The Four Stages of Detox Demystified

Do you think you’re dependent on alcohol or substances? Do you want to get sober? Not sure how to make this idea a reality? If the answer to these questions is yes, you should be proud of yourself for making the brave choice to prioritize yourself and your future.

For many, the journey to sobriety begins with detox. Detox is defined as “the removal of toxic or unhealthy substances from the body.” It’s important not to confuse the terms as the detox stage focuses solely on the physical process of removing the substance from the body. Sobriety is changing your lifestyle, mindset, and brain chemistry so that alcohol and drugs use no longer form part of your life. 

The idea of detox can be intimidating for those contemplating sobriety, causing them to quit before they even begin. Do not be discouraged. Understanding the different stages of this process is the key to managing them effectively. So without further ado, we present the stages of detox, demystified.

Deciding to Detox or Get Clean

The decision to start is often considered the most intimidating step and the key to the rest of your life. Whether you enter a facility willingly or at the insistence of your family or court order, their staff will provide a safe environment for you to cope safely with what can be a turbulent experience. 

The first step is to evaluate your history and your physical state, then give you advice about what will happen in the days ahead. Staff will be there to support you 24/7, no matter what you are experiencing, to help you understand the next steps and ensure you that this too, shall pass. During this stage, the most important thing to focus on is your health, coping healthily with the symptoms that accompany this process. 

Initial Withdrawal Timeline & Symptoms  

When contemplating getting clean, you may spend many anxious hours thinking about what detox and withdrawal will be like and if you’ll be able to cope. Nobody has ever said they enjoyed their withdrawal experience, but many will tell you that it’s worth it, as being sober is the best thing that ever happened to them. 

Common symptoms of withdrawal include unstable mood, nausea, muscle pain, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Experiencing any or all of these can be debilitating. This is why a treatment center is recommended to ensure your safety while going through this process.  

Peak Withdrawal & Decline

During withdrawal, your body is trying to reach a new level of homeostasis, and after the first initial days, these withdrawal symptoms will hit a peak that may feel unbearable. Your mind may play tricks on you and tell you that your drinking or using “wasn’t that bad” or that having withdrawals is a sign that you shouldn’t have given up in the first place. These are perfect examples of the lies addicts tell themselves when they relapse. 

We believe willpower will prevail. Where there is a will, there’s a way. At this stage, it’s crucial, to be honest not only with yourself, but with the people around you. Tell staff that you have thoughts about relapse or leaving treatment and how alluring it can feel in moments. You are not alone.

The Aftermath

After completing the detox process, give yourself a massive pat on the back. It’s not easy, and you should celebrate achieving such an important milestone. The work, however, has only begun. Think of your early abstinence as a small budding plant that needs lots of sunlight, healthy food, and support to grow. 

You are no different. After detox, it’s crucial to find ways to avoid picking that bottle up again. If you detoxed on your own, that means building and leaning on a support system around you, being honest about your feelings, and engaging in different habits and healthy activities. If you detoxed at a treatment center, that means staying on track with your treatment plan until you are safely discharged with the tools needed to avoid relapse. As you take care of yourself, your relationships, self-esteem, and outlook will flourish. You’re worth it. 

We hope that this has helped demystify the different detoxification stages and give you hope about coming out the other side happier, healthier, and stronger than ever. Recovery is possible. 

If you are contemplating entering a detox facility or have a loved one that needs help, get on a confidential call with a member of our team.