7 Questions You Should Ask About Drug Detox

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7 Questions You Should Ask About Drug Detox

You’re reading this article because you are ready to take back your life and be free from the grip of addiction. This decision is one of the most difficult, but most rewarding one you’ll make in your lifetime.  Of course, you have questions about drug detox, where to begin, and how to choose the right program for your needs.  The following information may prove helpful.

Questions About Drug Detox Programs to Ask

To help you make an informed decision about treatment, below are 7 questions about drug detox you should ask before making your choice.  Not all programs or facilities are alike, so you need to know about the options available and what type of treatment is best for your situation.

Here are some of the things you’ll need to know:

Will detox cure my addiction?

This question is first in line because far too many people believe that detox will cure their addiction.  However, the truth is, detox is merely the first step in a comprehensive approach to treatment.

The purpose of detoxification is to eliminate all traces of the addictive substance from the body.  Medical professionals supervise the process to ensure a safe and effective withdrawal period.  You are ready to begin a rehabilitation program after detox.  This phase of treatment addresses the emotional or mental factors that contributed to the addiction.

What type of detox do I need?

The type of detox program you’ll need depends on the drug involved and the severity of your addiction.  Intake counselors or medical professionals can conduct a confidential assessment to determine the best program for your needs.

Some of the options include:

  • Medically assisted detox – This process involves weaning a person off their drug of choice by substituting another drug such as Suboxone, methadone, or benzodiazepines.  Medical professionals monitor the individual throughout the detox process. Many people fear that medical detox means trading one addiction for another.
  • Inpatient detox – Individuals remain in the facility 24/7 until the detox process is completed.  This method is ideal for those who have severe addictions that require a significant amount of monitoring.
  • Outpatient detox – This approach is best suited for individuals with moderate addictions who need to continue working or attending school.  Patients attend regularly scheduled counseling sessions and undergo drug testing.

In most cases, an inpatient program is the most effective as it removes the patient from the environment that exacerbated their drug abuse.

How do I choose a detox center?

When considering a detox center, you need to know what type of detox you need.  Also, you need to decide whether you want to be close to home or further away. You can choose a facility based on whether you need or prefer medical detox, faith-based, or traditional treatment.  You may also need to consider whether the program is equipped to treat patients with physical or mental health issues.

How long does detox take?

The duration of detox is dependent on the type of substance involved, the severity of the addiction, and the age, gender, and health of the individual.  The entire process can take from a few days to several months. It’s important to remember that detox is only the beginning phase of addiction recovery. The patient should enter a rehabilitation program immediately after completing detox.

What kinds of drugs require medical detox?

Life-threatening withdrawal symptoms appear when certain drugs are withheld.  For this reason, it is wise not to try going “cold turkey.” The drugs that are most likely to cause these dangerous withdrawals can include heroin, benzos, alcohol, and opioids.  Medical detox uses medications to lessen and control the withdrawal symptoms.  Federally regulated clinics dispense the medication and strictly monitored by medical professionals.

Should I consider rapid detox?

Rapid detox is a procedure that uses sedation.  Medical professionals administer and monitor the IV sedation in a hospital setting.  Sleeping through the withdrawals is a relatively painless way to get through detox.

Does detox prevent relapse?

Although detox is an integral part of addiction recovery, it will not prevent relapse.  In fact, many people relapse within the first few months after completing detox. For this reason, a rehabilitation program is highly recommended for anyone who has been through detox.  With a combination of rehab, aftercare programs, and a strong support structure, relapse can be prevented.

If you have more questions about drug detox, please contact us at our toll-free number today.

Resource:

  • drugabuse.gov – Frequently Asked Questions

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