Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
The process of recovering from substance abuse and addiction begins by first reaching out for help and admitting your need for intervention to overcome the struggle you have been facing.
Once you are in a place where you are able to receive help that is offered to you for addiction, you can begin the treatment recommended for finding freedom from the addiction that has likely impacted your life negatively in multiple ways.
A crucial first phase of addiction treatment begins with withdrawal and effectively detoxing from whatever substance has been chronically abused. This process in itself can take a tremendous toll on the body physically, as the body adapts to functioning without a certain chemical and substance.
Because the detoxing and withdrawal process can vary based on individual and severity of use, it is important that this is completed under the supervision of a medical professional and/or addiction specialist who is able to appropriately handle any complications that may arise and oversee the progress.
Best Time for Treatment
The best time to begin your treatment for addiction is now, and many individuals who are struggling may continue to procrastinate for multiple reasons. However when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your life is essentially in jeopardy, and there is no guarantee of how your body will handle your next fix or drug use session.
Many people may use the holiday season as an excuse for postponing treatment as well, citing inconvenience of time. Even during the holidays, treatment is available, and there is no need to put off treatment until this time of year is over.
You may experience uncomfortable symptoms related to the withdrawal process, but it is important to remember that this is a crucial stepping-stone towards full recovery from addiction.
Take the process one step at time and trust the guidance of your health care professionals. Know that the addiction specialists you are working with will assist you through any obstacles and uncomfortable symptoms that you may experience through this process.
This is one of the most important steps towards becoming clean and beginning a journey of sobriety that will open your life to many more opportunities than you thought possible.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
If you have been through the process of detoxing from substance abuse and addiction, what tools were helpful in assisting you through the uncomfortable symptoms that are often experienced with withdrawal?
Crystal Karges
Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 25, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com