Substance abuse can take a tremendous toll on a person’s life. If you are experiencing addiction or someone you care about is an addict, it’s time to get the help they need. In many cases, one of the first steps in the journey is detox. This is an important part of the recovery process, regardless of the addiction type. Detox is necessary when the addiction is alcohol, prescription medication, opioids or another type of illicit drug. Although there are hospital detox programs, they aren’t necessarily the best option. Nevertheless, it is still helpful to understand the difference between a hospital detox program and a program in an addiction treatment center.
Generally, a hospital detox program will provide basic care during the detoxification process. One of the benefits is that there is someone there to address any emergencies that arise. In a hospital detox program, it can feel a lot like being in a lockdown situation. Why? Because there aren’t a lot of amenities available in a hospital detox program. Simply put, it’s usually a basic and no nonsense approach to treatment for addiction. On the other hand, an addiction treatment center can be much different because their specialty is handling detox and other processes related to addiction recovery. While every situation is different, there tends to be a more compassionate approach in programs that specialize in addiction treatment. While this certainly doesn’t mean the hospital is never a viable solution, it is good to understand what to expect based on the type of program that’s chosen.
Why an Addiction Treatment Center is Better for Detox
There are many other benefits associated with participating in an addiction treatment center as opposed to a hospital detox program. For instance, the process usually involves a personal evaluation that enables the team to gather all of the information required about the individual being enrolled into the program. They have the expertise needed to stabilize someone in the throes of an addiction. Addiction treatment centers also offer a tremendous amount of guidance that’s beneficial for the long-term. Additionally, there is likely an opportunity to ensure an addict is cut off from the source of their addiction. In an addiction treatment center, the detox program includes supervision by qualified professionals around the clock. There will be someone there to provide support and monitoring so that any issues or symptoms of withdrawal can be addressed immediately and with optimal safety in mind. During this process, toxins are removed and any required medication will be administered based on each individual situation. This is very important because attempting detox without the help of qualified professionals is dangerous.
There are many reasons to choose a detox program in an addiction treatment center beyond what has already been discussed. Although it isn’t always the case, sometimes a hospital detox program will feel impersonal, unlike an addiction treatment center that offers a more personalized approach. It’s a welcoming environment from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. This type of positive approach and experience can help to ensure success. There tends to be more sympathy and acceptance in dealing with addiction as a disease. This has proven to make a tremendous difference in how program participants feel during what is a very difficult time. It’s also important to note that in many cases a detox program is also a rehab program. In other words, after completing detox it may be possible to step right into rehab treatment. Each program is different and it’s important to assess the service offerings to ensure they accommodate your needs or the needs of your loved one.
Since the ultimate goal is freedom from addiction, it’s important to keep that in mind as a decision is made regarding the type of facility that’s best. After the detox process is over, there will still be a need for counseling services that can help with eliminating negative influences and making better choices on a daily basis to live a life that is addiction-free. The right program can help to facilitate this process better than others. A program that has great counseling services can position you for long-term success. If you have questions about whether a hospital detox program or an addiction treatment center is best for you, give us a call at 833-846-5669. We’re here to answer any questions you have and provide the guidance you need to make the best decision based on your needs.