Drug detox is often the first step to achieving a sober lifestyle after addiction. But what is medical detox? Do you need it? And how do you find a detox center in Houston that’s right for you? If you’re ready to take the next step toward sobriety, this article will help you find a detox center in Houston that offers the best treatment and opportunities for long-term sobriety.
What is Drug Detox?
Drug detox is a process in which your body adjusts to the lack of drugs or alcohol after you quit using or drastically reduce your use. Withdrawal symptoms often occur as a part of this process and are caused by changes in the body that occur as your brain re-learns how to function without drugs or alcohol.
Drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to manage especially when they are severe and long-lasting. Drug detox programs provide medical and clinical care for people who are trying to stop abusing addictive substances. They facilitate a safer and more comfortable environment for people who are addicted but want to get sober.
Drug detox is often the first step in the addiction treatment process and is usually followed up with participation in a drug rehab program (inpatient or outpatient). Although a medical detox program is often a necessary part of this process, detox alone isn’t the “cure” for addiction and continuing treatment is needed for a full recovery. Detox addresses the physical aspects of addiction while rehab addresses the psychological and behavioral aspects of it.
Do I Need Medical Detox?
You may believe you don’t need help to detox. However, detox and withdrawal can be very difficult and uncomfortable and you’re much more likely to stick with your plan to get sober if you have a lot of help.
Additionally, quitting drugs or alcohol cold turkey is never recommended and depending on your primary substance of abuse, your withdrawal symptoms could be unpredictable, severe, or even life-threatening. When it’s all said and done, medical detox is the safest and most effective way to get sober.
If you are abusing drugs and/or alcohol, here are some signs that you might need medical detox:
- You need drugs or alcohol to feel normal.
- You have tried to limit your drug use or stop completely but can’t control it.
- You have strong cravings for drugs and/or alcohol.
- You are suffering physically and personally due to your substance abuse but you can’t stop.
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using.
- You need larger doses to experience the effects that the drugs or alcohol initially provided.
- You are consumed with thoughts about using drugs and getting more of them.
- You take serious risks (commit a crime, engage in risky sexual behavior, drive carelessly) to get more drugs or to fully experience the high.1
These are some of the common signs of addiction. Addiction is defined as a chronic disease of the brain and it will take more than just willpower to overcome it. If you are experiencing some or all of the symptoms listed above, you may need medical detox to successfully get sober. Ongoing treatment after detox can also help you stay sober.
6 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Detox Center
Understanding what detox is and why medical detox is important is just the first step to getting started. Finding a reputable detox center that adequately addresses your needs is just as important. Here are six major factors to consider when choosing a detox center.
- The type of treatment services provided
Not all detox centers have the capability to treat individuals who are addicted to all types of substances or who have co-occurring disorders so it’s important to clarify exactly what services are offered at any given detox center. Additionally, not all facilities will provide medically-assisted detox that includes medical treatment, counseling, and other forms of evidence-based treatment. Before enrolling in any program, it’s a good idea to determine whether the type of detox services offered are in line with what you need.
- Payment options and insurance
If you have health insurance you may be able to use your benefits to pay for a portion or all of your drug detox treatment. Many detox centers also offer alternative payment options for those who do not have health insurance or who choose not to use it. These could include Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) benefits, health savings accounts (HSAs), financed healthcare loans, or reduced out-of-pocket payments. Before enrolling in any detox program, it’s ideal to find out exactly what payment options are available to you, especially if your insurance won’t cover the treatment.
- The location of the detox center
Some people choose to enroll in detox at a facility that is far from home, while others prefer to remain close to loved ones in a location that is familiar to them. Depending on your personal preferences, the location of the detox center can either be a help or a hindrance. Enrolling in a detox program close to home can be convenient and good if your family members are supportive of your decision to get sober. But sometimes, being close to home can be more difficult for clients, especially if their friends and family members regularly abuse drugs or are unsupportive. In instances like these, it may be more beneficial to enroll in a program that is further from home so you can get a fresh start in a new environment that’s not tied to your history of substance abuse.
- Staff credentials
While you’re searching for a detox center, you may also want to consider the credentials of the staff members at a detox center. You’ll want to know that you’re in good hands and that your treatment providers have a clear understanding and knowledge of the detox and withdrawal process. You’ll also want to make sure that you are treated with respect, dignity, and that you receive the highest-quality medical and clinical care possible. Finding out who the staff members are as well as their qualifications, licensure, and experience can help to ensure that you receive the best detox treatment possible.
- The program’s reputation and accreditations
Just like you wouldn’t eat at a restaurant with horrible reviews, enrolling in a detox program that does not come highly recommended could be risky. High-quality detox centers typically have great reviews from former clients and maintain good standing and reputation in the community. They also acquire national accreditation from well-known organizations to outwardly display their commitment to high-quality care and excellence. Checking online reviews and looking for accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission, NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, and the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) is a good way to confirm the quality of a detox center.
- Relapse prevention and aftercare services
As mentioned above, detox is just the first step in the addiction treatment process and continued recovery often requires several different stages of treatment and ongoing care. If you intend to sustain your recovery after detox, you should look for a detox center that either provides or facilitates access to relapse prevention and recovery support services, such as rehab programs, peer monitoring programs, sober living homes, or aftercare. That way, your treatment team can help you find an addiction treatment program that provides adequate care and support after detox.
Drug Detox Programs in Houston, Texas
There are many options for drug detox in Houston, but Briarwood Detox Center can provide the comprehensive and individualized care you need to get sober. We offer individually-designed alcohol and drug detox programs in Houston for all types of addictive substances. Our facility also caters to clients with varying needs and preferences.
For instance, if you are a business professional and you need drug detox but you can’t step away from work for an entire week, we offer an Executive Detox Program that allows for client access to a personal cell phone and computer. So you can keep up with your team and/or clients while you detox. Or, if you prefer to have more privacy during detox, we can offer you a private room for a more comfortable treatment experience.
Briarwood Detox Center also offers additional recovery support services for our Houston detox clients, including:
- Intervention assistance
- Group and individual therapy
- H&I meetings
- Music and art activities
- Delicious, nutritious meals
- Family support
If you’re looking for a detox program in Houston, Briarwood Detox Center is conveniently located in the historic Houston Heights neighborhood, tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood. Our admissions staff is ready to talk to you now about your treatment options. Call (832) 648-4412 to get started.
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