When you struggle with long-term drug or alcohol addiction, it leads to changes throughout your body. Many of these effects can evolve into lifelong physical and psychological struggles for those who do not seek detox and treatment at a professional rehab like Relevance Recovery. The first step towards recovery is acknowledging a harmful relationship with substances. While this may be a difficult step, one cannot fully immerse oneself in the healing process without understanding how ongoing substance abuse can lead to harmful effects on their emotional, physical, and spiritual health. By knowing the difference between outpatient and inpatient detox programs, you can find the best treatment for you.
The early days of your sobriety journey may begin with detox. The intensity and duration of detox or detoxification vary from person to person and based on the substances or substances used. For some, quitting may lead to few, if any, withdrawal symptoms. But for others, especially those withdrawing from certain drugs and alcohol, withdrawal can be complex and potentially dangerous. No matter what substances or substances you use, choosing to detox at a professional detox center can increase your chances of safely and successfully getting sober.
What is Detox?
Detox is the process of your body cleansing itself of any substances that remain in your system since your last dose or drink. Your body starts to detox when you stop using drugs or alcohol. As the minutes and hours since your last drink or dose pass, your body starts to learn how to function without substances present. When you are actively addicted, the way your brain and vital body systems operate changes to accommodate (and require) drugs or alcohol. In time, if you do not use or drink, you will experience cravings and other withdrawal symptoms that “tell you” you need to drink or use again. This circle of cravings and use leads to substance dependency to complete day-to-day tasks successfully.
Why is Detox Important in Recovery?
Detox is a crucial step in the recovery process, even though it can be uncomfortable. It removes the physical and psychological effects of drugs or alcohol from your system. Skipping detox increases the likelihood of relapse when cravings or withdrawal symptoms arise. Detox is necessary for your recovery because it helps your body relearn how to function normally. Without it, participating in addiction therapy becomes difficult, as withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings, make it hard to concentrate on healing. Therapy is a vital component of addiction treatment, where you will develop and practice the coping skills needed to handle triggers and prevent relapse after treatment.
What is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Programs?
Many people do not realize there are different types of detox programs. At an outpatient detox program, you can seek help to detox from substances during the day while remaining home with family and loved ones at night. Before choosing outpatient detox, it is important to consider your needs as outpatient treatment might not be the best option for everyone. Outpatient detox works best for those with a stable, substance-free living arrangement as outpatient detox may lead to a higher potential for encountering relapse triggers. Also, outpatient detox is not suggested for someone with an addiction to opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines, as the risk for severe and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms is much higher with these substances.
Inpatient detox programs occur at an addiction treatment facility. These programs require you to stay at the facility throughout detox and addiction treatment. As noted above, certain circumstances may suggest inpatient detox is a more effective and potentially safer detox option. It is also vital to discuss your treatment needs with your primary care provider or medical professional as they will help determine if outpatient or inpatient detox is appropriate.
Types of inpatient and outpatient programs
Within the realm of behavioral health care, both outpatient and inpatient programs encompass a broad spectrum of mental health services. These terms generally refer to varying levels of care and treatment settings. Below is a summary of different types of outpatient and inpatient mental health programs, though this list does not cover every possible option.
Inpatient Treatment Options
General Inpatient Psychiatric Units: These units, typically found within general hospitals, offer short-term care for individuals undergoing severe mental health crises. This includes conditions like suicidal thoughts, intense depression, psychosis, or mania.
Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment Units: These inpatient programs are designed to meet the mental health needs of individuals struggling with substance use disorders and any co-occurring mental health conditions. They offer specialized care for those seeking treatment for addiction.
Specialized Psychiatric Hospitals: These are dedicated facilities focused on treating mental health disorders. They provide a wide range of psychiatric services and often have specialized units tailored to different age groups or specific conditions. Examples include units for geriatric care, child and adolescent care, mood disorders, personality disorders, and eating disorders.
Outpatient Treatment Options
Weekly Therapy Sessions: This involves regular meetings with a licensed therapist for individual, group, or family sessions. These sessions are focused on addressing particular mental health challenges, exploring emotions, and developing coping mechanisms. Typically, these sessions occur once a week or less.
Medication Management: Patients have scheduled appointments with a healthcare provider, such as a psychiatrist or a primary care doctor, to manage their medications. This process involves monitoring the effectiveness of medications and making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): PHPs represent the most intensive form of outpatient care. Patients participate in a structured daytime program and return home in the evenings, receiving comprehensive care during the day.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): An IOP provides a more structured and intensive form of therapy compared to weekly sessions. It includes multiple sessions per week that may involve group therapy, individual counseling, and family support.
How to Find Comprehensive Detox Near Me
If you struggle with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, seeking help to safely detox before beginning a comprehensive addiction treatment is essential to achieving lasting sobriety. Because there are different types of detox programs and several treatment options, it is important to find the program that best suits your needs and goals as you focus on healing from the effects of addiction. Our skilled and compassionate team at Relevance Recovery is here to help you choose the best path for you. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about our detox center in Freehold, New Jersey.
