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Families and Detox

If you’re a friend, family member, or coworker of a loved one entering treatment, it’s quite possible that you may be nervous about what’s to come next. Many people who are trying to support their loved one in addiction recovery fear detoxification, because the exact process through this journey isn’t talked about as often. In fact, there may be many questions that you have, such as what they’ll experience, how this will impact their recovery, what success or failure looks like in sobriety and more. These questions are important, and while we can’t always control our loved one’s process in recovery, we do have control over our words and actions, to provide the best support possible. The first step of addiction recovery is detox, which occurs either naturally or is assisted with medication; with detox, a person’s body rids the toxins that it’s acquired throughout the addiction. It’s important to note that detoxification isn’t meant to be used by itself, but as only a beginning part of the long-term treatment recovery process. 

First and foremost, you’ll need to assess whether your loved one is in a good place to begin detoxification. When discovering what types of treatment centers are out there, you’ll want to take particular note of the amazing support and services that are offered at Enlightened Recovery. Not all treatment centers are the same, so it’s important that your loved one seek out help at a reputable treatment center where a person’s complete health and wellness are taken into consideration and treatment is looked at holistically. At Enlightened Recovery, you and your loved one can expect to receive the following:

  • A respectful, nonjudgmental, and supportive atmosphere where individuals can feel “normal” and can receive education to reduce stigma of addiction
  • Services that are accessible and focused on what client’s need individually
  • Opportunities for family members to become involved, such as through family therapy, so that the family unit as a whole can become more cohesive together

Once you’ve decided to enroll your loved one at the proper facility, treatment will begin.

One of the most challenging steps for individuals in moving forward with recovery is the step of entering detox. If your loved one has reached this step, that’s a good sign. Of course, detoxification is a rough process for many people because their body is still getting used to the state of sobriety – when substance abuse has been present for so long, the mind and body must then learn to readjust and get used to living without it in order for sobriety to take place. There are a number of uncomfortable symptoms that can appear, such as: 

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea, vomiting, etc.
  • Muscle tension, twitches, muscle aches
  • Sweating, tingling
  • Anxiety, restlessness, panic attacks, irritability
  • Social isolation, depression, fatigue, etc.
  • Poor concentration, difficulty remembering things

It may feel easy to get angry or retaliate when your loved one exhibits these symptoms, but you must remember that this process isn’t easy for them either – in fact, they may very well be hating the fact that they’re experiencing some of these symptoms, and they need all the support they can get. Medication may be able to assist your loved one in managing these symptoms, but the symptoms may pursue in varying degrees until the detox period is over. The type of medication that your loved one may receive in treatment does depend on the symptoms they’re experiencing, the severity of their addiction, their mental and physical health history and so much more.

Many family members can find this part of detox challenging, as this means they must continue to be patient and supportive, aware of the “bigger picture” – even if their loved one can’t necessarily see the “light at the end of the tunnel.” To be a family member or friend during this challenging time can be exhausting, but it’s nonetheless important for them to stick with it.

Most people in addiction recovery come to rely on their friends and family members to help them get through the ups and downs associated with detoxification. It’s nice for those in recovery to include their loved ones as part of treatment, and oftentimes this helps them to keep moving forward in their journey to sobriety. 

Enlightened Recovery is a treatment center that uses evidence-based methods of recovery to focus on your loved one’s individuality through holistic treatment to help them get sober from drugs and alcohol. We offer a comprehensive range of services including outpatient treatment, post-rehab services, continuing care, and long-term treatment.  If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, call us today at 833-801-LIVE to learn how we can help your loved one find the care and support they need to live a healthier and happier life in recovery. 

Begin Your Recovery at Enlightened Recovery

Enlightened Recovery is here to help you or your loved one overcome drug and alcohol addiction as well as co-occurring mental health disorders. Our holistic treatment programs treat the whole person in recovery. We have locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

Get the help that you deserve now with Enlightened Recovery.