, and you’ll begin to work on recovery.
What Treatments Take Place After Detox?
Immediately after detox, some patients move on to an addiction rehabilitation program. The program works on the emotional recovery needed more than the physical, although some physical assistance is still provided.
For instance, patients who enter treatment after detox may begin treatment with a strict therapy regimen. That may be private therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist, group therapy sessions, or other kinds of therapy, like animal-assisted therapy or equine therapy.
Alongside therapy, there are other kinds of treatments to help balance the body and mind. These may be tried:
- Massage therapy, which can help release muscular tension and allow the individual to relax and unwind
- Acupuncture, which can reduce tension in the body and increase circulation
- Sauna therapy, which can help further eliminate toxins from the body
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on helping individuals learn new behaviors that are positive instead of rehashing old, negative behaviors when triggers take place.
- Yoga therapy, which allows individuals to focus on meditation, self-reflection, and physical stretching and exercising.
- Nutrition therapy, which can encourage the correct nutrition to replace lost nutrients and amino acids lost during detox and through a poor diet.
These are some of the possible therapies that could be provided in rehabilitation programs. There are, of course, many others that may also be available depending on the program.
Do All Patients Receive Treatment After Detox?
Not all patients receive treatment after detox. In fact, some patients in outpatient programs may decide not to enter a recovery program at all. This can be a concern because detox without recovery is simply abstaining from drugs or alcohol, not becoming sober. To remain sober, you need to balance your mind, body, and spirit; you need to understand your body and recognize your triggers. Without therapy to address mental health conditions or triggers that affect you, it’s much harder to avoid things that could cause you to relapse.
What Can I Do To Help Myself Recover in the Long Term?
Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to drug or alcohol addiction treatment. Different kinds of programs will work for different people. For instance, if you don’t believe in using traditional medications, then you may not want to be in a long-term recovery program focused on a medicated recovery. Instead, you may do better in an alternative or holistic program that focuses on spirituality or alternative therapies like working with animals or nutrition to control cravings and avoid or face triggers.
Effective long-term treatment plans often hold you accountable for your actions through monthly, bi-monthly, half-yearly, or yearly meetings with your therapist or medical provider. You may also work with a forum of individuals in a 12-step program or live in a sober-living community. Long-term sobriety is most often achieved by those with strong support systems, so building a support system while you’re in a recovery program is vital. This support group could be your family, your medical care team, your friends, or people you know from a 12-step program. You may have a sponsor or become a sponsor to someone else to keep yourself accountable for your actions.
Is Long-Term Sobriety Achievable?
Long-term sobriety is achievable if you have the willingness to keep on a sober path. If you are eager to live without substance abuse and want to work toward a life without the influence of drugs or alcohol, there are dozens of programs you can be part of that can help you balance your life. From physical activities sponsored by your recovery facility to mental-health programs in the community, there is no lack of information and support for people like yourself.
Whether you need support after years of sobriety or want to start an aftercare program the day you leave rehab, it’s important to know that long-term sobriety can be achieved with a balanced mind and body.
Where Can I Learn More About Long-Term Sobriety?
If you’re ready to start a detox program or want to know more about long-term sobriety and the community groups that can help, learn more by dialing 1-877-978-3125 and speak with one of our helpful specialists now. You can also visit us online at www.CoastalDetox.com. We can help you find a program to help balance your body, spirit, and mind.