Before entering a treatment program, people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are often referred to a detox center. Detox centers help clients safely and comfortably eliminate drugs and alcohol from their bodies. It is natural for those who are new to the rehab process to question whether they can effectively get clean in a matter of days by entering a detox center. The following suggestions will help people who are entering treatment choose a detox program with will most likely be effective for them.
Depending on the nature of an individual’s drug or alcohol abuse, detoxing without medical supervision can be dangerous. As drugs and alcohol leave the body, withdrawal symptoms typically present. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be very severe and include seizures, insomnia, digestive upset, and psychological distress. Detox centers are staffed by clinicians and support staff who are qualified to provide supervision and, if necessary, administer medication that can alleviate the more severe symptoms of alcohol and drug withdrawal.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Detox Centers
Similar to drug rehab centers, detox centers offer inpatient and outpatient options. Inpatient centers are the better choice for people who have severe addictions. Treatment staff at inpatient detox facilities provide supervision around the clock in a structured environment. Patients are less likely to have access to drugs, and they are able to receive immediate medical or therapeutic intervention for withdrawal symptoms. Outpatient detox centers offer more freedom. Clients go to the center during the day to receive detox treatment until the evening. The client is permitted to return home in the evening to sleep. Outpatient treatment is better suited for people who do not have health concerns that may be triggered by their detox process. Outpatient clients should also have a strong support network at home that supports their sobriety.
Medication is often available at inpatient and outpatient detox centers. The type of medication a client may receive depends on the substance abuse history and preexisting medical conditions. Common medications detox centers administer to alleviate withdrawl symptoms include:
- Vivitrol
- Naltrexone
- Sublocade
- Suboxone
- Naltrexone
- Methadone
Factors That Affect Detox Treatment
Detox centers generally treat clients based on their individual circumstances. For example, the detox experience for someone who has been abusing moderate amounts of alcohol for six months is likely to differ from someone who has been addicted to heroin for 10 years. People who have been addicted for longer periods of time generally require a more intensive, closely-supervised detox setting and treatment course. Underlying mental health conditions, weight, metabolism, family history of substance abuse, and present withdrawal symptoms are other factors that determine a detox center’s approach to treating a client.
Follow-Up Care
People who enter drug detox centers generally move on to a more comprehensive rehab program within the next few days. Rehab centers often offer onsite detox to ease the client’s transition into a residential or outpatient recovery program. Treatment programs continue to offer structure to newly-detoxed clients. Beyond a structured environment, rehab centers provide counseling, workshops, social activities, and an introduction to support groups for continued recovery.
Choosing a Detox Center That Will Work
Boston detox centers are not all the same. Therefore, client should carefully consider their own needs when choosing a center. Speaking with a medical doctor or intake specialist can provide insight into which type of detox center may work best. Before entering recovery, people are often tempted to choose the setting that is least likely to restrict their freedom to come and go. However, to minimize the potential for relapse, it is often best to choose a program that accommodates clients overnight.
If you or a loved one is looking for a detox center near Boston, contact us. Our addiction specialists are available to answer your questions. We will help you find the right detox center to meet your needs. Detox is available to people of all ages, from all backgrounds, and at all income levels. Call us today at 833.970.2054 to learn more about options available near you.
