If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol dependence or addiction, it’s time to begin recovery. This journey to freedom begins with detox. During detox, your body rebalances itself. This process can be supported by over-the-counter or prescription medications, or you can choose a drug-free detox. The right choice for you depends on your unique situation, current health, and much more. Alcohol detox success starts with learning what detox program is right for you, beginning this treatment, and following it up with an in-depth program for long-term recovery.
Finding the right alcohol detox center can help you find success in recovery. Learn more about Michael’s House, a detox and residential treatment center in Palm Springs, California, today by calling 760.548.4032.
3 Tips for Alcohol Detox Success
These are three of the most important things to consider before starting alcohol detox.
1. Start with Professional Support
Trying to detox at home often does not give you the strong, healthy start you need for your recovery. Professional detox centers provide 24-hour medical supervision while a person is going through withdrawal to ensure they are as comfortable as possible.
Someone attempting a DIY detox may find themselves suffering more severe withdrawal symptoms than they anticipated and may not know how to alleviate them quickly and safely. You don’t have to make detox harder than it needs to be. You can recover safely, often faster, when you begin your recovery with professional treatment.
2. Know What to Expect
Knowing what to expect during detox can make the process much less intimidating. You will experience withdrawal symptoms, but they are only temporary. Alcohol detox typically lasts a few days to a few weeks, depending on your unique circumstances. During this time, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Alcohol cravings
- Restlessness
- Chills and fever
- Shakiness or seizures
When you start with professional support, you will have people on hand to keep an eye on your health. They will be there any time of day to answer any and all of your questions about what to expect or about what you are experiencing.
3. Keep a Positive Attitude
Staying positive about the process can give you a boost when it comes to alcohol detox success. If you’re struggling to maintain a good outlook on your health, life, or recovery, reach out to your treatment team. They are they to help and encourage you. Your therapist can offer such treatment options as motivational interviewing (MI) to keep you engaged and on track. Behavioral therapies like MI offer tools and skills for shaping how you think about and perceive your recovery.
Following Alcohol Withdrawal Success
Recovery isn’t over after detox. If you want to avoid having to detox again in the future, follow this step of recovery with the heart of addiction treatment—therapy. When you choose medically supervised detox services, therapy can begin right away. You can integrate the first steps of treatment into your detox experience. You can flow seamlessly from one to the next.
During the next steps of recovery in a treatment center, you may undergo different levels of care, including:
- Residential treatment –Therapists and other addiction treatment staff continue to provide around-the-clock support to help you manage triggers and cravings. You’ll also participate in different therapy methods in private sessions and in group settings.
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) – Stepping down to a PHP after detox or residential treatment allows you to continue to visit the treatment center regularly while beginning to resume your normal schedule. You’ll be able to live at home or in sober living accommodations to avoid triggers.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) – An IOP will provide the opportunity to truly step into your new life in recovery. You’ll still visit the treatment center a few times a week but for shorter amounts of time.
Your success in recovery can be greatly influenced by the time and effort you put into detox and rehab.
Learn How You Could Be Successful at Alcohol Detox at Michael’s House
The Michael’s House team is here for you 24 hours a day. Contact us at 760.548.4032 to learn more about medically supervised detox services and the addiction treatment programs we offer that may help you or a loved one. We provide free assessments to match you to the individualized care you need.
The team at Michael’s House is here any time you have questions or are ready to get started on your journey to a new, alcohol-free life. If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol dependence or addiction, it’s time to begin recovery—and the first step begins with detox.