The psychology of detox

Successful detox is the key to the door to a substance-free life. Most people understand the challenges of removing substances from the body, but detox can be as much a mental journey as a physical one. Detoxification can make demands of a person to confront anxieties, traumas or even their “personal demons.”

We aim to support you in troubled times and help you recognise the inner strength that can carry you through detox. This blog will delve into matters of the mind as a person detoxifies and removes harmful addictions for a drug-free life.

Defining detox and its psychological processes

Detoxification is defined as a process or period of time in which one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances. The process physically affects the body, but it can also instigate profound psychological changes. The body and brain adjust to the complete removal of a substance, often causing instinctual reactions of anxiety, mood swings and irritability.

What effects do drugs have on the brain?

As a person misuses drugs over long periods, the brain desperately seeks to adapt. Some of the ways the brain is affected and impaired by drug use include:

• Lost impulse control: Battling addiction often leads to intense impulses, sometimes leading to risky behaviour.

• Emotional imbalance: Addictions can be as much of an emotional battle as a physical one. People with an addiction often have “emotional highs” that then plummet into despairing lows, returning to the substance once again.

• Tricking the reward system: The brain’s central reward system is tricked by dopamine releases when taking a substance. Shortcuts to pleasure become the norm in addiction, though the pleasure is illusory, short-lived and not free of consequence.
• Memory loss: Substance abuse impairs the hippocampus, which is the brain’s memory centre. It becomes harder to remember dates, events and even day-to-day finances.

The effects of drugs on your brain are sometimes described by medical researchers as a kind of mental “hijacking.” If we understand this hijacking as relinquishing control of your natural behaviour, then it is not surprising that regaining this control comes with overwhelming psychological rushes for a person as they recover.

Common mental health disorders in detox

The brain is essentially returning to a fresh start through detox. For many people, the brain’s reaction to the detoxification process can feel bewildering and overwhelming. A detox programme is often fraught with mental health hurdles, presenting challenges to medical supervisors and the person undergoing recovery.

There are several common co-occurring disorders in people who enter a drug detox treatment programme. These can include:

Anxiety disorders and detox

Research shows that as many as 20% of Americans with anxiety disorders also have a substance use disorder (SUD). Having a combination of both raises the risk of extreme anxiety and panic attacks during detox, especially if a person previously used the substance to manage their feelings of anxiety.

Depression and detox

Similarly to anxiety disorders, depression is another frequently co-occurring disorder. As a person undergoes treatment, feelings of extreme loneliness, social isolation and heightened irritability are common. These often exacerbate a severe depressive state.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and detox

After a person goes through trauma, it is common for them to turn to substances as an escape from psychological fear and intrusive thoughts. Entering into drug detox, these emotions often become heightened as drug use ceases. Many people with PTSD who use drugs also suffer from severe sleep disturbances during detoxification.

Overcoming psychological challenges during detox

After prolonged substance abuse, going through drug detox might feel like being a passenger in a car who is now suddenly given the wheel. You’re moving at high speeds, and traffic continues to rush by. Now, you need to take control of the vehicle.

Detox brings intense psychological challenges, but there are effective strategies to manage them. Recovery programmes are designed to help you physically and mentally. Some of the psychological support systems in place to help your recovery include:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioural therapy CBT) is often used in substance and alcohol detox programmes. This therapy helps you to identify and change destructive thought patterns that hinder your chances of staying sober. The cessation of drugs leads to massive changes in the brain, and research shows that CBT can activate the central nervous system and promote healthier behaviours.

Cognitive behavioural therapy stimulates the part of the brain called the amygdala, which is responsible for processing fear. The prefrontal cortex is also positively affected, which handles problem-solving and reasoning. CBT in addiction treatment can help a person overcome overwhelming thoughts and emotions, improving regulating emotional outbursts and a higher sense of reasoning. It can help improve your self-perception and believe in your abilities to recover successfully.

Holistic well-being practices and principles

Aside from standardised therapy courses in recovery, a broader holistic approach is often used to improve multiple aspects of your health. Holistic approaches focus on treating the person as a whole, emphasising the mind-body connection and forming meaningful, healthy habits.

Meditation, yoga and deep breathing practices directly reduce stress and enhance your focus. This focus is carried forward into all practices, setting a solid foundation of psychological support during the challenging phases of detox.

Nutritional awareness and physical activity also play crucial roles in holistic well-being. Learning more about a balanced diet helps maintain solid energy levels during recovery. Endorphins released in exercise can further cement an outlook of positivity for a future of sobriety.

Family therapy integration

For many detox programmes, family therapy is a critical component of supporting total recovery. While the focus is kept on the recovering individual, it is essential to recognise that people do not exist in isolation. The family unit is often a key player in the relationships people have with substances.

The focus of family therapy is to step into the intricate relational patterns between family members. Assessing the way your and a loved one’s lives interact can help medical professionals support you to full recovery.

Family dynamics can be extremely intricate. A family member could be concerned about the patient’s substance abuse and be a wellspring of hope and help as they recover. Adversely, a family member might be managing the consequences of a patient’s drug habit, potentially hindering the efficacy of recovery.

Aftercare and ongoing support

Completing a detox programme is a significant achievement. As you complete it, you’ll likely swell with pride and feel ready for sustained sobriety. However, for most people, ongoing support is critical for staying sober.

Common aftercare options include continued therapy, support groups, and outpatient programs, all of which support you with psychological support in staying clean. Entering sobriety often comes with new emotions and the chance to work on old relationships. This can create turbulence on the path to long-term recovery.

Outside of just drug-related support, aftercare provides the chance to connect with others who have a similar experience. These new connections can create positive relationships and mutually supported routines of self-care and meaningful habit forming.

Sports clubs and creative outlets provide drug-free pleasure that improves your physical and mental well-being. Resilience and confidence grow as you manage your sobriety into a healthier future.

Learn more about how detox can help you

Substance and alcohol detox can lead a person to feel frightened and overwhelmed. Completing detox itself might appear as an insurmountable challenge, but we want to let you know that our support is here to help you. You can do it.

Here at UKAT, we specialise in expert detox programmes that provide the physical and mental support you need to recover. Our expert staff deliver detox, therapy and aftercare programmes to help you navigate the path to sustained recovery.

If you resonate with any points made today, reach out to us. A lifetime of sobriety is just one phone call away.