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How To Find the Right Detox Center for You
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Author: Phil Kosanovich
Published: September 21, 2021

Substance abuse disorders are life-changing for the person who experiences addiction and for their friends and loved ones; however, the journey to recovery and sobriety is not impossible. Despite the challenges that one may face, there are many ways available when seeking sobriety. One of these is finding the right detox center.

Treatment centers can differ in the amenities and therapy methods they offer, and people may be better suited to some more than others. There are lots of variables that may influence one’s choice of which center to select, so this article lends some food for thought about what you may need to consider in this process.

A Means to an End: Selecting Goals

The first step towards setting any goals with a detox center is a consultation meeting. It’s important to bear in mind that this meeting is not the first day of treatment, but it may well be the first step. In this meeting, the provider will chat with the potential client, assessing which treatment options are best suited and looking at what the client’s desired outcome is.

Whether that is reconnecting with loved ones, reaching health goals, reintegrating into a workplace, or forming a healthier relationship with socializing – the client needs to set out what they imagine sobriety to look like.

It’s important to set realistic goals and timelines that reflect achievements along the way. The right detox center will help with goal setting and help you map out how to achieve them. In recovery, we have to be dynamic and responsive, so ensure the center provides support and coping strategies to help deal with little bumps in the road.

The First Fork in the Road: In or Out

There are two major types of treatment facilities – inpatient or outpatient. Centers that have inpatient options are residential, and the treatment program is designed to incorporate living onsite.

As an outpatient, the client goes to the center for treatment but continues to live at home.

Which option the client chooses depends on the needs of the individual. Inpatient treatment is usually a more expensive option, so this would need to be taken into consideration, along with whether the client is able to take extended leave from work or their day to day responsibilities.

Read more: Detox Orange County

In any case, there are no set standards or rules as to what works for someone. It may be the case that the ‘freedom’ that accompanies returning home to one’s home-space in the evening is just what’s needed for a swift recovery.

Certain conditions are best treated in an inpatient setting, in particular, severe alcohol or benzodiazepine detox. Withdrawal from these substances requires high levels of medical supervision, as in extreme instances, if not treated properly, they can be fatal.

Alternative Care

Recovery isn’t just about breaking the physical hold substances have on us – it’s about finding a new way to live and cope in the world. While most detoxes focus specifically on making your transition to sobriety as smooth as possible, they should all offer additional care.

This care could include:

  • Group therapy
  • 12-step meetings
  • Massage
  • Exercise
  • One-to-one therapy
  • Peer support
  • Art therapy

Just because a detox center doesn’t offer a specific therapy you think you’ll gel with; it doesn’t mean you should discount it. After all, you’ll have plenty of time to engage with whatever you want when you come out the other side!

The Other Forks in the Road: Treatment and Therapy

Many factors come into play when picking a detox center. It is important to give time to this decision, as the right place can make all the difference. Everyone’s needs are slightly different, so there is no general rule. Consultation is key and is a big step to take on the path forward already.

In terms of continuing your recovery, it’s advised that you enroll in a treatment program following detox. There, you’ll be able to adjust to freedom from your substance of choice, and you’ll learn healthy coping mechanisms and strategies you can put into place for the rest of your life.