When people struggle with a substance use disorder, professional help is the best way to support their recovery. Detox is often the first step for people to set their minds and heart towards healing. Recovery is a complicated process with many steps involved. To find the best program, it means seeking out personal and medical support. Top-quality recovery programs are going to offer a detox and treatment plan that is individualized for each person, so they can focus on their healing.
How Detox Works
Detoxification is the process of weaning the body off of substances. This is the first process people go through when they enter treatment at inpatient and outpatient care. The detox process is challenging for some people, depending on the length of addiction, type of substance use, and mental health issues that are present. With support, some can come through without feeling too many adverse effects or pain. The process of detox is challenging because of physical and psychological dependency.
Qualities of Treatment Centers
People who seek recovery often research before they go. Sometimes they go because family finds the program for them. A treatment program that starts with medically monitored detox is essential to experiencing a better recovery. Medical monitoring helps professionals see how the person is going through the process, their physical well-being, and emotional health. Medical and detox experts who have experience supervising detox will be the most appropriate. Reviews are also another way to find quality treatment centers. Ask family and friends if they know of any quality treatment centers, speak with providers, and look for the best way to engage with the program that is needed to move forward in recovery.
Why People Give Up
It is not unusual for people to want to quit midway through detox and it is not uncommon for people to stop at any stage of the process. Discontinuing treatment, however, exposes the person to further risks. Their body is vulnerable, and their mind is also susceptible to triggers and cravings. Once the body is in detox, if they fall back into using substances again, it is easier to overdose because most people go back to using the way they did before detoxing began. The body’s tolerance for a substance drops during detox and when use is resumed, overdosing becomes more possible.
Short Versus Long Stint
Treatment lengths vary. People may go to treatment for 30 to 90 days, including some time in detox. A person who has not adjusted to recovery may need to extend their treatment. After treatment, most people should be able to return to work after some time, but not being fully recovered puts them at risk to relapse. At the same time someone may lose their job due to their absence during treatment. Negative experiences early on can send people back to old habits. Finding the right length of time to enroll in a treatment program is necessary and may take some time to sort out the best route to successful sober living.
Find a Stellar Program
It takes time to find that perfect program to help an individual heal from a substance use disorder. It means looking at the qualifications of people on staff, the facilities, and the quality of the programs. Treatment is a medical practice that requires training and experience. It is about standard care of practice that people should adhere to in making sure those who attend get well. Although relapse rates are high in general, a good program is going to offer support and services after treatment to help remain engaged in recovery. These programs help people find their way back to recovery-oriented processes that support their journey of recovery. Here are some things to look for:
- Accreditation and licensing: make sure it has industry accreditation. Industry approval looks at essential staff qualifications and quality of the programs.
- Treatment is a medical practice that requires training and experience. Look for a multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic services that are individualized for each person.
- Comprehensive assessment: every person coming in should receive an evaluation of fitness for treatment. This should include blood work, physical exams, and screening associated with drug dependence, as well as mental health evaluations and proper intake procedures.
- Personalized care: every person should be offered personalized assessments and support in aftercare if desired. The overall program should be geared towards helping the individual detox, complete treatment, and enter aftercare programs with support throughout the transitions and even after (for alumni programs).
- Supportive transitional services: treatment centers should offer support in transitioning from one stage to the next and can include alumni programs for those graduating out of treatment.
A good program will provide all those things and more, so be on the lookout for this when investigating the right program for a loved one’s care. Recovery is a long and difficult process with just as many rewards and reasons to celebrate along the journey. Starting that journey with the help of a treatment center provides the patient a stable foundation on which to build a successful recovery.
Ashley Addiction Treatment is an innovative treatment program located on Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. Ashley provides support for professionals seeking help with addiction. We are able to help people with co-occurring disorders and offer confidential treatment programs to meet your needs. Please reach out to us today at 800-799-4673.