Did you know that 1 in 8 Americans now meet the criteria to be classed as alcoholics?
People of all ages, genders, and walks of life can suffer from substance abuse, and it isn’t always obvious! As drinking habits increase, it’s getting even harder to spot who has a problem and who hasn’t.
If you or a loved one have a suspected addiction, there are plenty of ways you can seek help and beat it. All of that starts with a detox.
Find out more about detoxing and mental wellness in this guide.
What Is a Detox?
The first step to recovery from an addiction is usually an alcohol or drug detox. Also known as a detoxification process, it deals with the physical side of addiction to make room for the mental side.
During a detox, all traces of the substance are removed from the body. Because the individual has become physically reliant on the substance, this can be tough but it’s a must for dealing with the underlying issues. While any remaining alcohol or drugs are gradually removed from the body, the body has to adjust which can have some unpleasant side effects; this is called withdrawal.
A professional detox program aims to reduce these side effects, keeping you or your loved one safe while your body adjusts. It’s a more comfortable way of clearing out your system and you’ll have trained professionals there to help.
The Mental Wellness Benefits of a Detox Program
Without removing the effects of the substance from the individual’s body, it’s incredibly difficult to deal with the mental wellness side.
Let’s taker a closer look at how a drug or alcohol detox can improve mental health.
Increase the Benefits of a Mental Health Program
Many sufferers of addiction have an underlying mental health problem. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, PTSD or something else entirely, sorting the issue is vital to helping someone beat addiction. But, that can’t happen while they’re under the influence.
People can struggle to think clearly, express themselves properly, and deal with trauma before they’ve detoxed. Afterwards, they’ll be much more able to deal with their feelings and therapy will be more beneficial.
Help Face up to Trauma
Substance abuse is often a way to run away from unresolved trauma. Until you detox, you might not be able to face up to the trauma that’s causing you to take substances and it’s a vicious cycle of abuse. Detoxing and uncovering your trauma will be tough, but it’s the only way to overcome it and take back your life.
Decrease the Chances of Developing a Mental Health Issue
Not only can substance abuse be caused by mental health disorders, but it can also cause them. There’s a lot of evidence that addiction can lead to depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Becoming alcohol-free can drastically reduce the chances of this happening, helping you or your loved one lead a healthier, happier life.
Increase Your Energy
When someone is struggling with substance abuse, they’ll usually lack energy. They’ll feel lethargic, lazy, and unmotivated, all of which aren’t very beneficial to mental wellness! But drugs and alcohol can have terrible effects on the body as the liver struggles, and it’s not uncommon to feel tired.
But, when feeling tired people rarely want to face up to their problems. This leads to another vicious cycle of not getting help.
When doing a detox, the individual may feel worse at first, but that isn’t permanent! As their body recovers, the energy will come back and motivation to get better will increase.
Better Self-Care
If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, self-care can be the last thing on your mind. It’s not uncommon for people who are struggling with substance abuse to stop taking care of themselves. For example, they might not eat properly, or exercise, or wash frequently.
This is dreadful not only for physical health but for mental wellbeing too. If you’re not looking after yourself with self-care, how can you expect to be happy?
How a Detox Program Works
Detoxing is usually done during an inpatient treatment program, but outpatient rehab services can also offer it.
It works by helping patients to slowly come off of the substance their body is reliant on. For example, a detox program for heroin will often use methadone to prevent the body from going into shock at a sudden loss of the drug. The methadone dose will slowly be lowered until the individual can stop altogether without too many side effects.
In a proper facility, you or your loved one will be under close medical surveillance. There’s no doubt that detoxing can be dangerous, but with a team of staff around you, the risks are very small.
Therapy may also begin on the side while the individual goes through a detox. This can help them deal with the mental struggle of coming off of a substance and start to delve into the root cause. It’ll also give them coping methods for when they feel a desire for their substance to prevent relapse.
Find a Detox Program Today and Improve Mental Wellness
A detox can be incredibly beneficial for mental wellness and essential for anyone suffering from an addiction. If you or someone you know is dealing with substance abuse disorder, it’s important you look for help and find a professional rehab to aid your recovery.
If you’re in San Diego, take a look at our Addiction Treatment program at Sober Life. With a team of experts, a diverse range of treatments, and plenty of understanding, we can help you or your loved ones.
Detoxifying for Mental Wellness: Unveiling the Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Addiction Recovery
In a landscape where 1 in 8 Americans grapple with alcoholism, recognizing the need for recovery options becomes imperative. The journey to overcoming substance abuse often starts with a detox, a process that addresses the physical aspects of addiction to pave the way for mental well-being. Understanding the Differences Between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) becomes paramount in comprehending the comprehensive nature of addiction recovery. This guide explores the mental wellness benefits of a detox program, shedding light on how it increases the efficacy of mental health programs, assists in facing unresolved trauma, decreases the likelihood of developing mental health issues, boosts energy, and promotes better self-care. As individuals embark on the path to recovery, the integration of therapeutic approaches like CBT and DBT within detox programs becomes a crucial element in fostering holistic healing. For a deeper understanding of the interplay between detox, mental wellness, and therapeutic modalities, read more [here](#).
