Detoxing from Drugs and Alcohol

Throughout the course of history, society has struggled with the use of intoxicants. Prohibition became the law of the land in the early part of the 20th century, as the United States attempted to curtail the use of alcohol. Though this law did bring down the level of alcohol abuse, ultimately, the large black market for alcohol ultimately did the prohibition movement in. Since then, laws regarding the use of alcohol for minors have been consistently enforced, as have laws regarding the use of alcohol while driving, but ultimately, adults are expected to use alcohol responsibly on a social level as they see fit.

What happens, however, when the use of intoxicants like alcohol or other drugs, like cocaine or even prescription drugs like Oxycontin, gets out of control and becomes a true addiction? The price of addiction is very high, unfortunately, both financially and emotionally. People under the throes of serious drug addiction will sacrifice everything, including their careers and their families, in order to get to that next major “high.” Centers like California Alcohol Detox are available to help those who are suffering from addiction, but the first step is in admitting there is a problem. For those who have hit bottom and are ready to start healing, an appointment at a detox center, like Sober Living in Pasadena, is a major step.

Getting an Assessment

When a client first enters a rehab center, they will meet with an experienced healthcare professional and begin an assessment of their physical situation. This assessment will help in developing a sound treatment plan that deals with the client’s physical addiction as well as their emotional state. Some clients may be in severe distress when they enter treatment, so it’s important that their situation be handled with delicacy and care.

Once they have been assessed, the client will begin the detoxification process.

Detoxing From Drugs and Alcohol

It’s crucial for a client to be detoxed from drugs before they begin the real work of recovery. It’s impossible to deal responsibly with the many issues driving the addiction when the person is still using intoxicants, so they must go through a detox that is safely monitored by a healthcare professional.

Withdrawal symptoms are a major issue in detox, when the client is removed from he regular use of drugs. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and seizures, so it’s imperative that the situation be monitored closely to avoid injury. Some drugs can bring on severe symptoms if stopped “cold turkey,” so in some cases the client may have to be slowly weaned off drugs so that their body can recover without bringing on dangerous symptoms.

After detox is complete, the client will rest and then begin therapeutic counseling sessions.

Therapy

Therapy, under the guidance of a trained counselor, is a crucial part of a client’s recovery. In one on one or group sessions or both, the client can work with a supportive counselor and deal with the issues driving their addiction. This is important work that takes courage and honesty, but it can hugely benefit the person struggling to become fully sober. Group sessions give the client the chance to offer and receive support from others who are coping with the same issues.

Along with counseling, clients will also have the chance to take part in group activities, like hiking, horseback riding, art classes, yoga, or even bowling. These active sessions give the client a chance to connect with the world in a joyful way they may not have been able to while they were using intoxicants regularly. All of this can be hugely beneficial and healing, while also helping the client to become stronger and more balanced physically as they recover.

Leaving the Detox Center

When a client is finished with counseling, they must make a plan for re-entering the world as a sober person. For some people, a commitment to continuing their recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings will be crucial. Some clients may need to enter a sober living group home in order to continue their recovery without the temptations of their old social circle. A counselor can help guide the client into a plan that will work best for them.

Ultimately, recovery is a journey and a commitment. If you or a loved one needs help in starting that journey, call a treatment center today and make the commitment to sobriety. Help is out there, just ask for it.