5 Things You Need To Look For In A Drug Detox Center

Detox is the foundation of recovery. The first step of drug and alcohol treatment, detox is when harmful, addictive substances are allowed to leave the body. Without detox, drug and alcohol treatment won’t work.

But where do you find a detox center?

Like many things, finding a drug and alcohol detox center can be a tricky process. It’s not always easy to know what to look for, what options to consider, or what the rules are.

But before we talk about finding a detox center for you, here’s a few words on why you should never try detoxing by yourself.

Finding a drug detox is easier if you know what to look for.

Why Can’t I Detox At Home?

While detox is the first step of recovery, it can also be a complex, even dangerous step on the recovery journey. Drugs and alcohol work by altering the brain’s chemical makeup. As use continues, the brain and body become dependent on drugs and alcohol to function normally.

When a person stops using an addictive substance, the body will attempt to rebalance itself as the substance leaves the body. This rebalancing creates withdrawal symptoms, a range of physical and mental symptoms which can last for weeks … or months.

In some cases, withdrawal can be mildly unpleasant with mood changes and sleep difficulties. In many other cases, withdrawal can be severe, with symptoms resembling a severe flu. This severity extends to mood changes, with people experiencing often intense drug cravings and wild mood swings.

With some substances, such as benzodiazepines and alcohol, withdrawal effects can be potentially dangerous. Side effects can include potentially lethal seizures, heart attacks, and coma.

If a person tries to detox on their own, aka the “cold turkey” approach, they may find withdrawal symptoms too hard to bear. Worse, severe complications like seizures become far more dangerous and deadly without medical monitoring or support.

This danger is why finding a professional detox center is so important. Detoxing with professionals is simply safer and more likely to be successful. Additionally, a detox center will see that clients are kept comfortable during the process, helping minimize the effects of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Finding a detox center can be a challenge, however.

5 Things You Should Look for In A Detox Center

A side effect of the ongoing drug epidemic has been the increased number of detox centers in the US. However, as well-intentioned as these centers may be, it’s not always easy to tell if these centers truly have their clients’ best interests in mind … or if they’ll even help someone get off drugs.

If you need drug detox, however, there are ways to tell if a detox center is on the level, however:

Check Out Their Credentials

Reputable detox centers must meet certain state license requirements. One thing to look for on a detox center’s website are certificates, icons, or other signs of approval from third-party organizations such as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities (CARF) or the Joint Commission Accreditation for Addiction Treatment (JCAHO).

Being allowed to post icons or logos from groups like these isn’t easy. Facilities have to offer a high level of care, meet safety standards, compliance with HIPAA and more.

Also, try to get a feel for the staff. Detox is a complex procedure, and a good detox center will have trained experts to make sure detox is as safe as possible. Drug rehab sites often display the credentials of their staff so make sure you give them a once-over before you make the call.

Look For Medical Support

As we’ve said, drug detox can be medically complex. A reputable detox center will have medical professionals on staff to ensure detox is safe and patients are as comfortable as possible throughout the process. These professionals can also prescribe medications to further ensure a patient’s comfort.

A good drug detox center will also give you a physical screening before you begin. It’s another way to make sure you’re safe and healthy through the detox process. Some centers can even help you prepare for a drug detox, too.

There’s A Plan in Play

Detox isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation – everybody’s experiences with detox and recovery are different. Truly effective treatment plans take multiple factors into play, like age, background, gender, and more. A drug rehab or an addiction center which offers flexible, personalized plans is going to have a much higher success rate for its clients compared to a center which doesn’t.

Compassion is Part of Effective Care

There may be no disease as heavily stigmatized as addiction. Shame, feelings of insecurity, and fear are all considerable obstacles to treatment. Good detox centers recognize this, and craft a welcoming environment free from judgement, where positive social bonds and trust can be built during the first step of recovery.

Put it like this: someone who feels accepted and welcome by detox center staff is fare more likely to work with them and begin building a successful foundation to their recovery.

Surroundings Matter

Detox can be a difficult process, and outside distractions don’t help. This goes double for inside distractions, too! A good detox center is a place where quiet and serenity rule, where steps are taken to minimize distraction and there’s no drama or tension inside the center.

This isn’t a minor concern: detox can be mentally and physically trying, and the more comfortable a person is during detox the better the process will go.

Detoxing With Professionals Is Always the Best Route

When you’re detoxing with treatment professionals, you’re giving yourself a far greater chance of detoxing successfully … as well as having a recovery which lasts.

As we’ve said, finding a detox center isn’t always easy. That’s why we created DetoxNearMe.com. Perhaps the largest directory of detox businesses on the internet, our site is the perfect place to find a detox center within your budget and for your specific needs.

Don’t get discouraged by false promises or by not knowing who to turn to. With DetoxNearMe.com, you’ll be able to get on the road to recovery in no time!