How to Cope With the Aftereffects of a Medical Detox

A medical detoxification program is one that utilizes medications to lessen the severity of the withdrawal symptoms of drug addiction. Acute withdrawal symptoms from opiates and prescription drugs can cause seizures, headaches, intense cravings and nausea. Under a doctor's supervision, a medical detox can help wean the body off the drugs, leading to full recovery. Following the detox, other coping mechanisms can be used.

Things You'll Need

• Treatment program Support group Sponsor

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Instructions

• 1

  Prepare to spend about four weeks going through the process at a treatment center that provides a medical detox program. The experts at Medical Detox.org recommend inpatient treatment in order to receive 24-hour supervision, although intensive outpatient programs can be successful.

• 2

  Expect additional physical side effects from the drugs used for detoxing. Some may be short-term and intermittent while other symptoms may last for a few weeks following the completion of the drug detox program. Knowing ahead of time that you may feel nauseous, have trouble sleeping or experience mood swings can provide a level of understanding that makes these symptoms bearable.

• 3

  Keep a positive attitude that it will all be over soon and you can begin a new life, free of drugs. Stress can trigger the compulsion to use illegal substances again. Look for a rehabilitation program that offers stress-relieving activities such as massage or meditation classes.

• 4

  Get involved with a support group while you are going through the medical detox so that the ties will be in place when you are completely free of the medications. Many inpatient and outpatient programs bring in groups and speakers from 12-step recovery programs such as Narcotics Anonymous. Meeting with others who are recovering can provide enormous coping support because you can get advice from recovering addicts who have faced many of the same fears and obsessions and who understand what you are going through.

• 5

  Encourage family members to attend support groups so they can be prepared for what to expect when you return home. Coping with the demands of family can be trying if they don't understand concepts such as your need for complete abstinence or the mood swings that may continue for a while.