When you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, there’s come a point when you decide to take charge of your life and make the right decisions. You become tired of blacking out, waking up extremely hungover, disappointing your friends and family, and sabotaging your work life. You want to take a stand. Feeling that drive to change is the first step toward recovery. But how do you detox your body from years of substance abuse?
Addiction can take over various aspects of your life and leave you and your loved ones with a sense of profound hopelessness. A detox may seem like the only way out. However, it is important to note that detox at home can be dangerous when done incorrectly. Participating in a detoxification program at a rehab facility is normally the best option, usually followed by an addiction treatment plan.
While it may seem simple, detoxing at home isn’t easy and is not for everyone. When you stop consuming drugs or alcohol cold turkey, the body reacts with serious withdrawal symptoms. These can be painful, hard to manage, and last for some time. In the absence of any medication to help address the symptoms, the process can become even more difficult. Withdrawal can include both physical and emotional symptoms, such as:
Additionally, if you’ve used multiple substances at once – such as combining drugs or prescription medications with alcohol – the withdrawal symptoms may be even more unpredictable.
If you are dealing with mild to moderate addiction or a fairly new addiction, detoxing at home may be beneficial. When detoxing at home, you can feel peace and comfort knowing that you are your loved ones who will support you throughout.
It also allows you to stay anonymous and protect your confidentiality, which is a concern for many people when going to a rehab facility. Lastly, you don’t have to worry about any financial obligations since the process doesn’t require the services of a professional.
A lot of people try to detox at home without much success. But others have successfully had a detoxifying journey on their own.
Before you decide to detox at home, it is important to consult with a doctor or an addiction specialist to help determine where you stand and what decision will serve you best. If you have the green light to detox at home, it is crucial to do it safely. Listed below are some key factors to keep in mind.
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s the first step for safely detoxing at home. When you initially start to experience withdrawal symptoms, you will be drawn to satisfy your cravings. This is when you should avoid any temptation by removing the drugs or alcohol that you usually have on hand.
Detoxing in a safe setting where you are not bombarded with external responsibilities is imperative. If you want to make the most out of your home detoxing journey, you should clear your schedule and stay from all the distractions.
This will include taking time off from work, postponing any responsibilities, and completely avoiding people who may tempt you into indulgence. Stay close to your loved ones so you can receive medical attention on time if necessary.
Detox can be quite overwhelming, but that shouldn’t stop you. Relapses are common, so you should create an environment that pushes you to improve. If you feel stressed, take a long hot bath, or indulge in a hearty meal. You could also start an at-home fitness routine that will make your body more active and help you combat depressive spells. Give yourself daily and weekly targets, and reward yourself for achieving them.
Just because you are going through the journey of detoxing at home doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Request a family member or friend to check on you so you can stay safe and consistent throughout the process. Ask them to monitor your progress and hold you accountable if you miss a target.
Substance withdrawal results in a range of symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and loss of appetite. These symptoms are most serious between 24 and 72 hours after the last time you consumed drugs or alcohol and normally impact your ability to consume food.
Take lots of fluids during this time since they will rehydrate your body and flush out the toxins. Drink lemon and mint water, bone broth, fresh fruit juice, and ice pops for increased hydration.
Once you have the energy to eat, it is fundamental that you consume a healthy and balanced diet rather than satisfying your cravings. Eat different foods from various food groups and try to hit your daily recommended nutrient targets. Add fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fatty acids, and lean protein to your diet. It is important to follow a diet that includes:
Some minerals and vitamins are beneficial for removing toxins from the body and can speed up your detox and recovery process. These include B vitamins, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and multivitamins.
Owing to the risks associated with detoxing at home, a better option would be an intensive outpatient program where you can detox under the supervision of medical professionals and receive proper care at the right time. The key benefits of participating in such a program include:
If you’ve been battling a severe addiction, detoxing at home might not be the best solution. In such a case, you will benefit greatly from a medically-supervised program where your symptoms can be monitored, and help will always be available.
At OC Revive, we offer evidence-based programs and services to address a range of substance use disorders. Our personalized approach targets all aspects of a person’s health and mental well-being, including co-occurring depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help you in your journey to sobriety at (844) 954 3890
I began my journey to recovery back in 2011 when i moved to California from New York.Along with my recovery and beginning a new way of life, I began to develop a heart for others struggling with sobriety.My journey to California was filled with many trials and lessons learned, but most of all, personal growth. I truly believe I would not have found success if I didn’t come to California.
I first opened an adult treatment center, California Prime Recovery(CPR) as a way to work with those struggling on a daily basis. Over the last 3 years, CPR has evolved into someting much more impactful and beautiful than i could’ve ever imagined. I have come to realize that my own happiness and growth depends on being involved in the lives of others in recovery. Helping people through recovery is a cornerstone of many 12 step programs, and it has become the most important aspect of personal life. Giving back to those still suffering is the only way not to lose what you have gained.
Throughout this journey, and by mentoring many adolescents, I realized i wanted to offer more to teens who were struggling just as i was. This is when i decided to start OC Revive. I had built many wonderful relationships throughout my professional journey and found two others who shared the same vision, and passion that i had for the youth. It didn’t take long for myself, Tyler Michaelis, and Derek Walsh to turn our dream into a reality. We are committed to providing the best possible treatment for adolescents and truly believe “their future is our collective responsibility”.
As Co-Founder & COO of OC Revive, Derek has a wealth of personal and professional experience dealing with the issues faced by today’s troubled teen. Throughout High School and College, Derek struggled with peer pressure, learning challenges, and substance abuse. Working with the support of family and friends, Derek set out to conquer those obstacles and find a richer, more fulfilling life.
On 15 October 2012, Derek overcame his own substance abuse problem and dedicated himself to help others work through their own addiction. A year later, Derek began a new journey and started his career in the recovery industry. Throughout his career, Derek has worked his way through numerous roles at top-rated treatment centers. While working at those treatment centers, Derek began to see a pattern that those struggling individuals would’ve benefited immensely from receiving earlier in life.
Derek decided that he wanted to be a part of the solution, and find a way to address those issues at an earlier age. He concluded that there needed to be interventions before adulthood, and he didn’t want to see anyone going through the same cycle that he did. That was when he and Tyler Michaelis decided to start OC Revive, to make sure teens get the help they need to find a purpose that leads them to a life of happiness and success.
Derek attended college at Orange Coast College and Santa Barbara City College.
Brittany joins the OCR team with over 15 years of experience in the Mental Health adn Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings. Brittany has been supervising Associate Marrige and Family Therapists and Associate Social Workers for almost 6 years and works in compiance and auditing to ensure that treatment centers are up to par with biling regulations. Brittany has worked with young adults and adolescents for most of her career.
Brittany earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at California Baptist International University. Brittany enjoys working with adolescents and young adults and believes that ever single person has the ability to set goals and meet them, even when they can’t see it themselves. Brittany loves spending time with her family, traveling, good coffee, and being outdoors.
Patrick is amental health and addiction professional that has a passion for recovery and helping others. He was inspired and encouraged by his mentors to work with individuals and families that have been affected by mental health issues, alcohol and drug addiction. He ahs been working in the field of addiction recovery for 19+ years and is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Patrick is also certified in Adult and Adolescent Anger Management. His Career in addiction treatment began in 2001 at the Betty Ford Center i Rancho Mirage CA. as an Addiction Specialist working on the inpatient campus and is the co-creator of Betty Ford Center’s “Young Adult Track” specializing in work with 18-25 year old Patients. he also excelled in working with addicted and impaired professionals in the “Replase and Recovery Program”.
Patrick transitioned to Orange County in 2011 where he accepted a position as the Program Director for Orange County Recovery Services. Patrick is a gifted lecturer, group facilitator and counselor with a pssion for reocery that has been an active recovery member for over 25 years.
Anthony is an Orange County local and has been a great addition to the Oc Revive team. Since 2015, Anthony has been working in the substance abuse field and has also pursued his drug and alcohol counseling license. Since being with Revive Anthony has established a relationship within the School Districts and serves as a voluntary speaker for substance abuse awareness in the community. By sharing his personal testimony, he has excelled in gaining trust and building rapport with others. He always seems to have a smile on his face and brings a positive vibe wherever he goes. With that being said, Anthony is very passionate about the work that he does and goes above and beyond to provide our struggling youth the care that they so desperately need.
Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.
April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.
In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families
Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.
April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.
In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families