One of the most complex and challenging decisions one can make is quitting alcohol. Alcohol use disorder is an all-encompassing disorder, fraught with fears. The addict is well aware of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms from not drinking anymore. Addicts questions about how to prepare for alcohol detox. This state of addiction is confusing, anxiety-ridden, and challenging to follow through with. However, recovery is possible, and there are ways to prepare for detox.
What is Alcohol Detox and Rehab?
To prepare for alcohol detox, you must understand what detox is. First, the decision is to quit consuming alcohol and end an alcohol use disorder. Second, detox from alcohol is dangerous and needs to be medically supervised and monitored. Sometimes, prescription medications are issued to manage the most intense of withdrawal symptoms in what is known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Third, when the dependent body and mind begin to withdraw from alcohol, withdrawal symptoms begin within 24 hours of the last drink. Finally, it’s best to learn how to prepare for alcohol detox to be successful and prevent relapse.
Assessments take place before detox to determine the physical and mental needs of the addict. A personal inventory helps the treatment team to understand the extent of the addiction, bloodwork to help monitor physical conditions, and a mental health check for any co-occurring mental illness issues. These factors help the treatment team set the parameters for detox. The addict must begin cutting all negative ties while learning how to prepare for alcohol detox.
The addict’s support system has been fellow addicts, but from detox onward, it’s a good idea to find a solid support system. Understanding how to prepare for alcohol detox must include the gained momentum of getting sober, staying sober, and surrounding the addict with a positive and healthy support system. Treatment after detox can be successful when these factors are in place.
Types of Addiction Rehab
The treatment team will help to determine the decision for inpatient or outpatient treatment after detox. When learning how to prepare for alcohol detox, discussions occurred about what type of addiction rehab would be best for the individual. Several factors determine what the best plan will be. Review of availability, financial and insurance requirements, and personal preference help with that determination. Other factors to consider can be any of the following specifics:
- Age and gender-specific programs
- Inpatient or outpatient programs
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Trauma-informed programs
- Programs that treat any co-occurring mental health disorders
Rehab centers offer a supervised living facility to begin therapy and life skills training for living sober. Outpatient treatment allows the addict to work and live outside supervision but requires treatment time according to the program in a designated outpatient center. Aftercare is an important consideration to plan for in advance. These treatment options are presented when learning how to prepare for alcohol detox.
Preparing for Alcohol Detox
It is essential to remember the triggering moment that brought the addict to treatment. In learning how to prepare for alcohol detox, the focus must always be strong on the desire and commitment to becoming sober. If sobriety is the goal, the solid reasons behind that goal must be firmly set. Without this firm foundation, detox and treatment will be more challenging.
Establishing clear reasoning to support the goal can keep the vision lifestyle at the forefront. For example, considering factors that encourage the addict to stay sober and incorporating them in a journal or vision board can keep their eye on the purpose of the goal. In addition, learning how to prepare for alcohol detox by asking hard personal questions will help avoid relapse.
The Importance of a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset is crucial in understanding how to prepare for alcohol detox. Keeping this positive attitude will help through the rough spots. When focusing on the positive aspects of detox, sobriety is only days from your reach. Recognizing each hour you have spent in detox brings you closer to your goal of a sober lifestyle. Personal growth thrives on a positive outlook on each situation.
Practicing gratitude helps maintain a positive attitude. Thanking those helping you with your treatment is a tool for positivity. Recognize the accomplishments that brought you to the present moment. In learning how to prepare for alcohol detox, you made the most critical decision to become sober.
Dealing with Fear About Going to Detox and Rehab
Everyone deals with the fear of the unknown. Learning how to prepare for alcohol detox will help to eliminate some of that fear. Knowing the withdrawal symptoms before the process will help reduce stress and anxiety. Overcome your fears by asking questions and becoming educated before going into it.
Set Up a Support System for Success
A solid support system is crucial in relapse prevention and a sober future. Family, friends, and coworkers can learn how to support the addict by attending group and family therapy sessions. In addition, they learned vital factors to success when learning how to prepare for alcohol detox. The addict has a job to do as well as the support team. In short, learning positive and healthy support tools will enhance recovery and lead to a future of sobriety.
Find Help in Learning How To Prepare for Alcohol Detox in Tennessee
We understand there are many questions concerning what happens in alcohol detox programs. We can clear your mind of any doubts you may have concerning how long the detox will last, what will happen after detox, and how soon you will be able to have visitors. Detox West has many programs, and our experienced alcohol detox team is empathetic and encouraging. Now that the decision has been made to get sober, contact us to move forward into sobriety.