How to support a loved one in medical detox

 

Medical Detoxification

Medical Detoxification is a precise process. It involves an exact regimen of medication to gradually bring a person through withdrawal in as much comfort and ease as possible. Considerable care is taken to ensure this transitional period is maneuvered with utmost safety. Physical dependence is one of the primary reasons an addict or alcoholic keeps using. Suddenly stopping is too uncomfortable, painful, and indeed dangerous. But under proper medical supervision, safe detoxification can be accomplished. When a loved one is undergoing the process of medical detox, it can trigger considerable stress on the part of family and friends.

Perhaps the addict had tried “cold turkey” in the past and the images of this still haunt people’s memories. The first thing to know is that medical detox is VERY different than cold turkey. A comparison would be someone attempting to drive somewhere in a car who had taken ZERO lessons, compared with someone BEING DRIVEN to a precise location by a trained professional driver. Which person is more likely to arrive at their destination on time and fully intact? Exactly! What then are some of the other key points to be cognizant of when a loved one is doing a medical detox?

Support
Offer your support. Let your loved one know that you are 100% on their side. Make it clear that you understand their situation and you wish for them to attain the ultimate victory over their substance abuse problem. Often, addicts and alcoholics are ostracized (excluded from a society or group) just because they are addicted. An addict or alcoholic is simply a person who has gone down the wrong road. He or she can be gotten back. They just need some help and support.

Encouragement
Detox is usually looked upon with some fear on the part of an addict. It takes considerable courage to get started. Encouragement from friends and loved ones goes a long way. Letting them know you are proud of them for starting detox, and keeping that encouragement going throughout the process, is probably more important than generally realized.

Understanding
One common complaint from addicts and alcoholics is that others don’t understand them. That is one reason that former addicts make some of the best addiction specialists. They can talk the talk because they walked through the same shadows themselves. They speak from experience. No matter the circumstance, putting yourself in another’s shoes is always a good exercise. When a loved one describes a rough period they are going through, even the simple statement “I understand” – when you really mean it – is often exactly what is needed.

Faith
Faith is the cornerstone of many rehab activities. It is also the cornerstone of many individuals and families. A holistic rehab center will encourage pursuit of one’s individual faith. We live in a multi-denominational society. The need to accommodate many different faiths and beliefs is becoming increasingly recognized. Indeed, for many it can make all the difference in their detox and rehab journey. You, as a friend or family member, should help to bolster the faith of the person going through detox.

Communication with the Facility
Don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at a medical detox facility. Get your questions answered. That said, if you have specific questions about the program, it is much better to ask the staff than the patient (client). That is because the patient probably doesn’t know all the technical details. A barrage of questions might confuse him or her and create undue worry. Knowing when to not say anything is just as vital as communicating. Keep it positive and try not to put excessive pressure on the patient.

Get Help Yourself 
The addict or alcoholic has not been the only one experiencing hardship. Friends and family who are close to the person have been having their share of upset. Financial burden, familial strife, emotional wreckage – all reasons that the family and friends should seek help. There are a number of ways you can get help and guidance, such as speaking with trusted friends, counseling, or seeing a pastor.

A Safe Environment 
When a loved one returns home, whether it’s because they are done with rehab or home temporarily, it is very important to create a safe environment. No drugs of alcohol in the house. If certain situations are known triggers for the individual, then do all you can to prevent them from occurring. It may be impossible to avoid all of them, but do make a conscious effort and plan ahead.

Summary

In general, use your common sense when dealing with a friend or loved one who is going through medical detox. It is one of the most important phases in his or her life – transitioning to sobriety. In the end, you’ll be talking to a drug-free individual. Now freed from the chains of physical dependence, a person can begin to rebuild their life.

Lies addicts will tell to avoid seeking help

There are several signs which indicate that a person might be addicted to drugs or alcohol.  Addicts are often secretive and lie about their addiction.  Understanding the signs of addiction can help those around the addict discover what is really going on and get help for the person.

Signs of Addiction

•    Secretive behavior
•    Hiding drugs or alcohol in secret caches 
•    Irritability
•    Insomnia
•    Stealing money to buy drugs
•    Stealing medication or drugs from medicine cabinets
•    Lying to doctors in order to obtain stronger medication
•    Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
•    Engaging in risky behavior while high
•    Getting black-out drunk
•    Getting into legal trouble because of drugs or alcohol
•    Lying to self or others about addiction
•    Track marks
•    No longer participating in activities they used to enjoy
•    Sudden weight loss or weight gain
•    Change of friends
•    Tremors, slurred speech, or uncoordinated motions
•    Paranoia
•    Change in personality
•    Sharp decline in productivity at work or school

Common Lies Addicts Tell Themselves and Others

The hardest part of having a conversation with an addict about their addiction is that they tell lies to you and to themselves.  They could be doing drugs in front of you, and may still lie about their behavior.  Here are common lies they tell others and themselves about their addictive behavior:

“I don’t have a problem”

Very often, the addict actually believes they don’t have a problem.  They deny that they need help.  This is why interventions can be so difficult – and why it’s always a good idea to document their addictive behavior so they can actually see their problem.

“I am not going to the street for drugs – my medication is from my doctor”

Prescription drug addiction is a growing problem in America.  Often, pain medications, medications for psychiatric disorders, or other medications are abused by people who don’t even realize they have become addicted.  They just know that the medication doesn’t “work” as well as it used to, that they need more of it, and that they need to take it more often.

“I’m not an addict, I just use drugs socially.”

There are people who use drugs socially. However, just as social drinking can turn into alcoholism, social drug abuse can turn into addiction. A person may make sure they are around others while they are drinking or using. They can binge drink and overdose all while people look on, stupefied and numb. Same outcome.

“I am only trying it out.”

This is a lie that commonly gets used when an addict gets confronted on their addiction.

“You’re just jealous that I’m having more fun than you.”

Drug addicts may feel like they are having fun, and pursue their next high with a manic intensity, but in the end they are not having fun.  Usually, they are using drugs to cover up a deeper issue like depression, abuse, insecurity, etc.

“I can stop whenever I want to.”

This is probably the most commonly heard excuse for addiction.  The obvious response is, “Why don’t you stop right now, then?”

“I’m not hurting anyone.”
 

Any addict who says this has no real understanding of what they are doing.  They have not seen the consequences of their actions.  In fact, they may be too unaware or too high to really see what is going on around them. 

Solutions

Drug prevention and education is a very effective method of avoiding addiction – and helping others avoid addiction.  The more educated a person is, the better able they are to make decisions about something.  Additionally, if one becomes thoroughly educated on drugs, they can see the damage done to themselves and others. Encouraging those around you to become educated on any drugs they will come in contact with – street drugs or prescription drugs – will help your friends, family, and children make sensible decisions about their own health.
 

Drug rehabilitation can help with those who are already addicted. The process starts with a medical detox program, followed by classes and therapy to help the individual regain both their physical and mental health. The end goal of the rehab process is for the former addict to be able to go home and continue life healthy, happy, and drug-free.

Sources

www.Huffingtonpost.com

www.Helpguide.org