Recovering from addiction starts by recognizing there is a problem that you can’t solve without help. Once you’ve made that admission, the first thing you need to do is go through detoxification. This means that all addictive substances need to get out of your system, allowing you to be substance-free so that you can mentally focus and remain physically stable enough so you can begin your recovery journey.
If you’re physically or mentally addicted to alcohol or drugs, getting completely substance-free is probably easier said than done. Withdrawal can be terrifying and even dangerous, but addiction recovery doesn’t really begin until you get through it. Until your body is completely free of such chemicals, there is little or no chance you’ll be able to pay attention to what you need to do to stay away from substances in the future.
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Staying Safe During Detoxification
Most people who have been misusing substances for a while need to detox in an environment that is safe and supportive. Withdrawal symptoms can be very difficult to go through, and being in an inpatient environment removes the temptation to pick up substances at the first sign of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient detoxification allows you to go through withdrawal in a place where medical professionals are available around the clock. They may be able to ease the intensity of your withdrawal symptoms, and they’ll be able to deal with any medical complications that you may experience as strong chemicals leave your system. Withdrawal from some substances can set off dangerous and possibly even life-threatening symptoms. In an inpatient environment, you’ll be able to get the medical treatment you need during this process.
What Comes After Withdrawal?
While you might want to believe that getting the chemicals out of your system is all you need to do in order to be sober, there is much more to recovery than that. If you’ve been relying on drugs or alcohol for any length of time to cope with stress or any other emotions, there’s a good chance that as soon as you return to real life and experience emotions (either good or bad), you’ll be compelled to turn to substances again.
Recovery needs to include making a plan for how to deal with triggers that make you want to use. This is why going to rehab after detox gives you the best shot at not only getting sober but staying sober.
Why Drug or Alcohol Rehab is so Important After Detox
Once the chemicals have left your system, you’re faced with the next phase of the recovery process. You’re likely to experience a roller coaster of emotions, which at times may cause intense cravings for substances that you’ve used in the past to reduce the intensity of your emotions.
At this point, you need to learn as much as you can about the disease of addiction and the actions you can take to deal with stormy emotions while staying away from mind-altering substances. When you go to drug or alcohol rehab after detox, you’ll begin to learn and practice new coping skills for dealing with cravings and feeling your feelings rather than running from them. You’ll begin to build a support network of individuals who truly understand what you are going through.
Depending on the type of substance and the amount you have been using, when you’re ready to begin to learn to live a better life that doesn’t require dependence on substances, going through detox followed by rehab gives you the best chance at recovery. By going through this process, you can learn new ways of coping with stress without substances and learn to keep your cravings in check.
If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, please call us at (310) 455-5258 or submit the form below to learn more about our alcohol treatment programs in Los Angeles.