Detoxification is the first step to addiction recovery. This step flushes your system of harmful substances and prepares you to continue forward toward a healthier lifestyle. A detox program for women will be specifically designed to cater to your needs as a woman as you seek to heal your mind, body, and spirit.
If you live with an addiction, your ability to think clearly is altered. And since addiction recovery involves being able to heal and transform your life by getting to compassionately know the real you, then you need to clear your mind.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the process and benefits relating to detox for women.
Detox for Women
The detoxification process, or drug detox, is the first step to addiction recovery. It is the process of removing the drug and its toxins from within the body.
Depending on the addiction and the length of use, the amount of time needed to detox will vary. During this period, the body will begin the process of physiologically healing itself. And, quite honestly, since there are many unpleasant experiences that one will go through when detoxing, the process also involves managing these symptoms.
Here’s what you need to know about the process and benefits of a detox for women program
The Detox Process
Getting through the detox process means being ready to fight some tough, intense battles. Women are warriors, but even they need support during this course. It may take several hours after the last dose of a substance before the withdrawal symptoms may commence. Though it is important to note that these symptoms will vary depending on the type of drug used.
The factors that play a part in determining the degree of the detox include:
- The combination, if any, of drugs and alcohol use. Having more than one in your system can impact the withdrawal.
- How long you have been addicted. The longer the use, the more severe and lengthy the
- Whether or not there are any co-occurring mental health issues or physical disorders that may become magnified under the weight of the withdrawal.
- Amount of most recent usage. For instance, those who use knowing they are heading into detox may use at a higher level.
Throughout the entire detox process, you should make sure you are monitored by medical and psychiatric staff.
As far as the actual process for your detox, there are a couple of different methods. For instance, quitting the drug cold turkey means letting it go without any medication to calm the withdrawal. Should things get too bad, a medical team can step in but it is not usually part of the process.
Short-term and long-term medicated detox is a method of detoxing that uses various medications overseen by a medical professional to ease the pain and discomfort associated with the process. The type of assistance and the length it is received will be dependent on the type of addiction.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms will vary from person to person – primarily depending on the type of drug you are detoxing from. Generally, many people will experience intense cravings for the drug, flu-like symptoms, mood swings and agitation, and insomnia. Let’s take a brief look at a few of the most common detox symptoms based on the substance used.
- Alcohol: sweating, chills, insomnia, nausea/vomiting, anxiety. More severe symptoms include seizures, hallucinations, agitation, and confusion.
- Benzodiazepine: anxiety, irritability and aggression, hallucinations, tremors, and seizures.
- Heroin: sweating, anxiety, agitation/aggression, runny nose, insomnia, uncontrollable yawning, and body aches.
- Opioid: bone, joint, and muscle aches and pains, as well as gastrointestinal issues.
- Bath salts: depression, insomnia, shakes and tremors, and paranoia.
- Stimulants: depression, thoughts of self-harm, and suicide.
Depending on how bad the addiction is (and other factors as discussed), the withdrawal symptoms can be severe and perhaps even life-threatening. Choosing to detox in a facility that has the support necessary to handle these withdrawal symptoms should they become dangerous is something you may want to consider.
Remember, amid detox, it is not always easy to see what may be best for you so relying on healthcare professionals may make a huge difference in the outcome.
Detox Types
There are three basic different types of drug detox programs – outpatient, inpatient, and at home. While you will need to determine the one that fits best with your needs, there are a few things you should consider.
An inpatient detox program is the most highly recommended choice thanks to the close monitoring and support of professionals throughout the entire withdrawal process.
An outpatient detox program is not as ideal since you would not receive the same round-the-clock care and inpatient. However, for those with a strong support system at home and who will be willing to commit to checking in with the facility, this could be successful.
At-home detox is an option, but not recommended at all. It misses the professional care and attention, as well as the comforts that the other options can bring. This also means, of course, that they are not as effective.
Treating Addiction
Treating addiction comes after detox. You cannot treat the addiction if your mind is not clear and focused on loosening the grip it has on you.
Once detox is over, treating addiction means getting to the bottom of any pain, trauma, or mental health issue that may have led to substance abuse in the first place. Many treatment programs will put together a personalized treatment plan that will encompass any needs you may have. In fact, many of these plans include services, such as:
- Individual, family, or group counseling
- Medical attention
- Educational relapse prevention classes
Teaching you how to reintegrate into society safely means re-learning life skills. But it also means healing your mind, body, and spirit. This is the only true way to heal and transform your life as the strong woman that you are.
A healthy addiction treatment program will help you discover who you truly are by ways of artistic expression, mindfulness training, learning how to love yourself and treat your body right through proper nutrition, and more. You can’t expect to detox and go back to living the life you lived before the drug abuse. You must compassionately heal yourself from the inside.
When you are ready to detox and grow into the woman you were made to be, take that first step.
If you’re interested in starting your journey toward recovery and healthier living, contact Villa Kali Ma to learn more about our unique Detox Program.