If you want to achieve long-term sobriety, detox is an essential step in the recovery process. Detox can be challenging, and it can be difficult to keep up your motivation through detox and beyond. However, the detox process is essential to break the physical dependency on your substance of abuse and rid your body of any remaining substances before you move on to addiction treatment. In this article, we’ll look at a few tips to help you maintain your motivation through detox
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- Motivation through detox: don’t go it alone
You might be tempted to quit your substance of abuse on your own, but a “cold turkey” attempt at detox rarely leads to long-term recovery. Addiction is a disease that causes significant changes in the brain—it’s not usually something that can be beat with willpower alone. When faced with the cravings and unpleasant or dangerous physical symptoms that accompany withdrawal, most people return to substance use just to make the symptoms stop, giving up before they break their physical dependency.
Completing a medically supervised detox program will dramatically increase your chances of success. At a detox center, you’ll be monitored for comfort and safety as your body rids itself of the substance. You’ll be provided with medications that can help keep you comfortable and minimize your cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and you’ll have the benefit of round-the-clock support.1 These advantages make it easier to maintain your motivation through detox and stay on the path to recovery.
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- Gather inspirational material
When you’re going through detox, you may find yourself needing a quick dose of inspiration from time to time. Talking to people who have faced similar challenges can be helpful and motivating. Having a collection of inspirational quotes and ideas on hand is another good way to maintain your motivation through detox and keep your spirits high.
A few spirit-boosting quotes include:
“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you’re not going to stay where you are.” – Unknown
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
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- Maintain motivation through detox by focusing on the big picture
One of the most effective ways to keep up your motivation through detox is to remember why you’re doing it in the first place. Each day of detox brings you one step closer to your new, sober life. Breaking free of addiction will give you the opportunity to improve your health, repair damaged relationships and turn things around at school or work.2 When you’re having a rough day, congratulate yourself on the progress you’ve already made, and keep these recovery goals in mind—you’ll find that it helps you maintain motivation through detox and beyond.
Detox can be challenging at times, and there may be days when you find that your motivation is flagging. There’s no need to give up when you’re feeling discouraged; with these tips and ideas in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to keep up your motivation through detox and move forward toward your recovery goals.