Written by Rob Baird
Detoxification is the period when drugs and alcohol leave your body. This process is a difficult and emotionally intense experience. After using drugs or alcohol for a prolonged period of time, your body and brain have become dependant on certain levels of them in your system. When tapering or discontinuing these substances, withdrawal symptoms occur. In this article, Can-Am Interventions would like to bring awareness to this necessary and crucial step, and some guidance to managing the intense emotions that occur during detox.
Emotional management techniques
While it’s difficult to manage your emotions when experiencing something as intense as detox, there are things that you can do to calm your body and mind. These techniques, a mix of physical relaxation techniques and behavioural modification exercises, can provide some relief from your symptoms. Below are some techniques to help manage emotions:
Creating a supportive environment. Setting up the environment around you to be as supportive as possible can ease the difficulties of detox. Soft light and music can create a more calming atmosphere. Regular check-ins and contact with loved ones can bring comfort. Personalise your environment so it meets your needs as much as possible—get someone else to help with this if you can’t do it yourself.
Stay distracted. Cravings and difficult emotions are running high during detox and early recovery, and healthy distractions can help you get through these difficult experiences.
During withdrawals, hobbies and activities you previously found enjoyable may not hold the same meaning or bring you as much pleasure as they did previously. Despite this, engaging in any hobbies or activities you can will be a welcome distraction. Exercise, listening to music, watching films and video games can all be used as a means of distraction to get through detox.
Self-care. It’s extremely important to take care of yourself during detox. Self-care activities can be a welcome distraction and can keep you at full strength to manage withdrawals. You should do everything you can not to neglect hydration, food or sleep. Insomnia is common during withdrawal, but trying to rest as much as you can is necessary. Keeping on top of grooming and hygiene and moving your body through exercise are small ways of taking care of yourself throughout detox.
Therapy. There are many therapeutic modalities available. If you are attending in-patient detox they may be offered as part of your rehab programme – if not, group therapy is usually one of the lowest-cost and therefore most accessible forms of therapy.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy are common forms of therapy used in recovery- but just discussing your feelings with a counsellor can be beneficial when undergoing the detox process.
Help?
Once the physical withdrawals have been managed and you have made it through detox, the psychological elements of your addiction will need to be managed and addressed. The post-detoxification recovery process takes time, determination and commitment. This can involve engaging with therapy and support groups, seeking support from family and friends, and attending an in-patient rehab facility. Can-Am is here to help and guide you through these processes, and to make the accommodations that are needed for you to participate in these steps. If you or someone you care about require these steps and need help, please reach out to us today. We are here and ready to help.
For More Information:
E: patti.pike@canaminterventions.com W: www.canaminterventions.com
1-800-638-1812 Toll Free Internationally 415-827-3725 Cell /Text
