Detox is an ugly word in our society, with the average person often thinking of an addict sweating excessively as they shake their way through a horrible list of symptoms. Sadly, though, this is often the case for many drug and alcohol abusers who try conquer their addiction. The sheer difficulty of the detox process means that many addicts simply give up and return to their abusive existence. However, there is another effective approach to treatment.
Holistic detox treatment is a modified approach in which the entirety of a person is treated based on their body, mind, and environment. Overall, the aim is to create a support system that will give the addict the best possible rate of success. You would be amazed at how many factors can potentially derail the best efforts of substance abusers.
Drug and Alcohol Detox Symptoms
Prior to undertaking holistic alcohol withdrawal treatment or a holistic drug detox program, it is crucial to consider the symptoms that will arise during the process. Knowing what is going to happen is important because drug and alcohol addicts should be kept entirely informed so as to remove any fear or anxiety.
Leading off with the symptoms of a drug detox program, an outstanding source of information is the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). The NCADD has provided a wealth of information for addicts, family, friends, and young people. And it doesn’t just relate to drugs, with alcohol covered as well. Focusing on the physical symptoms, the most common include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fear
- Flu-like symptoms
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Muscle aches
- Tremors
When considering the immediate withdrawal symptoms, it is easier to provide a concise list. And that is because there are many different types of drugs, whereas alcohol is generally considered as a collective area. According to Medline Plus, symptoms will arise eight hours after alcohol was last consumed. During alcohol detox, symptoms commonly last anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. The most common symptoms are listed here:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Inability to think clearly
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
- Shakiness
Holistic Relief from Withdrawal
From person to person, the sheer ordeal of going through a withdrawal will vary greatly. Alarmingly, the ordeal can mean physical and mental anguish for addicts trying to turn their lives around. However, the solution is to instead undertake holistic detoxification to increase the effectiveness or recovery.
During the first eight hours after an addict has stopped using their problem substance, the body will go into a state of alarm whereby it will encourage substance cravings within the addict. The traditional approach of going cold turkey and starting to attend AA meetings has a huge rate of failure, with addicts unable to make it past the early stages. To support this, AA has previously reported that 80% of attendees will drop out during their first year.
Holistic detox treatment seeks to improve the rate of success by providing multivitamin and/or health supplements in a bid to minimize the threat of cravings sending addicts straight back to their substance of choice. In the case of alcohol, kudzu is a Chinese supplement with potential to calm the cravings of addicts.
Additional holistic relief can be sought through homeopathy in an effort to deliver stress relief through a nontoxic approach. Adrenal burnout can be fought off with ginseng and rhodiola. Lastly, consumption of chlorella will assist addicts in coping with the fatigue of undergoing treatment at a holistic detox center. The rationale is that chlorophyll will improve the absorption of oxygen in red blood cells.
Comprehensive Treatment
Expanding on the concept of consuming supplements during the early stages of detoxification, it should also be noted that nutrition and fitness will play a pivotal role in maintaining a substance-free life. Both of those factors will add to the comprehensive philosophy of holistic drug and alcohol treatment.
By combining quality nutrition with regular physical activity, you will benefit from reduced stress, less anxiety, increased self-esteem, a positive outlook, and higher energy levels. As for nutrition, an all-encompassing holistic treatment center will provide nutritional advice to compliment your physical efforts. You simply cannot afford to overlook the power of nutrition and fitness – don’t settle for a rehab center that does. Beating addiction is about much more than coping with the symptoms.
