(Newswire.net — May 19, 2020) — Sales of alcoholic beverages have increased by 55% since the COVID-19 pandemic began. To make matters worse, social distancing regulations, which are still in effect all over the country, have made it much harder to get treatment for alcohol and substance dependency. If you or a loved one have been struggling with dependency on any substance, detoxing from home is an option that is available at this time. With the right drug and alcohol treatment center on your side, you or your loved one can be free from substance dependency.
Consult with a Specialist
The first of many steps you will have to take when attempting to detox from home is your initial consultation with a substance abuse rehabilitation specialist. During this consultation, you and the specialist will create your unique home detox regimen. The substance(s) you have been using, the length of use, the severity of your dependency and your overall health are all factors that will be used to create your personalized treatment program.
Dealing with Withdrawal Symptoms
If you have been using alcohol and/or drugs for months or years, you will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms while you detox. While levels of severity could range from mild, moderate to severe, they could possibly be life-threatening when severe. Although withdrawal symptoms differ based on the drug in question, some common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include, but are not limited to:
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Excessive sweating, even in cold climates.
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Nervousness and anxiety.
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Rapid heartbeat.
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Vomiting, nausea and lack of appetite.
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Tremors or shaking of the hands.
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Visual and Auditory hallucinations.
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Headaches.
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Seizures.
These symptoms will be at their most severe for the first three to five days of the detox process. During this time, it’s important to take any prescribed medications just as directed. These will help relieve the withdrawal symptoms that keep so many imprisoned by their drug and alcohol dependency.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy Foods
Drinking plenty of purified water will help your body flush out the offending substance(s) and keep your body hydrated. Your body has some recovering to do, and you need to help it by giving it the right foods. Eat leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and cabbage regularly, being careful not to overcook them. Eat healthy meats such as salmon, tuna, lean red meat and trimmed cuts of poultry.
Get Plenty of Exercise and Rest
Exercising every day will help improve your physical and mental health as you detox. Strenuous aerobic or strength-training exercises performed for a sustained period forces your pituitary gland to produce endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that have the effect of reducing pain and discomfort while elevating the mood and improving emotional well-being. Daily exercise will also help your body rid itself of toxins faster through sweating.
Staying Connected with Counselors
Along with the support of loved ones and family members, you will also need the support of your rehabilitation counselors. For example, counselors at Serenity Addiction Centers are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week during your home detox stage. This is a team of specialist doctors, nurses and therapists that can answer any question or address any concern you might have during this challenging time.