6 Great Ways To Prepare For A Drug Detox

If you are living with addiction, you suffer from a mental disorder within the classification of substance use disorders (SUDs). Like other mental illnesses, it is entirely possible to live a happy, healthy life with the right treatment. The first step toward recovering is choosing to change.

The second step is detoxification. 

Detox shouldn't be intimidating/ With a little preparation, the experience will be much smoother.

Drug & alcohol detox, as it is commonly known, is the process of slowly phasing drugs or alcohol out of your body. During this period, you will experience withdrawal. The impact will differ depending on the specific substance and the longevity of use. At best, it is physically and mentally unpleasant. At worst, the situation can be lethal. This is why it is important to receive medical assistance through detox instead of trying to detox by yourself.

When preparing to enter a detox treatment center, there are actions you can take to ease your mind. If you or a loved one are starting the journey to sobriety, consider taking these actions before starting detox.

#1. Notify Your Workplace

Under the United States Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), if you seek out medical care for a serious health condition, you are allowed to leave your workplace for a period of up to 12 workweeks. During this period of time, you will not be paid, but your health benefits will be maintained as if you are still working. After this time, you can return to the same position you were employed in before or a nearly identical job. 

If you or your family member intends to take FMLA leave, it is important to notify the workplace as soon as possible. This allows time to ensure you meet all criteria. It also allows the employer to prepare for the absence.

#2. Prepare Your Finances

While in a detox facility, you may or may not have access to the internet. Even if you can use the internet though, you will likely not be in a mental or physical state to handle outside affairs. It is best to set all bills due during the detox period to automatic payments. Arrange for a loved one to handle any unexpected financial situations. The knowledge that someone else is handling finances will put you or your loved one's mind at ease so that the focus can remain on healing.

#3. Pack Your Bags

When preparing for a stay in a drug rehab or addiction center, it is important to pack essentials. This includes:

• Clothing
• Toiletries (ensure that none have alcohol in the ingredients)
• A list of your current medications and dosages (check with the center on whether to bring the medications)
• Contact information for family and/or friends

You or your loved one should consider whether to pack other comforting items as well. A journal might provide an outlet for thoughts and emotions. If the person entering the program has a favorite pillow or stuffed animal, it may give consolation during detox. You or your loved one could also go to your local print shop to get physical copies of family photographs.

#4. Notify Your Support System

The mental and physical symptoms of withdrawal make it hard to stay on the path of recovery for even the most fervent patients. You do not have to go through this experience alone. This is especially significant with the wealth of data pointing to social support as a major factor in maintaining sobriety. Before entering detox, you or your loved one should notify any person who would support the decision. Share contact information for the treatment facility. Though this step may seem optional, it is probably the most crucial. The toll of detox will be easier if others can be leaned on.

#5. Select a Treatment Facility

Detoxification is the first step to long-term sobriety. It is important to follow up detox with continued treatment though. Each treatment modality has its benefits. Whether you pursue long-term residential, short-term residential, intensive outpatient, or independent drug counseling will depend on the recommendations of the detox medical professionals. Their evaluations will help you determine the best option for you. It is not a requirement; however, selecting a treatment facility prior to detox that offers multiple modalities and fits your needs will lessen the burden of setting everything up at the end.

#6. Remember Your 'Why'

Preparations are not just physical. Anyone entering detoxification should do introspection to mentally prepare themselves. What is your or your loved one's motivation for making this big life change? The reasons will keep motivation high during treatment. When entering detox, you should write the answer down. Be sure to memorize it and recite it every day. The “why” will offer hope.

The clarity these steps provide allows you to focus entirely on staying sober. Now that you or your loved one knows how to prepare for detox, you are ready to start.

Thinking About Recovery Can Be Overwhelming Early On

It can help to prepare physically and mentally before starting the process of detoxification. The six suggestions discussed in this article will allow you to enter treatment with a mind focused on healing. This anchor will help you push through the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal.

When you detox with professionals, two things happen: withdrawal is much easier, and recovery is more likely to last. DetoxNearMe.com aims to help you find a detox provider who’s near you and within your budget. With thousands of listings, finding a detox center is as easy as logging in and hitting start.

Start recovery today with DetoxNearMe.com!