An individual seeking treatment for an addiction has to go through a step by step process to return to a sober way of living. The first step in the process is to go through detoxification. This first step of Drug and Alcohol detox in California is one of the most difficult when dealing with what the drugs and alcohol have done to your mind and body. At this stage, relapse is more likely to occur as you navigate all the emotions involved in wanting to get clean. It is important to have the right mindset going into the process and learn ways to keep that mindset to avoid setbacks.
What Is Drug/Alcohol Detox?
Detox is the first step in the process at any drug and alcohol treatment near me to rid the body of an addictive substance, so the individual is stable enough to continue on in the recovery process. Detox is considered a medical intervention process using medicine and the process of tapering, depending on the severity of the addiction, to help a patient detox successfully. The process can occur either in an outpatient setting, or within an inpatient alcohol and drug rehab center like Gratitude Lodge. We offer professional, credentialed inpatient medical detox, so you will have the constant support you need to handle the process.
As detox begins, one of the uncomfortable side effects you may experience is withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms occur because of how the drugs and alcohol change your brain chemistry. Your brain becomes dependent on the substances instead of the natural chemicals in your brain to regulate your mood. Detox forces your brain to re-learn how to work without drugs and alcohol. As a result, symptoms can occur such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Hallucinations
These symptoms make it easy to want to give up and potentially relapse if you are not in the right mindset.
Your Mindset In Drug/Alcohol Addiction Detox
Mindset is your way of thinking or your attitude toward a subject matter. There are two types of mindsets: growth and fixed. A growth mindset is what is needed for successfully rehabbing at an addiction recovery center because it allows for change to occur and progress to be made. An individual with a growth mindset believes that their talents can be developed.
A fixed mindset is stagnant and those who have a fixed mindset do not believe change is possible. A growth mindset improves motivation and helps you see that making changes in your life leads to healthier lifestyle and a sober way of living. It is important to set goals within a growth mindset so that you can stay on track during the recovery journey.
Staying Motivated During Detox
Motivation is an important attitude needed during detox. Motivation can start off strong when you realize you need help but as time goes on, motivation declines due to withdrawal symptoms and thoughts of wanting to relapse. The question remains, what are some ways to keep motivation high during detox?
- Ask others for help and support – find people who have had a similar experience and allow them to give you advice
- Maintain healthy habits – continue exercising and eating healthy and stick to a good sleeping schedule
- Find something you enjoy doing – start partaking in a hobby or recreational activity that helps fill your time
- Establish a routine – sticking to a daily schedule helps you feel more in control and stay grounded
A Positive Mindset During Detox
Addiction recovery stirs up many emotions in a victim. Emotions like despair and shame prompt a negative mindset. A negative mindset is associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, which makes it difficult to want to enter an addiction recovery center. If you have a negative mindset in rehab, it can hinder the process of recovery and fill your head with thoughts about giving up.
When a victim is ready to enter a treatment facility, they have to learn to change their mindset in order to get well. Patience and perseverance are important in the recovery process and those do not exist without having a positive mindset. A positive mindset is key going through addiction recovery. Research shows that a positive mindset has been linked to favorable health outcomes. A positive mindset contributes favorably to physical and mental health. Patients with this mindset are more likely to be open and engaging with the process and they are more willing to make friends within the center to lean on for support.
There is power in positive thinking because it reduces stress, allows for better sleeping patterns, and allows your internal happiness to translate to external success. Keeping a positive mindset is difficult, especially on this journey. Some ways to keep this positive mindset are to journal, surround yourself with positive people, avoid negativity of any kind, and look for inspirational or spiritual quotes to uplift you.
Detox At A California Addiction Treatment Center
At Gratitude Lodge, we have inpatient and outpatient programs available for drug and alcohol detox at all our luxurious addiction treatment centers in Newport Beach and Long Beach, California. Depending on your needs, we can get you set up in the best treatment program for you and our staff will be there every step of the way to make sure you get the support you need to make a full recovery. Let us help you take that first step to sober living.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2895001/
