Detoxification
What is Detoxification and Why is it Vital to the Rehab Process?
Not all people know how addiction is treated. Some think that it's just a psychological ailment which can be treated without Detoxification. Others are on the opposite side of the debate, claiming that Detoxification is rehab itself, and once the substance is out of one's body the problem is solved.
Both claims are incorrect because they try to overlook either the physiological aspect of addiction or the psychological aspect of it. Addiction is caused by both physical and psychological triggers, and if the treatment focuses on just Detoxification or just counseling, the patient will just end up suffering from relapses.
Role of Detoxification
Detox or Detoxification is a medical process which forces the cessation of the addictive substance's intake. The process is not a purging of the toxins per se, but in effect, Detoxification is about the cleansing of the body from harmful substances which are affecting the structure of the brain. If the addiction is for alcohol, for example, the patient is forced to stop drinking alcohol completely, but is also injected or given drugs which mimic the effects of alcohol in more moderate degrees.
What the process of Detoxification avoids is the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms which going "cold turkey" may bring. If you try to detoxify on your own, you can become very sick because the change in your body is too sudden. Detoxification weans your body gently and allows the patient to ease into the change. Once weaned from the substance, the individual will be more lucid and will be able enjoy the full benefits of counseling sessions.
Why are counseling sessions necessary?
Addiction is more than just a physiological condition. Even before the addiction itself, other factors have triggered the patient to turn to substance abuse for escape. These can be personality disorders or external factors, like peer pressure or stress from the family or workplace. Each patient has a specific stressor or trigger when it comes to addiction, and this can only be treated through private and group counseling.
For the most part, counseling doesn't aim fix the problem itself. Rather, it strengthens the will of the patient to fight off these internal and external factors so that it's possible for him/her to return to his/her old environment. During the in-patient rehabilitation program, patients will be assessed if they're strong enough to face the real world.
The involvement of their family and friends are also encouraged during this time. The family will be educated more about the condition affecting the patient so that they can be a support system once he's released from the center. Sometimes, misinformed family members can become the triggers for relapses because they unwittingly make the recovering patient want to go back to the addiction. When the rehabilitation center involves the family, this risk is minimized.
Out-Patient Programs
Aside from the support of family and close friends, patients will also have to attend group sessions outside the center. This would reinforce their will to recover completely from the addiction. Sometimes patients are allowed to choose what kind of group sessions they'd like to join. Those who are spiritual often join recovery groups with similar religious beliefs to help them realize a bigger dream or perspective of life. Other recovery group sessions do not use religious principles.
Choosing a Facility
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Facility for Detoxification
If this is your first time seeking detoxification for yourself or a loved one, it would be helpful to know which questions to ask when searching for possible programs.Recovery Now TV will guide you in making the most appropriate decision based on your individual needs.
When researching detoxification programs, consider the questions below to help guide you to making the most appropriate decision for treatment:
- Will the facility work with your health insurance company? If you have health insurance, please click here or scroll to the bottom of the page to access the complete Insurance Guidance Information page.
- Where is the facility located? Oftentimes facilities will urge you to travel out of your area to receive treatment. Consider the list of pros and cons below for traveling out of the area for treatment.
Treatment out of the area-
- PRO- Getting out of the area for detoxification will help an alcoholic or addict to focus on themselves rather than their familiar surroundings.
- PRO- Going out of the area for detoxification creates a mindset where a client is taking a journey for their recovery.
- PRO- If the going gets tough in treatment, a distance between the home and the treatment facility might affect a person's decision to not give up and to stay in treatment.
- CON- Going to a detoxification program out of the area puts distance between you and your loved ones. Most treatment programs offer a family component and a long distance could make it difficult for supportive family and friends to participate in the treatment program.
- CON- Going to a detoxification program out of the area might make it difficult to return to the home environment. If you choose to go out of the area for treatment, it is crucial to make sure that the treatment facility has a discharge planning process which includes assistance in finding outpatient and Twelve Step Support systems for when you return home.
- What governing body is the treatment facility licensed through? All detoxification programs providing therapeutic services and treatment planning must be licensed by a State governing body. If one of the facilities that you are considering is NOT part of the RecoveryNowTV network, then you will need to make sure that the facility is licensed through the state.
- Is the facility accredited? If so, what is the accreditation agency governing the facility? Accreditation is a true sign of a quality and safety assurance plan for a facility. While accreditation is not mandatory for a facility, it does provide a higher level of standards for a facility to adhere to. The two major accrediting bodies are The Joint Commission (JCAHO) and Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities (CARF). Both accrediting organizations ensure that the facility actively participates in rigorous quality and safety improvement protocols.
- What does a typical day entail? Ask the detoxification facility go through the daily schedule and feel free to ask questions of each item on the schedule. This will give you an understanding of all of the services offered. This will allow you to take full advantage of the treatment protocols being offered.
- What is the price of the treatment? Are there additional costs over and above the stated cost? Is there a daily rate? Is there an early termination policy?
- Is there an extended care program? When searching for a detoxification, if time and your schedule permits, then it is recommended one enter an extended care program or a structured sober living environment. This will ensure that the re-entry back into daily living is a safe transition. Many programs offer a step-down or sober living program which includes mandatory Twelve Step participation, curfews, and drug testing
- Is there a program in place for relapse? It is important to know if the detoxification program will support you during a relapse. Many programs have relapse prevention or a refresher course in case of a relapse. Although many people do not want to consider readmitting to a treatment facility, it is important to know that your treatment program will support you if you have a relapse.
