To conquer a drug or alcohol addiction, most patients follow the path of detox and then rehab. It’s important to understand that detox and rehab are two separate processes on the road to recovery. While they may occasionally be offered by the same facility, many patients prefer to attend detox centers and then move to a longer-term rehab facility. Separating the two can mean better quality, targeted medical attention and a greater chance at lasting sobriety for patients.
What Happens at Detox Centers?
First, it’s a good idea to get a better understanding of what takes place at a detox center. For patients battling addiction, this is the very first step on the road to becoming sober. Detox centers are medical facilities where patients spend anywhere from a few days to two weeks dealing with withdrawal symptoms.
At detox, patients are able to break free from their physical dependency on drugs or alcohol. Although this is a challenging step, those attending detox will have medical professionals offering them around-the-clock care to help minimize discomfort and greatly reduce any health risks.
Skipping detox, and opting to go cold turkey, is more than just difficult. It can also be a very risky move, thanks to the potential for complications related to withdrawal symptoms. Things ranging from hallucinations to extreme dehydration and rapid heartbeats are all potential withdrawal symptoms, and they should be treated by medical professionals in a detox facility.
What Happens at Rehab?
After detox is complete, patients are free from the worst withdrawal symptoms related to their substance abuse. This means that they’re ready to explore the reasons for their addiction, any underlying trauma or dual-diagnosis concerns that need to be examined and their greatest concerns about sobriety.
Rehab is a time when patients are able to develop coping mechanisms and strategies for handling the temptations and struggles of addiction. Things like group counseling, individual therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy are just some of the techniques used in rehab. Patients might also begin exploring sober living and the transition to a healthy, independent life after rehab.
Why Should Detox Centers and Rehabs be Separate?
While it’s not impossible for detox and rehab to be offered in the same facility, separating the two is often considered beneficial. Some of the advantages of attending distinct and separate detox and rehab centers include the following.
- Detox facilities can focus entirely on immediate medical attention
- Rehab facilities can focus on therapy and treatment methods
- Professionals at both will be experts in their fields
- Patients can progress and move from step one to step two
Begin the path to recovery at a reputable detox center. Call 1-866-294-5306 to learn more about Serenity House Detox in Florida and how to transform your life into one full of happiness, health and sobriety.
