Deborahe Prock's notes to clients undergoing
the process of drug detoxification

Drug detoxification involves two main processes – changing the habit and releasing the drugs from our lives.

Some preliminary concepts can help us prepare for drug detoxification. When we have symptoms such as pain, our culture teaches us …[to]… stimulate or sedate ourselves chemically to fix the problem. The fact is that the drug use and drug therapy rarely cure the underlying problem and will often account for other problems such as an addiction to the medications we are using for the symptoms.

It is very important in this first step of detoxification to once again care and love ourselves, reinforcing the underlying desire to feel better. When we use a drug to sedate a pain response in the body, it essentially deadens natural brain chemicals resulting in feelings of depression and worthlessness. Another aspect of drug use is recreational; humans like the comfort of friends and feeling good. Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol are often in this mix. Somewhere along the line, we learn that companionship with our friends is simply not enough, and this relationship is heightened by drug and alcohol use. Our brains then associate the party times with comfort from the substances we use. … the brain loses the ability to naturally make the chemicals that cause happiness. So, the first and most important step is to realize that to truly detoxify from drugs is to address the emotions that have become imbalanced.

The Bach flower remedies are simple mixtures of water, flowers, and brandy which work to heal emotional problems, restoring mental harmony and preventing physical illness from taking hold. Developed as a complete system by Dr. Edward Bach, they are safe, simple, and effective. Bach flower remedies are unique in the way they treat the person, addressing emotional states in a holistic way, allowing the body to react creatively when worn by the stresses of life.

Before going through any drug detoxification, it is wise to prepare and plan before we proceed. This is important both physically and psychologically. It is definitely helpful to have the aid of a good friend for this support. Depending upon the depth of your addiction, we may ask the assistance of a physician or therapy group as well. The withdrawal phase can be the most difficult time, and this can vary from one day to one month. It is very hard to differentiate the physiological sensations from the withdrawal and the actual physical sensations that may occur.

After the initial withdrawal, which is tied to detoxification – that is, the natural release of the stored chemicals from the body – it will require some willpower and commitment to our plan for eliminating the substance abuse from your life. During this time, you may want to use Rescue Remedy to help for times of weakness. The actual chemical withdrawal will cause a spurt of the chemicals stored in your body over the years to once again remind you of the drug affects causing a craving; the Rescue Remedy will help to battle this.

To battle the cravings, a good wholesome diet with nutritional supplements will be very helpful. During the transition stage following withdrawal, we will begin an herbal cleanse to help remove more quickly the stored chemicals in your body.

You have a lot on your plate at this time (no pun intended), so rather than stress out as to a strict diet to follow at this time, lets consider this: we need to increase the alkalinity in your body. Simply all fruits and vegetables are alkaline-forming in the body. Foods such as milk products and sugar will increase the cravings. It is natural during this time to crave sweets; use fruit or juices for this. Keep in mind, the more sugar consumption you have, the longer the withdrawal symptoms will last.

Okay, this sounds very simple but the truth is you have spent many years developing an unhealthy lifestyle and it will not be a “piece of cake” every day. Friends that understand you are a great choice during this time, thus the reason that I suggest joining a support group to meet people to help you on difficult days. Learn to replace your anxiety with some other choices: take a walk, jump in the shower, or go to the mall. Before you know it, you will find this extra anxiety is a natural source of great energy and we will just learn to redirect how you use it. Consider all of the projects you would love to have completed that are sitting half-done; jump in and get them going again. Every little accomplishment will help embed these new life-style changes.