Addiction to alcohol or drugs can cause a lot of suffering for an individual and their family. The consequences can be devastating, leading to severe depression, lost relationships, trouble with the law, and more.

If you’re struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, know that there is hope.  There are various detox and treatment programs especially designed to assist those who desire to get free from addiction. And, it’s not as difficult as you might think to get free and get your life back in order. In fact, within just a short time, you can begin to experience a life full of freedom, peace, and joy.

Are You Addicted To Alcohol?

It’s not always easy to admit that you’re struggling with an addiction to alcohol. However, it’s important that you recognize and admit this, so you can get started on recovery. Once you are aware of this, an important first step toward sobriety is to attend a detox center and/or treatment program. There you will go through a detox process where your body is cleansed to ensure that it gets rid of dangerous alcohol toxins. According to medical science, the residues of alcohol ought to be flushed from the body in order to purify it, which helps to alleviate much of the physiological cravings for the alcohol.

Alcohol Detox 101

Quitting drinking puts you at risk of experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. If you’re a heavy drinker, you run the risk of experiencing potentially dangerous symptoms. Therefore, you should consider undergoing detox an alcohol detox center. Such centers provide 24/7 monitoring and provide safe, effective treatment to help you get through the symptoms.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms 

You’ll most likely experience some alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. The severity of the symptoms will be determined by how long and how much you’ve been drinking, among other factors.  The most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms are as follows:

• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Insomnia 
• Profuse sweating or chills
• Headaches and body aches
• Nausea and vomiting 
• High anxiety
• Shaking
• Emotions like anger, frustration, fear, etc.

Some of the more serious withdrawal symptoms include:

• Visual or auditory hallucinations
• Seizures
• Delirium Tremors

Treatment of Detox Symptoms 

Substance abuse professionals may administer medications to help ease some of your minor and major detox symptoms.  These medications are administered orally, and they will gradually reduce them as you progress on your detox journey.  This can feel like a big relief to those undergoing detox, as there may be anxiety about going through some of the painful detox symptoms.

What Happens At A Detox Center?

You may wonder what happens at a detox center.  Essentially, there will be qualified staff providing excellent, compassionate care.  You will undergo an initial meeting, where you will be asked questions about your alcohol use, so that a treatment plan can be formulated for you. You will also be able to attend counseling sessions during treatment.

Some detox centers offer the opportunity for you to attend 12 Step meetings as well. Then, before you leave, they will advise you on how you can continue your recovery journey once you’re at home, so that you can remain sober and free.

Know that as you attend a detox center, you will have professionals caring for you and rooting for your success too.

What Can’t I Bring To A Treatment Center?

There are certain things you probably won’t be allowed to bring into a detox or treatment center. Some are obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people try to bring them anyway. Some of the more common disallowed items include:

• Drugs and Alcohol: Detox centers prohibit the entry of any type of drug or alcohol. Violation of this rule may lead to one being released from the facility.

• Hate Materials: All materials that may express a hate message are not allowed in alcohol and drug detox centers. These materials may include expression of gang signs, drawings, and posters. Hate material also includes any item that may be deemed to be racist.

• Weapons: Dangerous weapons like baseball bats, stun guns, knives, mace, and guns are not allowed in any detox center. Even though other items like ratchets, penknives, box cutter and razors are not designed to hurt the body, they are also prohibited in the detox environment because they pose a threat to other patients within the center. 

You Can Recover From Alcoholism or Addiction

Entering a detox center or treatment facility is one of the most important steps that you can take in your efforts to stop abusing alcohol.  Committing to the program will take you through a detox process where your body is cleansed to ensure that it gets rid of the toxins associated with alcohol. According to medical science, the residues of alcohol ought to be flushed from the body in order to help a person get over their addiction.

Addiction treatment centers are plentiful, even facilities that cater to Native Americans. It’s no secret that millions of men and women are struggling with addiction to alcohol and/or drugs.  As you’re probably aware, excessive drinking can cause a lot of pain, so taking that first step toward sobriety is very important. Even if you’ve tried many times before to stop drinking, don’t give up.  All it takes is one last time and you can begin to walk the road to freedom from here on out.

Here at Sunrise Native Recovery, we provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment for Native Americans struggling with addiction. We affirm that culture matters, and we’re dedicated to providing culturally relevant recovery tools and modalities that can help you feel more at home. From talking circles to ceremonies to spiritual hiking to sweat lodges, we’ve got you covered from a cultural perspective.

A Better Life On The Other Side Of Addiction

There is a beautiful life on the other side of alcoholism.  The journey may not always be easy, but a journey of recovery and abstinence from alcohol is certainly worth it.  If you’re struggling with stopping, perhaps it’s time to attend a detox or treatment center.  Maybe it’s just time for you to come to terms with where your life is now and where you’d like to see it go from here on out.  The first step toward freedom might be a bit scary, but you’ve got the courage within you to take that step. 

Commit to that first step today.

To learn more, contact us today.