Why Detox Can Be Beneficial For Addiction Recovery

If you have been suffering from addiction for a number of years and have finally decided to make a change, you may be worried about what rehabilitation entails. Many addicted individuals are scared that rehabilitation will be painful and traumatic, and this is what puts so many people off the idea of asking for help. Others are worried that they will appear weak if admitting they need help.

However, going it alone is not only difficult; it can be very dangerous as well. Depending on the type and severity of addiction you have, you may find that quitting alone can mean experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which can be quite intense. It is, therefore, important that you are medically supervised during this process; a detox programme is usually the best solution.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person has been abusing drugs or alcohol for some time, he or she become tolerant to the effects of the substance. This then means that they tend to use more and more of the drug or alcohol to get the same effects and that, in turn, means their body adapts to cope with the increased toxins. When these toxins are removed from the body, it can go into shock. This is why addicts tend to suffer withdrawal symptoms when they stop abusing drugs or alcohol.

For the first few days after a person stops taking drugs or drinking alcohol, they may experience withdrawal symptoms that are similar to flu symptoms. While these symptoms are not particularly painful or severe, they can be unpleasant, meaning that most addicts know that by simply drinking or using drugs again, the symptoms would go away. This makes the whole process extremely difficult

There is also the risk of serious withdrawal symptoms, which tend to affect those who have been heavy drinkers for a long time or those who have abused barbiturates heavily. These symptoms are known as DTs, or delirium tremens. The reason these symptoms are particularly dangerous is that they can cause the blood pressure to raise to dangerously high levels and this, coupled with an increased pulse rate, can lead to seizures or convulsions.

How Detox Can Help

Entering a rehabilitation programme, which includes detox, can often be the best solution for many addicted individuals. Those suffering withdrawal symptoms are medically supervised and given support and encouragement through the process. They may even be prescribed certain medications that will make the withdrawal symptoms easier to bear.

A large number of addicted individuals will give in to temptation and relapse during this stage of rehabilitation because of the withdrawal symptoms. On a programme of rehabilitation, though, this is less likely to occur.

It is impossible to know whether an addict will suffer DTs during withdrawal, so detox can be the safest way to get them through this process. Being under medical supervision when you try to withdraw from alcohol or drug abuse is the best way to ensure your safety at all times.

You may be able to find a suitable rehabilitation clinic that will also provide detox programmes. Middlegate can help you access information regarding treatments available for your addiction. We can assess your situation, advise on the best course of action, and refer you to a suitable clinic.

If you are assessed as having a high risk of developing acute withdrawal symptoms, then we may advise you to attend a specialist detox facility. In most cases, though, you can combine detox with a programme of rehabilitation.

For more information on the treatments available as well as advice and support on the next step of the process, contact Middlegate today.

This article originally published at Middlegate Blog here

How to Handle Low Days During Recovery

Living in the grip of addiction can be devastating for all involved. Those who suffer from addiction can find it hard to break the habit, and those who love them suffer the heartbreak of seeing their loved one in such despair.

Getting help for addiction is important but many addicts are reluctant to accept that they either have a problem or that they need external help. Many are unwilling to try rehab because they are afraid that it will be too painful or that they might not succeed. Others believe it is better to not try than to try and fail.

However, there are some who get to a point when they know they need help. They have reached their low point, and they are ready to make a positive change to their lives. These individuals may be prepared to accept help and are optimistic about their future sober life. This positive attitude can be hugely important in terms of a successful recovery, but it is common for these feelings of positivity to subside once the person is living their new sober life.

Ups and Downs

Those in recovery tend to have great days and then have days when they are feeling low. During these low periods, it is easy to feel disheartened but it is important to realise that these feelings are normal. However, if you notice that the low periods are lasting longer than the good periods, you may be in danger of relapse. It is vital that you learn how to get past these bad times by focusing on the good things in your life.

Learn to Love Your Life
One of the reasons you may feel down is because you are unable to appreciate the good things in your life. It is important to learn how to be grateful for the things you do have rather than focusing on those you don’t. It is easy to take things for granted, so learning how to appreciate your blessings may help you get your life back on track when you are feeling down.

Spend More Time with Those Who Inspire You

There are no doubt people in your life who inspire you, or maybe you have met someone in recovery who motivated you to get through your rehabilitation. If this is the case then spending time with these individuals is an excellent way to keep you on the straight and narrow. Try to avoid spending time with negative individuals as this can make you feel even more down and prevent you from enjoying the fact that you are proof that successful recovery is possible.

Read about Other People’s Recovery Journeys

Inspirational stories of other recovering addicts can be immensely powerful and can help you to remember why you wanted to be sober in the first place. There are many books available that document people’s stories but there are also plenty of options online including blogs, YouTube videos, and podcasts. Take the time to read about other people’s journeys as this can motivate you and inspire you to stay healthy and sober.

Think About What You Want from Life

You may have set yourself the goal of getting sober and, now you have reached that goal, you may be wondering what to do next. Think about the plans you had for yourself before you became addicted and maybe you can achieve those once-forgotten goals. Alternatively, set a new goal for yourself and put your energy into achieving your aims. This can be a great way for you to rekindle your positive energy and to focus on something else.

Speak to Someone Who Can Help

If you are still feeling low, talking to a professional can help. Middlegate has a team of experienced advisors and counsellors who can help by providing you with a listening ear. Call today to speak to one of our dedicated members of staff.

This article originally published at Middlegate Blog here