Medical detox is the first step in the road to recovery. This is also one of the most difficult steps. You will most likely experience unpleasant symptoms during alcohol withdrawal, such as chills, fever, depression, cravings and anxiety. You may even experience blackouts. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to make the process of alcohol withdrawal a little bit easier.
10 Tips for Successful Medical Detox for Alcohol Withdrawal
Most Importantly – Follow The Instructions Of The Staff
Although you may be uncomfortable during withdrawal, remember staff is there to help you. They have your best interests at heart. That is why you want to listen to everything that they tell you and follow their instructions.
Exercise/Eat Right
Alcohol withdrawal will put a significant strain on your body. You can stay healthy by following instructions to exercise and eat right after detox while you are in an alcohol treatment program.
Maintain A Positive Attitude
One of the keys to getting through any difficult ordeal, even medical detox, is to maintain a positive attitude. You may notice that the process seems to go faster when you think positively.
Remain Calm
The symptoms that you experience during alcohol withdrawal can be scary. However, it is important to realize that what you are going through is normal. You should try to remain calm and focus on improving your health.
Find A Way to Take Your Mind Off of Medical Detox
You do not want to sit around and think about how unpleasant alcohol withdrawal is, instead find a healthy way to manage your time. Listening to music and reading are examples of things that you can do to take your mind off of your symptoms.
Try To Stay Comfortable
You should try to keep yourself comfortable. For example, if you are experiencing chills, then you should wrap yourself in a blanket. If you are hot, then you should turn on the air conditioner or a fan. The staff of a medical detox program can help you, but only if you speak up!
Ask The Staff Members About Medication
Some people benefit from medication to lessen the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal during the medical detox process. Ask staff, but be prepared if they say no. They may have other ways to help you manage your symptoms, so have an open conversation with them about your symptoms and what you are experiencing.
Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydration is another one of the possible side effects medical detox. You will need to drink eight to ten cups of water per day to keep yourself hydrated. Follow the nutritional advice of the medical detox staff.
Get Plenty of Rest
Rest is extremely important to help the body recover, especially during medical detox when the body is trying to learn to function without drugs or alcohol. Aim to get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night.
Focus On Your Long Term Goals
When the symptoms of your alcohol withdrawal become very intense, even in a medical detox program, you should try to focus on your long-term goals. You should think about all of the things that you can accomplish once your addiction has been broken and you are living a clean and sober life.
You and your treatment team will need to decide which medical detox is best for your needs. If you or a woman you love is having problems with chemical dependency or alcohol, medical detox can help alleviate the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Remember that recovery from addiction and alcohol abuse treatment means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support. No matter what helps you seek treatment, take the opportunity to turn your life around. Treatment for addiction relapse, counseling, family therapy and aftercare can help you, so please call us today. Destination Hope: The Women’s Program is a full service addiction and women’s health treatment facility in Florida for women who suffer from substance abuse and behavioral health issues.