If you’re ready to take the first step towards recovering from addiction, you may be unsure about what you should do. You may be wondering if you need to detox or if you need rehab. Perhaps you’re seeking professional help but determining exactly where to go is growing difficult.
If you’re not sure if these are two different things, you’re not alone. Some people use these terms interchangeably but they’re not the same thing. In this article, we’ll explore some of the differences. To ensure you get the help you need on your journey to sobriety and overall well-being, seek help from a qualified addiction recovery center.
Detox and Rehab Explained
Both detox and rehab have a specific role to play. Defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse as the process by which the body clears itself of drugs, detox is designed to manage the acute and potentially dangerous physiological effects of stopping drug use. Detox is often the first step towards sobriety. It reduces cravings for drugs and alcohol, strengthens the immune system, and helps the addict regain control over their behavior. The detoxification process usually lasts from three to ten days and the duration depends on;
- The type of substance you used
- How long you were using the drug
- How much of the drug you used
- The severity of your addiction
- Underlying physical and mental health conditions
- Genetic makeup
Detox is best done under medical supervision since withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable, painful, and even life-threatening in some cases.
Rehab, on the other hand, is focused on managing the psychological effects of drug or alcohol addiction. It revolves around counseling and education aimed at addressing psychological dependence. On average, rehab lasts for 30 days but this may vary. Addicts receive individualized therapy. They are given tools for preventing relapse, strengthening their support system, and developing healthier habits. Family therapy can form part of the rehabilitation process.
How to Decide Whether You Need Detox, Rehab or Both
If you’ve determined that you’re ready to make a change in your life, it’s best to reach out to a professional for help in deciding on the best course of action. However, we’ll discuss some of the factors which should influence your decision. These include the substance you use, how often you use it, and how severe your addiction is.
When you Need Detox
If you are physically dependent on alcohol or drugs, you will likely benefit from a medically supervised detox. Physical dependence is when the body adapts to a substance so that it requires more of it to achieve a particular effect. This is called tolerance. Physical dependence also results in physical and mental withdrawal symptoms if drug use is stopped abruptly.
Detoxing on your own can be very dangerous especially if you’re addicted to alcohol, benzodiazepines, heroin, or oxycodone. You may experience seizures, coma, nausea, and hallucinations. When you have medical supervision, a team of professionals will monitor you 24/7 to ensure you’re safe and as comfortable as possible. They can also give you medication to reduce the withdrawal symptoms if necessary.
Once your body has adjusted to the absence of the substance, you’ll be ready to move on to rehab. Not everyone who detoxes goes on to a rehab program. However, the longer you remain in treatment, the more likely it is that you will remain sober in the long term. Addicts usually have both physical and mental challenges that must be addressed in order for them to achieve a greater level of well-being.
When You Need Rehab
If you’re not physically dependent on a drug, you can go directly into rehab. The same applies if your drug of choice was marijuana or cocaine since these don’t require medically supervised detox. Rehab is offered in a variety of formats. Some programs are completely residential while others involve partial hospitalization or solely outpatient treatment. The best rehab facilities address body, mind, and spirit and they help addicts get to the root of their addiction. If there are co-occurring mental health problems, these are also addressed as part of the holistic treatment.
Contact Asheville Recovery Center in North Carolina Today
Achieving sobriety can seem complicated. While there will be difficult times ahead, recovery is worth the effort. You don’t have to handle the situation alone. At Asheville Recovery Center, we offer a range of personalized treatment programs designed to help individuals get back on their feet. Whether you were addicted to alcohol, opioids, cocaine, or another drug, we can help you. Call us today to schedule an appointment and learn more.
