Completing a medical detox program for drug and alcohol addiction is only the first step in the recovery journey. Addicts need to understand that designing a long term plan for what happens after the drug alcohol detox is critical to achieving the goal of sobriety and renewed health. Addiction is a chronic disease, and must be managed with effective treatment.
Drug alcohlol detox plays an important role in jumpstarting the recovery process, simply because it serves to empty the addict’s system of the toxins from the drugs and alcohol. It is a critical component of any treatment program, because it helps stabilize the addict and restores physical and emotional clarity. A quality medical detox program will include supervision by physicians and nurses experienced in the disease of drug and alcohol addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can often be unpleasant and dangerous, but with the proper supervision can be effectively managed.
Once the detox is completed, addicts move seamlessly into a treatment program. In these drug and alcohol treatment programs, addicts learn effective ways to cope with the inevitable stress of everyday life. Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction will take time, and will continue outside of the four walls of a treatment center. It is crucial for recovering addicts to understand that aftercare must continue for sobriety to remain a reality.
Long term aftercare can be comprised of participation in daily meetings, working the 12 steps, and being part of a faith community that encourages sobriety. Success can only be gauged when the addict understands that recovery is an ongoing process. The acceptance that sobriety is within reach is a powerful motivator.
