For many people, being addicted to drugs means that they cannot stop using without experiencing the onset of painful withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, those who wish to end their drug abuse once and for all are often left to deal with these symptoms when they begin the first step in their recovery with detox. Detox, depending on the severity of the individual’s drug addiction, can be highly distressing mentally, physically, and emotionally. That is why it is imperative that prior to detoxing, individuals consider which measures to take to ensure their comfort during drug detox.
What is Drug Detox?
Drug detox occurs when someone who has been regularly abusing drugs suddenly ceases their use. A number of withdrawal symptoms quickly develop, which can range in intensity based on the severity of the addiction. Common withdrawal symptoms often shared by all those going through drug detox can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Chills and sweats
- Anxiety
- Depression
There is a good amount of risk involved during drug detox, as some individuals can experience severe symptoms. For example, dehydration can become a concern for someone who cannot quell their nausea or vomiting. Panic attacks can occur and trigger an individual to use again in order to feel like they are back in control. This specific period of time is different for everyone, which is one of the primary reasons why detoxing in the care of professionals is most recommended.
How to Promote Comfort During Drug Detox
The most effective way to promote comfort during drug detox is to enroll in a professional detox program. There are trained professionals who can monitor your needs on a 24/7 basis as well as provide you with over-the-counter or prescription medications to address your symptoms. There are also mental health specialists available who can help you manage any mental health symptoms that you develop during this time. Detoxing in a facility also helps to alleviate any outside pressure or stress from daily life so that you can focus solely on the detox process. Whether you choose to detox in a facility or not, there are things that you can do on your own to make yourself more comfortable at this time.
Eat Well and Hydrate
Eating well and hydrating are absolute essentials when it comes to ways to promote comfort during detox. During your detox, you might feel nauseous or have stomach aches. You might even experience some vomiting or diarrhea. It is possible that the thought of eating might make your stomach turn, but it is imperative to maintain a healthy diet as much as possible. This includes eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, etc. Your body can begin to heal faster when you are using food as fuel rather than just eating whatever is around. Additionally, drinking as much water as possible can be key to helping the process move along. When you eat well and stay hydrated, you can help promote comfort during drug detox significantly.
Engage in Low-Intensity Exercise
The very thought of exercising during the detox process can be frightening for those who have experienced this process before. However, keeping your body active can help clear toxins and prevent you from becoming stagnant. When you are detoxing, focus on incorporating some low-intensity exercises into your daily routine. Exercises can include low-impact activities such as taking walks or doing yoga. Simply getting up and moving your body will not only help toxins move along but will also help to soothe the common aches and pains that come along with detox.
Practice Meditation
Meditation has long been revered as one of the most effective ways to help calm the body and mind. To promote comfort during drug detox, consider meditating. According to the Mayo Clinic, meditation can help reduce stress by increasing self-awareness, focusing on the present, reducing negative emotions, and increasing patience and tolerance. Drug detox can be challenging, but with meditation, you can better cope with some of those challenges all while increasing your overall comfort.
Accept Support
There is no better time to lean on your support system than when you are going through drug detox. While we may think of our comfort is directly tied to our physical health, our comfort is also linked to our emotional health, too. One of the best ways to promote comfort during drug detox is to allow those who love you to support you. Let others help you and share what you are going through. Doing so can make this process easier to cope with, thus promoting your comfort.
Drug Detox in Nashville, TN
Drug addiction is not easy for anyone it impacts. If you are addicted to drugs and want to stop, reach out to us right now. At Detox Nashville, our team of dedicated professionals works to ensure that each and every client gets the highest quality of care possible. We encourage you to call us right now at (615) 845-4747 to get started on a brighter future.
You do not need to go through this alone. Reach out to our treatment center in Nashville, TN right now to get the help you deserve.
