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How To Stay Clean After Detox?

Written by: Dr. Saman Aftab, Mental Health Writer

Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC

A drug and alcohol detox program can help you cleanse your body of toxins if you have a drinking problem or abuse substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, etc.

Although it's common to feel healed after you've made it successfully through the complex and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that often accompany drug treatment, detox is, in fact, only the initial step on the road to recovery. You'll need a comprehensive treatment plan and the determination to make certain adjustments to your lifestyle.

What Is A Detox, And What Happens After It?

Detoxification is the process of safely and effectively cleansing your body of drugs or alcohol under the supervision of medical professionals. Detoxification from drug and alcohol consumption is the preliminary phase of a recovery program after admission to a rehabilitation facility. Typically, this takes place in a medically supervised detox facility.

Medical detox is available for a wide range of drugs. It features round-the-clock medical supervision and care, mental therapy, and FDA-approved pharmaceuticals to help you feel at home throughout the withdrawal process.

After completing detox, you may choose various rehab programs that will teach you the skills to maintain sobriety, avoid relapse, and deal with the root causes of your substance abuse, mental health issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other issues.

What is a detox, and what happens after it?

Is detox a sufficient treatment for addiction on its own?

Why should you attend rehabilitation after detox?

Rehab options following detox: Inpatient vs. outpatient

How to stay clean after detox: 4 effective tips

Rolling Hills Recovery Center 24-Hour Helpline

Anytime, day or night, you may call us at Rolling Hills Recovery Center at 855-559-8550. We'll work with you to find the best treatment plan.

Medically Reviewed:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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Is Detox a Sufficient Treatment for Addiction on Its Own?

Detox is the first approach toward recovery, but it is not enough on its own; rehabilitation is necessary. It is the beginning of a lengthy process of getting well. Due to being exposed to the same environments, people, and pressures upon returning home after detox, relapse is quite possible if no additional treatment, counseling, and training are provided. Addiction treatment is the only way to bring about the necessary mental shift and resulting behavioral changes.

Why Should You Attend Rehabilitation After Detox?

The various advantages of attending a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program after detox are as follows:

Facilitate identifying and treating the interrelated social, mental, biological, and interpersonal factors that underlie your addiction to enable sustained behavioral or emotional transformation.

Addiction therapy and psychosocial therapies, such as those for bipolar disorder, clinical depression, social phobia, chronic anxiety, and severe post-traumatic depression, are called "dual diagnosis" procedures because they take a holistic approach to rehabilitation.

You'll develop new cognitive abilities, enhance your vision, and acquire practical coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, urges to drink or use drugs, and other stimuli.

Assistance in expanding your social support system both within and outside the treatment center, including membership in sober communities and support organizations like AA or NA, as well as positive familial and personal links.

Rolling Hills Recovery Center offers free 24/7 addiction support. Call today and confidentially speak with our addiction specialists at 855-559-8550.

Rehab Options Following Detox: Inpatient vs. Outpatient

Most persons who have completed a drug or alcohol detox should choose inpatient rehabilitation provided within a treatment center to help them rebuild their mental and physical well-being in a calm, supportive setting while providing them with nutritious meals and an exercise program. All features of inpatient rehabilitation include medical monitoring, rigorous psychosocial therapy, and a safe, controlled, and drug-free setting.

Though it is more common for outpatient rehabilitation to follow inpatient treatment, it can begin immediately after the completion of detox. Potential indicators that you may benefit from outpatient drug treatment include:

You can't remain in residential treatment for more than 30 days.
You have successfully undergone medical detox and are free from all physical and mental health concerns.
Maintain a stable, sober home life with plenty of love and support.
Reflect high levels of motivation and availability and who can attend all scheduled outpatient visits.
Carry a negligible chance of relapsing.

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How To Stay Clean After Detox: 4 Effective Tips

1. Building Your Support Group

Many people find that having support from their friends and family helps them get through drug detoxification. In addition, a support group is a great place to meet other people who are going through the same things you are.

They may not be there for you physically, but they'll undoubtedly be there emotionally. Having someone in your corner to listen and tell you that you're doing a good job will encourage you as you work on your goals.

2. Making And Sticking To A Comprehensive Strategy To Avoiding Relapse

To avoid relapsing, you must develop a strategy for remaining sober and adjusting to your life, so you don't fall back into your old habits.

Remember that when you're clean and sober, you can experience peace and freedom, but relapse is never far behind. Your ability to avoid this depends on your commitment to staying sober and building a solid support network of family members, friends, and professionals in your corner.

3. Maintaining Your Physical Health

The most important part of staying clean is maintaining your physical health so that you have the strength to succeed. It can be tempting to give up and think you can't stay clean after detox because you haven't been feeling well. But it would be best to remember that when you're sick, the best way to get better is through a detoxification program.

If you have been abusing drugs and alcohol for a long time, your body has become used to them, and they are now considered "normal." However, your body needs time to adjust and heal if you have gone cold turkey after an addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Make sure to eat right, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest during this phase to get through detox with less discomfort and energy. Also, staying well-hydrated in your detoxification program's first few days would be best. During this time, your body goes through several changes that can result in dehydration and weakness.

It's recommended that you drink at least two quarts a day. Juice is a good choice if you prefer a more concentrated solution. Try to avoid caffeine, which makes you dehydrate faster. Also, stay away from sugar and sweets to curb cravings.

4. Taking Part in Healthy Activities

It's essential to keep a busy schedule and participate in healthy activities to support your transition from detox to recovery. In addition, a healthy activity plan helps you focus on your recovery and gives you something to look forward to.

For example, you could enjoy hobbies like painting, dancing, running, cycling, and hiking or participate in local community events such as festivals, fairs, and sporting events. It's also a good idea to sign up for a regular gym membership and get involved in a group that focuses on physical fitness and health.