No matter what type of drug a person is addicted to – alcohol, cocaine, heroin, meth, prescription drugs – the first step in recovery is to remove these substances from the body. You cannot fully engage in a treatment program and make the most of it while still under the influence of drugs. Drugs and alcohol alter how your mind processes information and how your body functions. Before you can really delve into recovery, you want to be free from any addictive substances.
This happens through a detox program. Trying to detox on your own at home can be very unsafe and many people are not successful in the long-term. As your body rids itself of drugs and alcohol, you will experience the symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms can be rather uncomfortable and difficult to overcome on your own. However, in a detox program like Northbound’s oneEIGHTY, you will have medical supervision and support throughout the process. Medical staff can provide medication if needed to help ease the symptoms and severity of withdrawal and keep you as comfortable as possible. They can also help you to engage in holistic healing such as meditation, deep breathing and yoga to push through withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of withdrawal may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Body aches
- Mood swings
- Sweating
- Chills
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Drug cravings
Northbound staff members closely monitor your health and address any issues that arise to ensure your safety and well-being. Trying to detox at home, you do not have this same support or medical care immediately available. Regardless of the substance, detox at Northbound is possible, and staff is trained to manage and support you in the challenges you may face in a safe, healthy way.
Detox Alone is Not Enough
Detox is a great start to recovery as your body and mind are no longer under the influence. However, it only addresses the physical dependence on drugs or alcohol, not the mental effects. Simply ridding your body of drugs is not enough on its own to promote lifelong recovery. Recovery involves changing your thought patterns, developing healthier habits, working through underlying issues, recognizing triggers, establishing healthy coping mechanisms and much more. Addiction is not just a physical problem.
Once you are stabilized and your body has adjusted to being substance-free, you can focus on the next steps of recovery. You may begin some therapies while still in a detox program to help you keep moving forward and to prepare you for a residential program or outpatient program. At Northbound, you will begin to build trusting relationships with staff, therapists and other clients. This can be very motivating and encouraging knowing that you are not alone and you have support. You will be able to collaborate with staff to devise a treatment plan that meets your needs and goals in recovery. This may include various evidence-based therapies, educational groups, recreational activities, holistic therapy, support groups and more.
Comprehensive Detox at Northbound
Some detox programs only focus on helping clients overcome withdrawal symptoms and achieve sobriety. At Northbound, detox encompasses so much more. Medication-assisted treatment options are available to ease withdrawal symptoms and help reduce cravings. This may include medications such as methadone, buprenorphine or Suboxone. Administration and management of these medications is carefully monitored.
Our clients also receive nutritious meals to support their body in healing and recovering from the effects of substance use. Drugs and alcohol can take a toll on the body and contribute to malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies and more. With healthy meals, you will be able to boost your energy, support your immune system, build strength and feel better overall because your body is being fueled by the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that it needs.
You will also be able to start participating in groups and activities as you progress in the detox program. This allows you to stay motivated and engaged, start developing beneficial skills, cope with challenges you are facing, and build confidence in your recovery. In addition, you will be in a safe, relaxing environment where you can focus on recovery and letting your body heal.
Dealing with Dual Diagnosis
Detox can present its own challenges for clients who are struggling with a dual diagnosis. The presence of a mental health disorder can lead to other symptoms and issues during detox. It is important that these issues are addressed and your mental health is properly managed. Northbound’s clinical staff is well-versed in dealing with co-occurring disorders and supporting clients in navigating through detox as comfortably as possible while also stabilizing their mental health.
Dealing with the effects of mental illness while trying to detox at home can also make things more challenging, adding to the importance of seeking a professional and licensed detox center like Northbound. You do not have to try to cope with these struggles on your own, and detox does not have to be a miserable experience. There is hope, and recovery is possible.
Detox and Beyond
By entering into a professional detox program, you are setting yourself up for a more positive experience. Right from the start, you will have compassionate, knowledgeable, safe treatment at Northbound. This can get you in the right frame of mind to keep moving forward into the next stage of treatment such as a residential program. You will be able to build your confidence and realize that you can beat addiction, and detox is only the first step.
Once your body and mind are free from the influence of drugs and alcohol, you have so many options for your path to recovery. Many clients at Northbound transition into a residential program, but there are others who find that outpatient treatment is a better fit for their needs. Your treatment is flexible and adaptable to where you are in recovery. In addition, as you progress, you gain more independence and have the opportunity to engage in a variety of different programs including services to support you in furthering your education and returning to work.
At each step along your journey, you will find that you have the support you need to thrive. Detox is the starting point, but where you go from there is up to you. Northbound is here to guide you along the way and offer the comprehensive continuum of care you need to be successful.
If you’re ready to start your journey to recovery, contact Northbound about entering our detox program! Living substance-free is possible.
