Is DETOX Rehab?
The full range of treatment options increases the odds of long-term recovery.
I have an acquaintance who uses medical detox like a spa. She chooses the most luxurious locations, checks in for a few days, and leaves against medical advice. When the treatment center calls to check on her and repeat their entreaties that she needs extended care, she complains, “They are just trying to get my money. I’m fine now. I wish they would leave me alone.” Of course, the cycle of addiction repeats itself, another “bump in the road” occurs, and off she goes to a new detox center that will “dry her out” and lose her number after a plethora of unanswered calls to check on her well-being.
IS DETOX Rehab?
The problem is that over the years, the “hiccups, misadventures, and predicaments” have gotten worse. And to answer the question, “Is detox rehab?” NO. Detox is the safe removal of alcohol and drugs from the body and managing the resulting withdrawal symptoms. Rehab, or addiction treatment, is the research-based method employed to help people stop using alcohol and other drugs and resume self-directed lives – also known as being in recovery.
In the simplest sense, detox deals with the physical aspect of addiction. Conversely, treatment or rehab addresses the emotional aspect and the emotional pain that underlie substance use. Drug and alcohol detox usually follows unsuccessful attempts to stop using. After detox, cravings often return while the brain is healing. Without ongoing treatment and support, relapse rates are high (by as much as 60% depending on the drug of use and other factors, according to NIH studies).
It’s a vicious cycle.
The Cycle of Addiction
The cycle of addiction is the repeating pattern my acquaintance has when struggling with substance use. Detox does not address the root cause of the addiction, so the pattern continues. Getting the right information and working with a trusted provider will reduce fear and provide help and guidance throughout long-term recovery. At Sanford Detox Center, we begin treatment during detox with individuals joining residential group therapy sessions and internal support meetings. We also use medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which helps:
- Stabilize the brain and body.
- Reduce cravings and withdrawal.
- People stay engaged in treatment longer (a predictor of long-term success).
- Lower relapse and overdose risk.
- Treat addiction as both a medical and behavioral condition.
A seamless next step to addiction treatment after detox offers therapy, coping strategies, relapse-prevention plans, and education about addiction. Treatment also addresses depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions that fuel substance use disorders. The full range of treatment options (residential to outpatient) creates structure, peer support, relationship building, and accountability. All these options increase the odds of long-term recovery and support a smooth transition back to everyday life.
“At Sanford, we provide a medical evaluation within 24 hours of admission, including a physical examination, orders for appropriate services, face-to-face consultation, and a risk assessment with a personal safety plan. We also complete a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment as soon as we admit someone. In other words, we get to know our residents, helping them determine their individualized treatment plan or the next steps after medical detox. With EZ Admissions and Clearances, we can admit people on the same day, addressing concerns before they escalate into a crisis. We can also serve as an alternative to inpatient hospitalization, as studies show there is insufficient capacity to treat current needs.” Tracy Rogers, LPC, Chief Executive Officer, Sanford Behavioral Health
Read the article below to help you choose the right detox center for you:
11 Key Considerations when Choosing a Detox Center
Deciding to go to detox can feel overwhelming. We see the interaction in the parking lot at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus when loved ones drop off clients. Uncertainty, physical discomfort, emotional vulnerability, and relationship conflicts converge. You can imagine the thought process. Maybe I can do this on my own. I don’t need to go to detox, do I? How much will it hurt? Choosing a detox center means finding medical support, but it also means finding comfort and a safe place with clear continuity to ongoing treatment and recovery. Here are the essential features to look for, inspired by the staff at the Sanford Detox Center: [READ MORE…]
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, eating disorders, or a mental health condition, don’t wait to change your life – click the link below to speak with an admissions specialist. Talk to a real person and enter treatment 24/7.
