Substance addiction is like stepping into a cyclone; never knowing what to expect by the minute or what will happen to you after it passes. Every time you take a drink of alcohol or use a drug, you step back into the chaos and confusion of substance addiction.
There may come a time when you decide to take the necessary steps to protect yourself from the storm. If you have a substance use disorder (SUD), protection means beginning substance addiction therapy. The first step of recovery is daunting because, like a storm, there is so much unknown. To help you understand and prepare for substance addiction treatment, you can use this as a guide through detoxification (detox) treatment.
Find a Detox Treatment Center
Detoxing on your own can be detrimental to your body, so a DIY approach is never recommended. Before you abruptly stop using a substance, find out what type of detox is right for you. There are a few types of detox that will meet your specific needs.
Complete abstinence: When you quit abruptly or “cold turkey,” your body immediately withdraws from alcohol and drugs. In detox, your body rids the chemicals that hijacked your brain's neurons, or the “feel good” brain cells. Without these chemicals, your brain and body begin to react, sometimes with deadly effects. This is why this detox method should always be supervised by a medical professional.
Cold tapering: The cold tapering process involves slowly decreasing the amount of a substance over time to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. The slow withdrawal process guides your brain cells to adjust to being sober.
Substitution tapering: When you undergo substitution tapering, your medical provider replaces your substance of choice with a comparable, lower addiction capacity substance. Medically supervised detox centers that use this detox process do so because it reduces any pain or discomfort from the withdrawal process.
From Detox to Substance Addiction Treatment
Most medically supervised detox centers will help you enter a substance addiction treatment program. As you end the detox process, counselors, social workers, or case managers will form a transition plan. A seamless transition from detox to substance addiction treatment will decrease your stress.
After you settle into treatment, you will participate in individual, group, or holistic therapy sessions. Each form of therapy aims to aid your healing process.
Individual therapy is when you talk privately with a therapist about your behavior patterns or underlying mental health disorders, treatment plans, and your transition to aftercare. During these sessions, you can explore why you use alcohol or drugs and what triggers your use. By discovering these issues, you can form a comprehensive treatment plan to replace harmful habits with healthy alternatives. In some cases, you will have the choice to begin medication to help you cope with a mental health disorder.
Group therapy is a chance to listen and learn from others and better understand how others face their own addiction. Throughout these sessions, you can choose to join in the conversation or process what you hear.
Holistic therapies are a part of comprehensive care. Therapies like meditation or yoga can help you reconnect with your mind and body as they gently guide you to listen to and accept what your body is telling you. Of course, there are other forms of holistic therapies like equine, art, exercise, or nature therapy.
Many substance addiction treatment programs also offer nutrition and life skills classes. Some also provide family therapy or innovative, evidence-based treatments like neurofeedback therapy.
Aftercare Treatment
As you come to the end of your substance addiction treatment program, you may wonder what is the next step in recovery. During one of your therapy sessions, talk with your therapist about aftercare. Aftercare treatment plans can include going to a 12-Step program, finding a support group, building a solid support system, or entering sober living.
Many people find comfort in a 12-Step program. An advantage to this kind of program is finding a sponsor you can talk to in times of need. Sometimes, knowing you have someone to reach out to—no matter what—gives you peace of mind.
However, you may find that a 12-Step program does not work for you. Instead, you can join a sober group that meets your needs. A few ideas are to look for groups that share an interest, participate in community volunteering, or engage in spiritual practices.
If you are not ready to go back to your daily life when you complete your substance addiction treatment, you can always talk with your therapist about a sober living program. Sober living programs are a less immersive form of living that provides care while you build a healthy support system.
The decision to stop using substances is daunting because you don't know what to expect once you enter a medically supervised detox treatment center. Before you talk yourself out of finding help for your substance use disorder, step back, assess your life, and do your research. Find a detoxification center that fits your needs and call them to learn about their treatment options and philosophy. Monte Cristo Recovery welcomes inquiries about our detoxification treatment options. We believe safe and healthy recovery starts with medically supervised detox. Monte Cristo Recovery's withdrawal process includes the necessary treatment to address the initial stages of withdrawal and use a tapering-off approach. As the detox process comes to an end, our staff will ensure a smooth transition from detox to substance addiction treatment. Our convenient location in Orange County, California, and affordable services make us the perfect place to start your healing journey. For more information, call us at (714) 824-9896.