Detoxing from alcohol and drugs is a challenging process, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The detox process gradually becomes easier, and there are several things you can do to ease your detox. For a few key ideas, consider these options.
Drink plenty of fluids
When you are detoxing from alcohol or drugs it’s common to feel dehydrated and nauseous. You should drink plenty of fluids, including water and drinks that contain electrolytes. Beverages that contain electrolytes include coconut water, fruit smoothies, and sports drinks.
Get support
It’s important to get support when attempting a drug or alcohol detox. Tell your friends or family that you are detoxing, so that you can get help if you need it. You might also find a support network by joining a recovery group. The right support network can ease the anxiety of the process, and help you to feel less alone.
Plenty of distractions
When you’re detoxing from alcohol or drugs, you’ll experience cravings that come and go. To ease the experience, it can be helpful to have plenty of distractions. Plan healthy activities that you can do when you are experiencing cravings. It can be useful to try activities that reduce stress. You might like to try meditation, yoga, or going for a walk amongst nature. Instead, you might try practicing a creative hobby, or calling a friend.
Contact your doctor
When you are going through a withdrawal process your symptoms could be mild, moderate, or severe. You should contact your doctor, to get advice about detoxing safely. You may need to detox in a rehab center if you cannot safely do so at home. Even if you are not currently experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it’s still a good idea to contact your doctor for advice.
Eat healthy foods
Throughout a detox it’s common to feel unwell. To help yourself feel better, ensure that you eat plenty of healthy foods. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and avoid processed and unhealthy foods. Experiment with new recipes, and use cooking as a distraction from your unwanted cravings. A drug detox may reduce your appetite, but gradually it will come back as you start to feel better.
Ease the stress
It’s normal to feel stressed out due to the emotional and physical symptoms you’re experiencing. To ease the tension, try to adopt techniques to cope with stress. You might try deep breathing, hot baths, or writing in a journal. You might find it useful to write down the reasons why you are detoxing, to keep you grounded and focused.
Avoid your triggers
When you’re going through a detox it’s important to avoid your triggers. These are the people and places that tempt your cravings. You might feel triggered by your previous drinking buddies, or by emotional distress. When you know exactly what your triggers are you can work on avoiding them the best you can.
It’s important to follow any medical advice provided by your doctor when you begin your alcohol detox process.