Detox vs inpatient rehab

Addiction treatment often requires progressing through different levels of care. As a person goes through treatment, their needs change. These needs correspond with treatment interventions provided at different levels of care. For some people, the first level of care they will need to complete is detoxification or “detox”.

Detox is also referred to as withdrawal management. During this phase of treatment, specific medications are used to reduce the uncomfortable effects of stopping the use of substances. More importantly, these medications are used to prevent very serious and life threatening complications of detox such as seizures, severe dehydration or even death.

Inpatient treatment programs sometimes require that a person completes the detox process before entering inpatient treatment. If this is not done, the physical effects of withdrawal would prevent someone from meaningful engagement in treatment.

Medical Detox Programs

Detox is often the initial phase of addiction treatment. During detox, a person is experiencing withdrawal symptoms that are unique to the substance they were using. This withdrawal process can be very uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous.

The goal of drug detox is to prepare your body and mind for inpatient treatment and long-term addiction recovery. By getting rid of all toxins from the body, it is like a clean slate and fully ready to begin the intensive rehab.

Detox programs can be quite challenging as patients may feel the full force of withdrawal symptoms in the first few days or weeks. This may cause stress, anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, and frustration. But, despite this, it is critical for patients to successfully complete the program for the long-term treatment to be successful.

The main purpose of the detox process is to cleanse the body internally and reduce the discomfort caused by withdrawal symptoms. It is also meant to reduce stress levels and control anxiety, as well as help to strengthen one’s resolve. Drug detox programs also enable individuals to regain their ability to control their desires and behaviors, eventually eliminating the craving for alcohol or other harmful substances.

This cleanse is the full foundation of your journey to sobriety and helps you regain control of your body and brain so it may function optimally again. Without it, the remnants of addictive substances in your body can cause further damage, making rehabilitation completely impossible.

Things to Avoid When Detoxing

While it is a fundamental step in rehabilitation, many people often misconstrue its purpose and technique and will make poor choices during the detox process. Keep in mind the following practices when going for detoxification.

Firstly, you should never, ever detox ‘cold turkey’. This is extremely counter productive and can lead to severe withdrawal that could permanently impact your lungs, liver, heart, and mental health. The detox process must take place under careful supervision of medical professionals.

Secondly, you should always avoid detoxing yourself at home. Do not use at-home detox kits. These are not regulated by the FDA, which means there is no evidence whether they are effective. You should avoid detoxing yourself at home as there is a greater risk of medical complications and even relapsing, especially in case of opioids and alcohol.

Finally, make sure you detox under the careful supervision of medical staff that can help you when there are dips or highs in your mood and withdrawal patterns. Detox programs can be extremely tough and strenuous and they can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being if you aren’t careful. You are more likely to complete the detox process more successfully with the care and support of medical staff.

What is Rehab?

Rehabilitation is the process or treatment that helps with long time substance abuse recovery and paves a healthy way to recovery. Rehab is usually classified in two categories: outpatient treatment and inpatient treatment program. Both are extremely successful and cater to a variety of patients and their unique requirements.

After the successful completion of the detox phase, the patient is then moved to rehab for long term addiction treatment. The detox stage helps you get sober but rehab helps you stay sober. It is a vital step in achieving sobriety, as well as understanding about the self. During rehab, your body can return to stability or homeostasis that is crucial in the long term.

Rehab is also vital and builds self-confidence and as it is longer than detox programs and help you deal with withdrawal symptoms in a clear and healthy manner. Most drug rehab addiction treatment programs take approximately 20 to 30 days to build one’s coping skills as well as life management skills.

What is Inpatient Rehab?

Inpatient rehab is a form of intensive care that requires patients to stay at the facility for a certain duration of time. This can be anything between a few weeks or even months, depending on your doctor’s recommendations, drug abuse history, level addiction, mental health, and physical well-being.

When enrolled in an inpatient treatment program, patients are under 24/7 supervision to avoid the risk of relapse and to help them cope with withdrawal symptoms on a daily basis. Professional doctors, therapists, lifestyle coaches, nutritionists, nurses, and other clinical staff are constantly monitoring and accessing your progress, as well as keeping note of all milestones.

At inpatient facilities, you have access to a variety of amenities including swimming pools, libraries, full furnished bedrooms, televisions, internet connection, computer labs, gyms, cafeterias, etc. Your healthcare staff drafts a unique treatment plan that is suited to your addiction patterns and history. You also receive individualized therapy, group counseling, educational seminars, family therapy, one-to-one sessions, etc.

An inpatient rehab facility is also often referred to as a residential treatment program that focuses on long-term steady recovery and provides an intensive care and support system that is productive to your overall growth and well being.

Be it drug addiction or alcohol withdrawal, inpatient drug rehab provides the right climate to battle these addictions and find a steady path to recovery.

Inpatient addiction treatment programs can be quite pricey and are usually paid for by insurance companies.

Factors to Consider When Joining Inpatient Addiction Recovery

Inpatient rehab requires will power, resilience, and the correct attitude. Before you enroll in one of these programs, it is vital to understand what you will be expected to do and how you can cope with the treatment process.

Firstly, this treatment facility requires patients to stay with them for a particular duration of time. You will have to take leave from work and leave your family and friends behind while you work on yourself and give precedence to self-care.

Secondly, inpatient treatment can be quite pricey. Remember to always speak to your health insurance provider first before you join a program. Ask the inpatient facility if they accept your insurance provider and vice versa.

You will be under the careful watch of the medical personnel while at the treatment center. They will administer your medication intake, therapy, counseling, eating patterns, etc. Medical supervision is an intrinsic part of inpatient programs and your medical professional will keep note of your progress and setbacks.

Inpatient medical facility also provides 24/7 help and supervision in case of emergencies.