There are many misconceptions surrounding addiction treatment. One of the most common misconceptions concerns treatment approaches. Often, many people use the terms ”rehab” and detox” interchangeably when discussing treatment options. However, the two terms aren’t synonyms.
In this post, we’ll explore drug rehab vs. detox to help you make an informed choice on the right addiction treatment option.
What Is Detox?
Detox or detoxification is a process that purges toxins from the body. Through detox, the body eliminates harmful substances it’s dependent on.
Often, detoxification is the first stage of addiction treatment for people grappling with substance use disorders (SUDs), as it prepares the body and mind for subsequent treatment.
What is the Process of Drug Detox?
The detox process varies from person to person, it often consists of the following three steps:
- Evaluation: At this stage, medical professionals assess the patient’s physical and mental health. The process usually involves conducting blood tests to determine the degree of toxins in the patient’s system. This information guides the medical team on suitable treatment plans.
- Stabilization: At this stage, doctors may prescribe addiction treatment medications to prevent complications and reduce withdrawals.
- Treatment program preparation: After stabilizing the patient, the final step involves preparing the patient for a treatment program.
Since withdrawals accompany detoxification, it’s advisable to undergo the process at an inpatient detox center. At a drug and alcohol detox center, medical professionals are available round-the-clock to help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms.
Common withdrawal symptoms individuals experience during detox include:
- Body tremors
- Irritability
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
Besides helping individuals cope with these symptoms and clearing the body of toxins, detox can also help:
- Boost immunity
- Reduce alcohol and drug cravings
- Minimize stress and anxiety
However, while detoxification addresses the physical aspects of addiction, it doesn’t tackle the psychological, behavioral, and social problems associated with addiction. As a result, it’s often followed by other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) at a rehabilitation center.
That said, here are some best practices to remember when starting detoxification:
- Detox under medical supervision: Contrary to what some people say, detoxing unsupervised can be risky and potentially fatal. Detoxing without medical supervision can lead to severe issues such as seizures, high blood pressure, and trouble breathing.
- Don’t detox ”cold turkey”: While it might sound counterintuitive, instantly discontinuing the use of an addictive substance can do more harm than good, particularly highly addictive substances like heroin, meth, and opioids. So, it’s advisable to quit under the care of a detox rehab center.
- Avoid over-the-counter detox kits: The FDA doesn’t regulate Over-the-counter detox kits. So, medical experts recommend avoiding them as there’s no proof they’re effective.
What Is Drug Rehab?
Drug rehab or rehabilitation is the process of medical or therapeutic treatment for dependency on addictive substances like cocaine, heroin, marijuana, prescription medication, and alcohol.
Unlike detoxification, which only deals with the physical aspects of addiction, drug or alcohol rehab equips individuals with the skills required to maintain sobriety.
There are primarily two types of drug rehab centers: residential centers and outpatient centers.
Residential or inpatient drug rehab centers offer round-the-clock support for an extended period. These centers are ideal for patients with severe SUDs, co-occurring disorders, and patients who have relapsed. They are also suitable for patients with weak support systems or those who reside in environments unconducive to recovery.
On the other hand, outpatient rehab centers don’t require patients to reside at the facility. Patients can visit the rehab center at specified timelines (often multiple times a week) to receive treatment while continuing to live at home. This makes outpatient rehab programs ideal for people who want to maintain their routines while undergoing treatment.
Nonetheless, while inpatient and outpatient drug rehab centers offer different levels of care, both offer similar treatments, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is an intervention that helps individuals recognize the thought patterns and triggers that contribute to addiction. It helps people develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage triggers and change their responses.
- Group therapy: Group therapy or counseling brings together people battling similar addictions. Led by a mental health professional, group therapy sessions provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and learn from each other. Group therapy can also promote long-term recovery as group members offer encouragement and hold each other accountable during recovery.
- Alternative therapy: While alternative therapy isn’t offered at all drug rehab centers, some centers may incorporate alternative therapies like acupuncture, IV therapy, and meditation to promote recovery.
Drug Detox vs. Rehab: Key Differences
While there’s some overlap between detox and rehab, the two have several differences. Here are the main differences between detoxification and rehabilitation:
Purpose
Detoxification addresses the physical effects of addiction, such as purging the body of toxins and managing withdrawal symptoms. Conversely, alcohol and drug rehab focuses on the psychological, behavioral, and social effects of addictions, aiming to equip individuals with the skills and tools required to maintain sobriety.
Length
While the length of detox programs varies based on various factors, such as the severity of the addiction and the individual’s overall health, detox programs typically last a few days to a couple of weeks. On the other hand, rehabilitation programs can last several weeks or even months.
Setting
Detoxification programs usually occur in hospital-like settings or specialized detox facilities where immediate support is available. Conversely, drug rehab programs offer more flexibility as they can be offered at inpatient or outpatient facilities.
Support
During detoxification, individuals receive support from a medical team led by a physician. The team may also include nurses and clinical staff. On the other hand, during rehabilitation, individuals receive support from a team of mental health professionals that may include psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and certified addiction specialists (CASs).
Detox vs. Rehab Which Option Is Suitable for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all addiction treatment option. In most cases, experts recommend undergoing both detox and rehab to treat addiction.
Detox eliminates harmful substances from the body, paving the way for rehab. Subsequently, drug rehab addresses the underlying psychological causes of addiction, equipping individuals with strategies and tools required to overcome addiction and stay clean
Ultimately, while detox and rehabilitation have several key differences, both are vital to lasting recovery. That’s why effective addiction treatment programs incorporate both treatment approaches.
Tips for Staying Sober After Undergoing Detox and Rehab Treatment
Completing a detox and rehab program is an excellent step toward breaking free from addiction. However, maintaining sobriety is another challenge itself. Here are tips for staying sober:
- Avoid risky situations: Avoid hanging around places or people that may make slipping back into old habits easy. For example, avoid drinking buddies or nightclubs.
- Find support groups: Peer support groups such as AA meetings are an excellent way to build a support network and stay clean.
- Stay busy: Staying engaged in an activity can help to minimize cravings.
- Build a support network: Recovery can be a lonely journey. So, develop relationships with close family and friends, and don’t hesitate to ask them for help.
- Develop a structured schedule: Having an erratic schedule can impede recovery. Follow a structured routine to enhance recovery.
Choose Honu House for Effective Detox and Drug Rehab Treatment
At Honu House, we offer a holistic approach to addiction treatment. We do this by not only addressing the physical aspects of addiction but also the psychological, emotional, and social aspects.
Additionally, because we know treatment needs vary from person to person, we don’t offer one-size-fits-all treatment programs. We offer personalized treatment programs tailored to unique needs.
Ready to start the journey toward lasting recovery at a rehab in Hawaii? Contact us today to learn more about the various treatment options at our Hawaii rehab center.
FAQs
Is It Possible to Skip Detox and Immediately Start Drug Rehab?
Medical experts recommend starting with detox before rehab, especially for individuals with severe addictions. Detox clears harmful substances from the body, preparing it for rehab by managing withdrawal symptoms safely.
What Substances Usually Require Detox Before Rehab?
Psychoactive substances that commonly require detox include alcohol, heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. Withdrawal from these substances can be dangerous and require medical supervision during detoxification.
Is It Safe to Detox at Home?
Opting to detox at home can be risky and potentially lethal. Detoxing at home without medical supervision can result in serious complications like seizures, dehydration, and severe discomfort. As a result, medical experts advise patients to undergo detox at detox centers where they can receive 24-hour care from healthcare professionals.
What Are Signs That Indicate Detox Is Working?
Signs that indicate detox is working include clearer skin, reduced cravings, improved concentration, enhanced energy levels, and better digestion. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms subside over time as the body eliminates toxins.
How Do I Choose Between Detox and Rehab?
In most cases, detoxification and rehab go hand in hand with detox preceding rehab. Detox is often essential for physical stabilization and reducing withdrawal symptoms, while rehab addresses underlying psychological issues and equips individuals with long-term recovery skills. Consult a medical professional or addiction specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment.
