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.