By P. Casey Arrillaga, LCSW, LCDC
Some addiction rehab centers have stopped offering detox as part of inpatient drug abuse treatment. This raises a question: how important is it to have detox at the same treatment center as the residential drug rehab? This post will explore this topic so that people with addiction of any kind, and their families, can give themselves every advantage in the difficult fight against this deadly brain disease.
What is Addiction Rehab Detox Anyway?
Addiction of any kind is very hard to stop. This is partly true because whether it’s heroin or gambling, people go through withdrawals that feel horrible physically and mentally , which makes it really easy to give up and go back into the addictive behavior. This is why most people need extra support to get through them.
Some withdrawals are not just terribly uncomfortable, though. They can be dangerous and even deadly. The worst of these are the withdrawals from alcohol and other central nervous system [CNS] depressants. Such withdrawals can lead to seizures and death if not properly managed. This is why anyone trying to stop alcohol or any other CNS depressant use is urged to only do so under medical care. This includes both monitoring and medication to ease someone through the process as much as possible. Opiate withdrawals, such as from heroin, oxycontin, or fentanyl, aren’t as medically dangerous, but they feel so terrible that most people cannot do it on their own. Thus, they need medical support including proper medications in order to get through them.
This is where drug rehab detox comes in. Detox usually happens in a centralized location, such as a psychiatric hospital or treatment center. Ideally, clients are closely monitored 24/7 by medical staff to manage withdrawal symptoms and head off complications before they arise. Detox aims to stabilize clients physically and mentally, preparing them for the next stage of addiction treatment.
The detox process can last from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the substance involved and the individual's health and history of addiction.
Should Someone Detox at the Same Place They Do Addiction Treatment?
Detox is a crucial first step in recovery, as it helps to cleanse the body of harmful substances and begins to break the physical dependency, but detox alone is not sufficient for long-term recovery. For people to have a realistic chance, detox needs to be followed by comprehensive addiction treatment that addresses the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. Such programs offer therapy, counseling, and support to help clients develop coping strategies and make lasting changes in their lives.
Unfortunately, many people try to get by on detox alone. They reason that once the drugs are “out of their system,” they will have learned their lesson, gotten a reset, and be good to go. Statistically, this does not work out well. Without additional support from residential treatment, the person usually goes back into their addictive behavior, because they haven’t worked on any of the underlying factors contributing to their addiction. When people go to detox at a psychiatric hospital or stand-alone detox center, they are much less likely to make it to residential treatment afterward.
Thus, there are several compelling reasons why residential treatment should occur at the same location as detox. Firstly, continuity of care is very important in the recovery process. When clients transition smoothly from detox to residential treatment within the same facility, they benefit from a seamless integration of services. This continuity ensures that the treatment team is already familiar with the client's medical history, withdrawal symptoms, and any complications that may have arisen during detox. This knowledge allows for personalized and effective ongoing care.
Secondly, the comfort and familiarity of the environment play a significant role in recovery. Detox can be an intense and challenging experience, and having a stable and comforting environment can help alleviate some of the anxiety and stress associated with this phase. By staying in the same place for residential treatment, clients do not face the added burden of adjusting to a new environment, which can be disruptive to their healing process. Instead, they can focus on their recovery, building on the progress made during detox.
Lastly, having residential treatment at the same location as detox fosters a sense of community and support. Clients are able to establish relationships with the staff and other clients during detox, which can continue to grow during residential treatment. These connections are vital for emotional support and encouragement, helping individuals feel less isolated and more motivated to stay on the path to recovery. Being surrounded by a supportive community that understands their journey can make all the difference in achieving lasting sobriety.
How Do We Use This Knowledge to Help People?
At Windmill, we create a seamless and supportive environment for clients to move smoothly through the detox process into residential treatment. Because we provide all these services under the same roof, we start building relationships right away, and research shows this is one of the most important factors in people recovering from addiction. We also have an opportunity to engage with family and start offering support to everyone involved. Our clients get to know each other and offer encouragement as they move through the detox process. When clients move from detox into the full residential program, they are greeted by familiar faces and feel welcomed into the community instead of having to meet all new people. This also heads off one of the greatest dangers in exiting detox, which is the temptation to change the plan and not go into residential treatment. A gap of even a few hours can create a life-and-death difference in someone’s outcomes. People who feel great resolve to stay sober while in the middle of the detox process can find their resistance to the addiction melt away as soon as they leave. That’s why we transition clients directly into residential treatment, creating a seamless experience that feels natural.
The Bottom Line
The path to recovery from addiction is complex and multifaceted, requiring more than just detoxification. At Windmill, our integrated approach ensures that individuals receive continuous care and support, fostering a sense of community and stability crucial for lasting sobriety. By providing comprehensive treatment under one roof, we help clients navigate the difficult transition from detox to residential treatment, ultimately improving their chances for a successful recovery. The seamless integration of services, familiar environment, and strong support network are key elements that make our program the best in the nation and transformative for those battling addiction.
About The Author
P. Casey Arrillaga is the Team Leader for Education at Windmill Wellness Ranch, and he is the author of books including “Realistic Hope: The Family Survival Guide for Facing Alcoholism and Other Addictions”.
Created specifically for those who have loved ones that struggle with addiction.