How To Get Through Detox

Are you ready to quit using drugs forever?  The first step in getting clean and sober is the detoxification process.

Detox is the process of weaning your body and mind from drugs.  Most people who have been using drugs for a significant period of time need to detoxify for between five to ten days.  Cleaning out every bit of the substance is the goal of detox.  It isn’t an easy process, and if you are heavily addicted, it can also be dangerous.  Those who are addicted to alcohol or benzodiazepines can go through withdrawal that causes them to have seizures and can be fatal.

When taking drugs, your system becomes dependent on the drugs for them to function.  Withdrawing from the drugs makes you physically ill and emotionally volatile.  To help aid your recovery, here are some things that you can do to help detox from both drugs and alcohol.

Check into a detox center

Quitting drugs cold turkey by yourself is not safe.  Some drugs, including opioids like heroin, can cause very severe withdrawal symptoms.  Alcoholism puts people at serious risk of having seizures during the detox process.  It is also common for people to give into drug cravings and accidentally overdose during detox, as tolerance has gone down so the body becomes more susceptible to the effects of drugs.

Eat a nutritious diet

Drug withdrawal throws your digestion completely off.  Being nauseous, having diarrhea, and throwing up are all common.  Even when you are not hungry, try to eat some healthy foods.  Your body requires lots of nutrients, especially niacin and vitamin C, to help it get through detox.  Get at least five cups of fruit and vegetables every day. 

Load up on good quality proteins from fish, lean meats, and vegetable-based protein sources.  Chocolate can help your body release endorphins, which make you feel a little happier.  Anywhere that considers itself the Georgia Detox Marietta will provide you with access to lots of healthy food.

Increase intake of water

Water flushes toxins in the body away faster.  Fluids are needed for organ detoxifying.  You must replenish the water that you have lost from diarrhea and vomiting.  Some patients at detox suffer from a runny nose and profuse sweating.  Colder water helps to cool down hot body temperatures.  Drink about 12 cups of water each day to keep properly hydrated.  Remember that tea, coffee, and low-sugar juices all also deliver H20.

Stay active

In drug detox, you might want to curl up and cry.  It is a tough process, but many people have gone through it before you, and many will after you.  You can do it!  Low-intensity exercise is a great way of getting through the process. 

Getting your blood pumping helps to release a feel-good chemical known as dopamine.  You can go for a walk or a hike, swim laps in the pool at the Georgia Detox Marietta, or play a game of football or basketball.  When you get bad cravings, try doing some lunges or squats.  Moving helps distract you and keeps you from thinking too much about the withdrawal symptoms.

Do breathing exercises

Your lungs have receptors that suppress your nerves when you inhale slowly and deeply.  Each time you exhale, you breathe out toxins and stress.  Getting oxygen to your cells helps to boost the drug detox.  Start by finding a quiet place and getting comfortable.  Close your eyes and take a deep breath through your nose. 

Hold the breath for a full seven seconds and then release it for eight seconds.  Practice breathing like this before bedtime to get a better night’s sleep.  You can combine this exercise with different meditation techniques to reduce anxiety and depression, and there are a plethora of other benefits for those who are able to keep up a consistent meditation practice.

Keep connected

There is no shame in requiring help.  Don’t push away the staff at Georgia Detox centers when they try and console you.  The staff at Marietta Detox want the best for you.  They are there to engage you with friendly and non-judgmental conversations.  Try opening up about the emotions and pain that you are feeling. 

Talk out the frustration and anger which you are feeling.  If possible, you can connect with your loved ones also.  Call parents, a sibling, spouse, or perhaps your best friend about how the detox process is going.  Or perhaps you could write an old-fashioned letter to send to them.