Detoxification facilities are available everywhere, from drug rehabs to holistic treatment centers to the home. There are detoxification centers that provide full detox services, while others provide support services during the detox process. These services may include counseling, social activities, and other support services. In some cases, there are both treatment and support, with the patient undergoing therapy, while in others, only the counseling or supervision is provided. As detoxification occurs, individuals can detox at home, go into a hospital or other inpatient facility, or engage in a self-service program.
While treatment centers tend to have their own detox facilities, many others contract with other local treatment agencies to provide services to their clients. This allows them to continue to provide addiction recovery services, while adding treatment to their already existing programs. The options for those detoxifying include alcohol and drug addiction, as well as other forms of substance abuse and dependency. In terms of severity of addiction, they range from mild to severe.
Some people opt for an inpatient detoxification program. This includes participation in daily counseling sessions and involvement in AA meetings. They are required to follow strict limitations and restrictions set by the treatment center. Generally, outpatient detox centers provide more liberty for the patient, although they are still required to participate regularly in their assigned treatment program. If an individual has severe addictions and is seeking outpatient detox, it is important to consult the doctor or physician before beginning the detoxification process. The detoxification plan may have to be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual.
Detoxification centers offer a variety of services. Many offer spiritual support and counseling, as well as education about addiction and a variety of other subjects. Others offer medical detoxification facilities for those who are suffering from certain health conditions, such as liver disease. Others offer support groups specifically for addicts, including peer support groups, self-help groups, and 24-hour helplines for those who are suicidal or violent.
Alcohol detox is generally performed in a medical facility, unless it is considered hazardous to the health of the person under treatment. Under these circumstances, the individual may be given medication to facilitate detoxification and may be required to stay at a detoxification facility for up to a few days. Medical supervision is usually required in cases of heavy alcohol use or abuse.
An individual, while in detox, is required to strictly adhere to a personalized detox program. If an individual is using drugs and is ready to stop using drugs, he/she must attend a detoxification program that is effective in the reduction of drug cravings and is affordable. The most common form of alcohol detoxification program is called the “informed treatment” technique, which aims at providing individuals with information about the damage caused by using drugs and why quitting is necessary. The “informed treatment” detox program uses various tools such as motivational interviews, group therapy, art therapies, and biofeedback to help individuals make healthy choices when they leave the program.
When an individual quits drinking, it is important to ensure that his/her body is able to adjust to a new lifestyle without the use of substances. Individuals who are not used to being sober can expect some withdrawal symptoms when they leave treatment facilities. These symptoms include shaking, sweating, insomnia, anxiety, depression, restlessness, and irritability. These symptoms may subside once the individual begins to adapt to living without alcohol. However, it is recommended that individuals remain in detoxification centers for at least two to four weeks to be fully accustomed to life without alcohol.
There are various treatment options available in detoxification clinics. Most of these treatment options are outpatient. However, in certain instances, medical personnel may recommend inpatient detoxification if an individual’s health is not stable enough to proceed with outpatient detox. Those who are suffering from addiction to drugs or alcohol and have other medical conditions should only try non-medical detox at their discretion and under the supervision of a health care provider.