How Can a Detox Center Help Prepare Me for Rehab?

There are four basic steps in the addiction treatment process: intake/evaluation, detox, rehab, and aftercare. During the initial intake and evaluation, you will go through a comprehensive assessment with a doctor or addiction specialist so he or she can learn about your situation and develop an individualized care plan that meets your needs. The intake process is fairly simple. All you have to do is comply and answer a few questions about your health and substance abuse.

Where the work really begins is with detox. Detox is considered the first step of recovery because this is when drugs and alcohol leave your system and your body begins to recover. However, detox plays an even more important role than just clearing your system of substances–it can also help prepare you for the rest of your rehab experience.

Here at Charlotte Detox Center, we work closely with each patient every step of the way, from detox to rehab and aftercare. We understand that going to rehab is a major commitment of your time and money, so we want to help you make the most out of your time spent there. That’s why our comprehensive drug and alcohol detox program in Charlotte, North Carolina is designed to prepare you for a successful rehab stay.

Detox: The First Step in Recovery

Detox is the natural process the body goes through to eliminate toxic substances, or drugs and alcohol, from the body. Unfortunately, drug and alcohol withdrawal can be uncomfortable, painful, and, in some circumstances, potentially life-threatening.

Addiction experts never encourage detoxing at home or without medical supervision. Doing so can increase the risk of complications, relapse, and severe symptoms. Instead, medical detox centers in Charlotte offer around-the-clock care to keep you safe and comfortable as you endure one of the most physically challenging aspects of your recovery.

Medical detox typically happens in three phases.

1. Evaluation – You’ll meet with a doctor to discuss your substance abuse, medical history, and withdrawal symptoms. The doctor may draw blood, run a few tests, and/or perform a standard physical exam. The evaluation is to determine your current state of health, your treatment needs, and your detox plan.
2. Medical Stabilization – During this phase, you’ll go through drug and alcohol withdrawal with the help of prescription medications. Medications prescribed by your doctor can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. Nurses and staff are also checking your vitals and meeting with you to monitor your health.
3. Treatment Planning – In the last phase of detox, a substance abuse counselor will meet with you to help you prepare for rehab. He or she will discuss your treatment options with you, verify your insurance, and help you choose the right rehab program.

Why Detox Only is Not Enough to Keep You Sober

Detox is only the very beginning of the treatment process and it usually lasts one week or less. Once you are physically stable, you will continue on to a comprehensive rehab program consisting of behavioral therapy, counseling, and therapeutic communities.

Many people believe that if they could simply push through their withdrawal symptoms and stay clean long enough to feel better, they could get over their addiction. However, addiction is said to be a disease of the mind, body, and spirit, affecting virtually every part of a person’s life. Although detox is part of recovery, you must also address the behavioral and emotional aspects of your addiction.

If you fail to address the underlying causes and conditions of your substance abuse, such as depression or trauma, you may find it difficult to sustain your recovery–even after you’ve finished detoxing. In fact, studies demonstrate between 40-60% of people who seek treatment for substance abuse relapse.[1]

Fortunately, detox centers help prepare you for the long road of recovery ahead by setting you up for success in rehab.

How Will a Detox Center in Charlotte Help Prepare Me for Rehab?

One of the key principles of effective treatment is that treatment lasts an adequate amount of time. Addiction experts have found that rehab is usually most successful when it lasts at least 90 days.[2] The detox portion of rehab, however, only lasts a week or two at most. The good news is no credible detox program will let you leave their facility without having a plan for ongoing care.

Stabilize Your Health Before Starting Rehab

It is important to detox completely and to stabilize your health before proceeding to an addiction treatment program. Although rare, some people do experience life-threatening complications like seizures, suicidal thoughts, and dehydration during withdrawal. Even if your symptoms are not life-threatening, they can be extremely uncomfortable and tedious, making it difficult to focus on anything else other than the way you are feeling.

If you begin rehab without detoxing, you may get sick and find it hard to focus on therapy and personal growth. Your cravings may become intense and hinder you from getting the most out of your rehab experience. Medical detox programs in Charlotte help you manage your withdrawal symptoms in a safe, supervised setting so you are able to dedicate all of your energy and mental focus to therapy sessions.

Get to Know Addiction Specialists Who Can Recommend Personalized Treatment Options

Before leaving detox, you’ll have a detailed conversation with a substance abuse counselor. This individual will help you verify your insurance, narrow down your treatment options, and choose the right rehab center. He or she will also learn about your drug/alcohol history, mental health, relationships, and treatment goals. This information will help your counselor recommend a treatment program that can sufficiently address your personal needs. After all, treatment is most effective when it considers a patient’s individual preferences, needs, and beliefs.[2]

Find a Drug and Alcohol Detox Center in Charlotte, NC Today

Detox is only the first step toward recovery but it is a great way to begin the process and prepare yourself for rehab. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and ready to begin the treatment process, give our addiction experts a call today.

References:

1. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
2. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/principles-effective-treatment