Why Should I Detox Before the Holiday Season?

While many individuals suffering from addiction wait until after the holidays to get clean, detoxing before the holiday season is an even better idea. Staying sober during the holidays can be difficult, but entering the season without drugs or alcohol in your system will help you resist any temptations this indulgent time of year might present and start 2020 off right! Here’s what to expect if you detox before the holidays.

Reasons to Detox Before the Holiday Season

The general public saves resolutions for New Year’s Eve – but by committing to detox before the holiday season even starts, you’re proving to yourself and others just how motivated you are to recover from your addiction.

  • The holiday season is notorious for excess – overspending, overeating, and overindulging. For those battling drug addiction or alcoholism, it can be a dangerous time. Starting the winter months knowing you’ve already conquered one of the toughest parts of rehab will remind you what you’re capable of enduring – and resisting.
  • A built-in support system. If you detox before the holiday season, you can expect to be surrounded by friends and family afterwards – after all, that’s what the holidays are all about. With family getting together and friends taking time off work, you can enjoy the post-detox support you need without inconveniencing anyone.
  • A new look. Constant substance abuse means you’re not taking care of yourself. Chances are you’re not sleeping enough, eating properly, or exercising regularly. Freeing your system from drugs and alcohol means you’re making room for a cleaner lifestyle – not to mention a healthy glow in the family photo this Thanksgiving.
  • A fresh perspective. Rather than spending the holiday season abusing alcohol or drugs and resenting yourself for it, you can spend these months doing the things that made them so magical before addictive substances entered the equation. Ice skating, cooking, shopping, decorating – all much better (and easier) sober.

There are many reasons to detox before the holidays. But if you’ve never done it before, you’re probably wondering: What can I expect during a detox?

What Happens During Drug Detox?

Detoxification is widely regarded as the first step in drug treatment. As stated by the substance abuse policy experts at Washington Circle Group, detoxification is a medical intervention process that safely helps an individual through the experience of acute drug withdrawal. While there are a few different approaches to detox, the general stages of the detox process are the same.

Within the days and weeks immediately following the ceasing of drug and alcohol use, individuals may experience the undesirable physical symptoms of withdrawal syndrome – including headaches, cramping, and nausea.
While not every individual needs it, medication-assisted detox (detox with the assistance of medically trained professionals) can help control the unpleasant effects of withdrawal with specific medications and round-the-clock supervision.

How Do You Know If Medication-Assisted Detox is Necessary?

  • If you have a physical addiction to a drug (or drugs).
  • If withdrawing without assistance would cause you intense discomfort.
  • If withdrawing without medical supervision would pose a health risk.
  • The medical detox withdrawal treatment you receive will depend on your drug of choice.
  • Stimulant withdrawal: For individuals addicted to cocaine or methamphetamines, inpatient treatment programs may use benzodiazepines.
  • Opioid withdrawal: This detox treatment employs methadone and buprenorphine.
  • Benzodiazepine withdrawal: Unfortunately, some individuals can become dependent on benzodiazepine as it has addictive properties – it’s prescribed primarily due to a lack of alternative medications that can calm the effects of stimulant withdrawal. Benzodiazepine withdrawals are curbed by gradually decreasing doses or switching to another benzodiazepine or phenobarbital substitution.

Drug detox is not the most comfortable part of recovery, but it’s generally over within ten days.

How Helpful is Drug Detox?

Detoxing and detox before the holiday is a necessary first stop on the road to recovery – it is by no means the last. Detoxing purges your body of addictive substances, but it does not cure your drug addiction. Viewing detox like it’s the main hurdle will only lead to disappointment, especially if you approach holiday season parties without caution.

In fact, medical detoxification can actually increase patients’ risk of death from overdose if they don’t transition into substance abuse treatment after discharge. A 2012 Johns Hopkins study found that while the relapse rate post-detox is 65 to 80 percent, individuals were ten times likelier to stay drug-free when continuing program-based treatment.

About Cliffside Malibu

To be truly effective, detox must be incorporated with a post-detox treatment program and a serious commitment to sobriety that lasts long past the holiday season. Cliffside Malibu offers an on-site addictionologist, specifically trained in the disease of addiction. With this careful attention and medical care, individuals are able to more comfortably transition into sobriety and recovery.

Since no two addictions are the same, Cliffside Malibu offers an individualized treatment plan for each and every client. We are committed to providing the best care possible through.a continuum of care including medically supervised detox, residential treatment, day treatment, and outpatient services. Our program includes not only evidence-based treatment but family therapy and holistic therapy, as well. Whether an individual is suffering from substance abuse and/or alcohol addiction, our programs are designed and structured to be a supportive environment in order to maintain sobriety.

In addition to world-class treatment, Cliffside Malibu offers luxury accommodations, a serene environment, five-star dining, and plentiful amenities. We understand that addiction treatment is a rigorous process. Therefore, we provide for your comfort and relaxation at every turn, allowing you to rejuvenate, to meet the demands of treatment with your greatest energy and attention.

For more information on Cliffside Malibu, visit cliffsidemalibu.com