In order to overcome a severe drug or alcohol addiction, detoxification is often required. This is typically the initial phase in addiction treatment, and it focuses solely on the physical aspects of addiction. That is, to eliminate the substance from the body, manage any withdrawal symptoms, and reach a point when the individual is no longer physically reliant on the material.

Detoxification permits your body and brain to adjust to the elimination of chemicals on which they have become dependent. This can induce a variety of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, but a medically assisted detox can make the process more tolerable. Attempting to detox without specialised medical assistance is rarely successful and can be highly harmful, particularly if the individual chooses to quit "cold turkey." You can opt to detox as part of an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programme; if you do not know where to begin, consult a healthcare expert.

Detox is an essential element of overcoming addiction, but it is important to note that it is not the sole part. Most people will need to address the underlying psychological aspects of their addiction following detox if they are to make long-lasting, substantial improvements and avoid substituting one addiction for another.

The level of alcohol or substance in a patient's system will decrease as they enter detox. The precise process for doing this will depend on a variety of variables, such as the substance you're addicted to, the length of time you've been dependent, and your own medical history.

It is possible that you will experience withdrawal symptoms once the substance level in your body begins to decline. Whether one is detoxing from alcohol or drugs, withdrawal mechanisms can frequently be comparable.

Nonetheless, even among those detoxing from the same substance, it is usual for individuals to have varying detox experiences. The length of your addiction and the presence of any pre-existing health issues can influence your withdrawal experience.

Although everyone's experience with detox is unique, there are some typical physical symptoms you may encounter.

• Shaking
• Sweating
• Feeling sick
• Throwing up
• Stomach problems
• Diarrhoea
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• High temperature
• Flu-like symptoms
• Increased heart rate
• Increase blood pressure

Although everyone's experience with detox is unique, there are some typical physical symptoms you may encounter.

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Paranoia
• Insomnia
• Mood swings

In extreme situations, you may also experience seizures, psychosis, and hallucinations. Additionally, you will likely experience significant cravings for the substance you are detoxing from.

You've successfully completed detox! This is a monumental achievement and the initial step towards rehabilitation and a life of sobriety. To avoid relapse, however, it is not as simple as completing detox and returning to your previous lifestyle. Detox is only the first step in overcoming an addiction, a realisation that can be intimidating.

Depending on how you detoxed, you should be evaluated and provided with a treatment plan that will assist you in maintaining sobriety. This plan may contain information about any medications you may be prescribed, therapeutic treatments like 12-step-based therapy, CBT, or group therapy, referrals to support organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, and training in relapse prevention and life skills.

This approach is intended to help you identify the underlying factors that led to the development of your addiction. Without resolving these, you will stay susceptible to addiction indefinitely.

If you have been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD), you are likely aware that after you quit drinking, you should not resume. Because individuals with AUD cannot have a healthy connection with alcohol, it is recommended that they abstain.

In addition to causing you to relapse and possibly fall back into addiction, drinking after rehabilitation and detox is harmful. This is because, following a successful detox, your body will no longer be able to tolerate alcohol in the same manner or to the same extent. In extreme situations, people who abstained from alcohol for a period of time and then binged on it later died of alcohol poisoning.

Once you have successfully completed detoxification and entered recovery, you will want to avoid anything that could lead to a relapse. You may find it beneficial to audit your life for potential triggers with the assistance of a friend or professional.

Certain locations, such as certain bars or venues where you used to indulge in substance addiction, are obvious places to begin. You may also need to consider the people you choose to spend time with, as it is extremely difficult to remain sober if you have friends who abuse drugs or alcohol. Even reviewing your social media accounts and deleting any accounts that trigger you can be beneficial.

1. Take stock
   After detox, it's tempting to move on to the next phase of addiction treatment, but take a minute to reflect on how far you've come. Detoxification and overcoming the withdrawal symptoms it implies are not simple tasks. Take some time to internalise this accomplishment.
2. Find a support network
   The best strategy for sobriety is to establish a support network. Attending a regular self-help group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, is one of the best options. Here, you will find people who share your experiences and cannot just empathise but also actually comprehend.
   This is especially critical if you hang around with other substance abusers prior to detoxification. Finding a new network of sober support can help normalise your new lifestyle choices and keep you on the path to recovery.
3. Remove triggers from your life
   Create a list of potential relapse triggers and devise a strategy for addressing them. This may involve isolating oneself from certain social circles, taking a different route home from work to avoid a particular bar, or even relocating to a new location.
4. Prioritise your recovery plan
   One of the best ways to avoid relapse is to adhere to your recovery program. It may involve CBT, group therapy, or classes in which you acquire coping or life skills to help you better navigate life. Make these engagements your top priority.
5. Take care of yourself
   When life's pressures arise, it's easy to neglect the fundamentals. But consuming proper nutrients, obtaining sufficient rest, and staying hydrated are some of the most fundamental parts of living. Not fulfilling these fundamental requirements has a negative ripple effect and makes life more difficult all around. Determine which areas you need to concentrate on and commit to yourself.

It is common to view relapse as a single event, but in reality, it typically consists of a sequence of turning points.

It frequently begins with a negative mood, such as despair, worry, or irritation and rage. This can frequently result in a deterioration of fundamental care, such as neglecting to get enough sleep and skipping meals. In turn, this might lead to a lack of motivation for rehabilitation, possibly resulting in withdrawal from support networks.

Frequently, an internal fight begins here. A part of you desires to continue on the path to sobriety, but another part feels forced to drink or abuse your substance of choice once more. From here, it is tough to return, and many individuals’ relapse.

To prevent relapse, it is essential that you remain watchful for warning signals and seek further assistance and support as soon as you identify them.

• Looking back at your alcohol or drug abuse through rose-tinted glasses
• Sudden behavioural changes
• Distancing themselves from support networks n
• Avoiding new hobbies
• Lack of basic self-care

If you relapse, avoid spiralling. It does not indicate that you have failed at recovery and are doomed to be dependent forever. You must review it as part of the process and as an additional obstacle you must overcome. It is crucial to prevent a relapse from escalating into a full-blown addiction. It’s really important to help the person in need. If you find out that the person’s life is miserable, you may please contact Abhasa Wellness Retreat.

Prepared by: Ms.Nivedha L Narayanan, Centre Head at Abhasa Rehabilitation and Wellness Home
LinkedIn Id: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nivedha-l-narayanan-1781b6120/