6 ways to choose the best detox for alcohol and drug
When you have an addiction to alcohol use, it starts creating problems and distress. Every alcohol use disorder(AUD) is different and needs a different detox plan. The detox plan depends on how severe your symptoms are. The detoxification helps your body in removing alcohol and drugs from your system. It makes managing the symptoms easy for you when you stop taking a drug. The characteristic withdrawal symptoms are depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, shakiness, and unstable blood pressure. A good detox program guides you or your loved ones through a smooth withdrawal from the drugs. Here are six ways to help you choose the right detox plan.
- Decide which Detox Program Is Right For You
A detox program is the first step towards helping you get off the drugs and alcohol. Through this program, you slowly detach yourself from drinking alcohol. There are different types of detox programs like an alcohol detox, recreational drug detox, opiate detox, and prescription drug detox. Prescription detox includes addiction to Valium, Ritalin, Vicodin, or Adderall. Recreation detox is the addiction to heroin, cocaine, marijuana, or meth. So, pick a detox program depending on what specific issue you have.
If your addiction symptoms are mild, then you can opt for outpatient care. This detox program lets you have the treatment during the day at their facility and return to your home at night. During this program, you get social support and be in touch with your doctor daily. You have to spend a set number of hours under medical supervision at the facility. It is preferable for people who have a stable life, family responsibilities, and want to continue working. Since these programs don't run for 24 hrs, they are more cost-effective.
The inpatient detox program is a residential treatment program wherein the patient has to stay at the centre for a period of 30 to 90 days, depending on the severity of your addiction. If you are experiencing dreadful withdrawal symptoms and have severe mental issues, then you must opt for inpatient care. During this program, you do not get access to any temptation and will have 24-hr medical supervision. Some of the inpatient centres have family programs where the patient's family also participates in supporting the recovery. It helps in mending any flawed relationships that can also trigger a relapse.
3. Determine if medical professionals oversee the program
The detox process involves the removal of the alcohol or drug from the individual's system. While undergoing this process, the individual will experience withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening. That is why it is essential to have medical personnel who can examine you carefully to make it easy for you to succeed. Each detox program offers special attention to every individual based on individual assessment. The medical personnel will evaluate your social and behavioural status, along with physical and medical evaluations. This assessment will let them assess your condition, concerns, and needs. If the person is suffering from drug abuse along with depression or any other issue, then verify if the facility will look into both the problems. Along with the medical personnel, there will be nurses, technical, and clinical staff looking after you 24*7.
4. Look for caring, comforting facilities
Look for a detox program that keeps you comfortable, is humane, and supports you throughout the program. The process will be challenging but should be a pleasant experience also. It should not make you sick and go through severe pain. The duration of the program is also an essential factor to take into account. The program should be customizable based on your requirements and the number of substances that need removing from your system. Therefore, it varies from one person to another. Excellent facilities have experienced medical personnel who will help you survive the harsh side effects of withdrawal.
5. Verify licenses
Choose a detox program from a centre that is professional, has excellent facilities, and provides quality services. Make sure that the state recognizes the facility and the detox program. Avoid going to a centre that has been out of business for more than five years. They might be running unethical practices and might take advantage of you by demanding high amounts. Check for accreditation, past records, and license information either from the centre or online. Every centre running a detox program has a track record of the success rate of the program. Go through it and do proper research before signing up for anything. These statistics will tell you about the number of people entered in the last year, how many succeeded in overcoming the addiction, and the number of relapses.
6. Counseling and aftercare services
Conclusion:Aftercare programs are also a crucial part of the detox programs and recovery process. After the completion of the detox program, in case the patient gets a relapse or temptation and a potential trigger, then the aftercare program gives the necessary support. Counselling is an integral part of the recovery process. A good detox program has a counselling service to understand the underlying cause of their addiction. Counselling is a way of educating the patient about the risks of drug usage and teaches them techniques of facing the triggers when out of the program. Make sure that before finishing the program, there is medical personnel at the facility to prepare a post-treatment plan for you after your discharge from the centre.
The above are six critical pointers to keep in mind before choosing a detox program. You must understand that no detox centre will give you a 100% guarantee of your success in the program. It depends on you how religiously you follow the program and continue it even after getting discharged. It is advisable to attend support group meetings, which are a continuing program after your initial treatment.
