When a loved one is beginning to enter a treatment program, for most, there is a process in which that person must detox. Detoxing is the process of removing all toxins and traces of the abused substance from the body.
Supporting those going through the detox process can be difficult. There are many overwhelming feelings of worry, stress, and anxiety. Sometimes when you are trying to support those you love, it can turn into dictating their processes and telling them what you think they should do based on what you think is best for them.
One thing to keep in mind is whether you are supporting your loved one based on what they truly need versus how you may feel about the situation. It can be hard at times to separate your emotions from certain situations, especially when you feel like your loved ones are not making the "right" choices.
Sometimes, you might reach out to those you love and get shut out. When that happens, it can be hard not to take it personally. The best thing to remember is that what they are going through is not a simple task, and it can be quite overwhelming and frustrating to them as well.
When a loved one is working through the detox process, it is often that they may lash out due to their own emotions, and during those times, you have to remember that in the heat of the moment, they may just be saying things out of anger, fear, or stress. Sometimes it is best to respect their space and offer your support when they are ready for it.
Not everyone will be ready and open to receiving support, especially during the detox process, and you, as their loved one, must learn to respect that. You and your loved one should also understand that there are dangers to detoxing alone. So, while there may be some resistance on the part of your loved one, there may be times when you need to intervene. This may be difficult to do, but it may also need to be necessary for their safety.
Sometimes it can feel like they are pushing you away, but at the same time, they might need space to process their feelings and thoughts running through their head, which is okay. During these times, you must understand that they have their boundaries, and you must respect them. Offer your support to them and let them know that whenever they are ready, you will be there for them.
Many resources are available to help you prepare for a substance detox. One thing you should do is have your loved one get a blood test. Studies show that a blood test "should include full blood count, urea and electrolytes, liver function, iron studies, glucose, calcium, magnesium and phosphate" so that a medical professional can accurately decide if your loved one will need medical attention during detox or not.
Creating a support plan is a great way to find the best things you can do for your loved one. When establishing a plan, it would be beneficial to sit down with your loved ones and discuss what they will need help with and how they feel about the situation at hand. After figuring out how they feel, you can then go into how to best support them. Support can include different approaches, and it all depends on your loved one. While it is always great to offer options, remember that this is the support plan they have come up with that will best benefit them.
When supporting a loved one through the detox process, the main thing to do is to simply ask what will help them most and listen to their needs. It can sometimes get hard, and you may feel frustrated, but you must remind yourself that they are doing what they need to improve themselves.
The detox process will be the hardest part physically for your loved one throughout their entire treatment. But the detox process does not address the problem of why they used substances in the first place. It is recommended that after detox, you start a program. There are many options to choose from, so try to find one that fits your loved one's personal needs the best. A good program will help your loved one find the root of what drives their addiction and help them develop skills to manage it.
Helping a loved one through the detox process is not an easy process. There will be times when you feel shut out or like your loved one is not going down the best path, but it is during these times that just being there for them counts the most. There may come to a point where you feel like you cannot help by yourself and you need help. NorthStar Transitions, located in Boulder, CO., can be the place to find that help. Our experienced staff can help you and those you care about navigate this difficult period in life. We offer support for those who are having issues with substance abuse. If you know someone in need of treatment, you want to do all you can to help. You can take the first steps by calling us today at (303) 558-6400.
