5 Tips for a Successful Drug Rehab

Admitting you have a problem with substance abuse and seeking help through rehabilitation is a great first step, but it does not guarantee success. It is important to realize that detox and recovery is a challenging process with many potential pitfalls. However, the benefits are worth the difficulties and there are several ways you can give yourself a better chance of a successful rehab.

Successful Detox

A successful rehabilitation starts with a successful detoxification. The detox process is when your body purges itself of the chemical toxins introduced by drug or alcohol dependency. Withdrawal occurs because your body has become used to the substance that has been cut off. Your body reacts by going into shock through symptoms like sweating, nausea, diarrhea, head and body aches, constipation and sleeplessness. These pains and afflictions can be lessened with some common remedies for a smoother detox:

¢ Drinking lots of water alleviates symptoms like coughing and nausea. Water is lost excessively due to sweating. So consistently replacing it will give your body the hydration it needs to get through withdrawals.

¢ Eating healthy foods also gives your system the vitamins it needs for a successful detox.

¢ Over-the-counter medications can also help if used responsibly. Pain-killers like ibuprofen dull body aches and headaches.

¢ Mental distractions, like lighthearted entertainment, can help you with emotional symptoms like irritability and anxiety.

Choose the Right Help

Choosing the right therapist or counselor is an important step in your rehabilitation. There are a variety of different counselors and mental health professionals and you may respond well to some and not others. Therapists generally delve into your past to uncover the root of a problem while a counselor may help you to move forward. Each approach has merit and success may depend on how the recovering addict responds. Before you begin, interview you potential professional. It is good to approach therapy with an open mind but you shouldn't stay with anyone who isn't helping you.

Focus on the Little Things

When trying to accomplish something big, one way to make it seem less insurmountable is to focus on small daily accomplishments. Plus, establishing a positive routine is a great way to manage recovery on a day-to-day basis. For instance, instead of just having the goal to never drink again, fill your day with positive productive goals. Celebrate each little victory and keep your optimism and determination through each failure.

Develop a Support System

Creating a support system of friends and family during and after rehab offers accountability and help in times of stress. While you're in rehab you should make a network of peers who can empathize with your issues and counselors who can help you manage them. After rehabilitation friends and family can give you continued love and support. Stay in contact with a sponsor or relapse prevention program so you have someone you can speak to about any issues you're having. In Florida, the addiction treatment capital of the world, Ambrosia Drug Treatment Centers offer continued help even after rehab is over.

 Be Prepared for a Break in Focus

Sobriety may be your number one goal right now, even during cravings, but there may be moments when you truly want another drink or to relapse back into drug abuse. Be prepared for these thoughts and have a plan for when you are feeling them. This is when the accountability of a good support system comes in handy. Talking to a close friend, sponsor or a counselor can help immensely. They can remind you of why you wanted to get sober in the first place and help you refocus your efforts.