6 Tips To Prepare Yourself For Drug And Alcohol Detox

People with substance use disorders (SUDs) often need professional medical assistance when withdrawing to avoid potential negative side effects and continue abstaining.

However, it can feel overwhelming to choose from the many available detox options. Here are six tips for making your decision easier.

1. Get A Professional Substance Abuse Assessment

The first step in getting help is seeking a substance abuse evaluation from a healthcare provider to determine the severity of the SUD and what kind of care you need.

If it is determined that you or your loved one needs detox services, recommendations to trusted recovery programs in the area can also be made.

Some people may not need detoxification services at all, and a provider can help you explore other levels of care, like outpatient treatment, that may be more beneficial.

2. Compare Different SUD Treatment Options

Once you know what care you need, you can explore different detox or rehab center options that provide those treatment options.

Many hospitals provide medical detox services. If you’d like to immediately start addiction treatment after detox, you can look into a rehab center with multiple levels of care.

When looking at facilities, consider factors like location, amenities, the use of addiction medicine, types of treatment, and the experience of the staff.

You can also determine if the facility specializes in treating a particular addiction, such as alcohol abuse or opioid addiction.

Steer clear of treatment centers that promise to “cure” addiction or those that use untested or holistic practices exclusively.

3. Look At The Qualifications Of The Rehab Center

There are several qualifications that demonstrate a drug or alcohol rehab center provides a high standard of care.

This can include accreditation status, licensing from the state, certifications, or partnerships with trusted substance abuse organizations.

Marks of quality care include:

• Joint Commission accreditation
• LegitScript certification
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) certification
• National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) membership

It’s important to choose a facility that has been providing addiction care for a while and has proven it can offer competent treatment services for your individual needs.

Quality centers should have licensed staff, positive client testimonials, and evidence-based services as part of the treatment plan.

4. Contact Your Health Insurance Provider

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, reach out to both the facility and your health insurance provider to determine what will be paid for.

You’ll most likely want to ensure that the care provider you choose is in-network with your insurance, or your out-of-pocket costs could increase significantly.

If you don’t have private health insurance, you can try exploring alternative payment options like Medicaid, grants, scholarships, or sliding fee scales offered by free and low-cost rehab centers.

5. Ask Your Loved Ones For Support

Addiction is a disease that affects the entire family, and having support from your loved ones through challenging times can make a big difference in recovery.

It can also bring you peace of mind to know that your pets, children, or home will be safe while you are in treatment.

Some treatment facilities do not allow visitors during the detox process, but others may allow friends or family members to check in.

6. Explore Ongoing Care Options

Detoxifying is often the first step in the recovery process, but you are still at risk of relapse if you don’t get proper follow-up behavioral health care.

If you choose to detox in a hospital setting that doesn’t provide further treatment, referrals can be made to residential treatment programs or outpatient rehab facilities nearby.

Detoxing in an inpatient treatment center often ensures a smooth transition into the next phases of care, which may include dual diagnosis care and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Addiction treatment centers that provide aftercare options, such as continued therapy, alumni programs, or peer support groups, for after treatment ends can help ensure long-term sobriety.

Find Substance Abuse Treatment Today

If you or someone close to you has been battling drug addiction, don’t wait to find care. To learn more about your recovery options, reach out to Detox Rehabs today.