An inpatient medical detox is the safest way to begin your path to recovery, and it may provide you the tools that will help you abstain and maintain sobriety. Withdrawals from substances, particularly alcohol, can cause seizures which can be fatal. Physicians monitor their patients during a medical detox, using a protocol and medication that will prevent seizures. Furthermore, a medical detox can be a more comfortable way to withdraw from drugs or alcohol, which can increase your chance of success and continued sobriety when you leave the hospital.

An inpatient detox provides the opportunity to:

Hone sobriety skills.

When you make the decision to live sober, there are some skill-sets that can make abstinence easier and increase your chances of long-term success. This includes communicating more effectively with others, developing relapse prevention plans, and finding new outlets for your energies. Inpatient detox provides the perfect venue to adopt these valuable skills.

Develop coping strategies.

A medical detox may provide you with some valuable group or one-on-one therapeutic support, and a popular topic in recovery revolves around coping strategies. Since using drugs or alcohol is actually a coping skill for times that are emotionally draining, it is necessary to identify and foster new, healthier coping strategies. Hospital clinicians, physicians, and therapists may help you compile a list of coping mechanisms that you can pull-out when tempted to use.

Begin a recovery network.

No man is an island, and this is especially true in recovery. Success in recovery often comes from having a network of supports and resources that help you on this path. This might include weekly counseling sessions, monthly med management appointments, or sponsors and mentors that have experience in the treatment of addiction. Begin adding sober friends and acquaintances to your social network; this can go a long way in avoiding triggers to relapse later on.

Set up after-care.

When you have a medical detox, providers often assist in setting up integral resources and getting appointments in place. A hospitalization may even prioritize your acceptance in residential programs, after-care groups, or other programs that can be critical in your recovery. Be willing to try different groups or recommendations of your treatment team, and keep an open mind. It could be the most unexpected resources that prove to be the most helpful in your recovery.

If drugs or alcohol are impacting your
life in a negative way, reach out to a provider, counselor, or a friend. Take the safe approach to recovery with the supervision and care of a physician, and possibly an inpatient medical detox protocol.