Undergoing a medical detox program is an essential first step in addiction recovery. Since some withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening or cause severe reactions, medical care should be available whenever someone is going through the detox process.
However, detoxification is not a “cure” for addiction. In fact, there is no cure for addiction. Addiction treatment is simply a form of care that helps with sobriety maintenance, which is necessary for overcoming addiction. Searching for a medical detox program near Austin, TX? Reach out to Santé Center for Healing today by calling 866.238.3154 or contacting our team online.
What Is the Difference Between At-Home Detox and Medical Detox?
At-home detox and medical detox are very different from each other. In fact, medical detox is often the better choice. However, it can be somewhat intimidating for some people.
The tempting aspect of at-home detox is that you undergo the difficult process of getting clean in the comfort of your home. You may also be surrounded by loved ones or even a pet to help you deal with the discomfort of detoxing. However, at-home detox can be more dangerous than medical detox. If withdrawal symptoms that your body can’t handle arise, you may experience serious health complications. You won’t be unable to get medical attention as quickly as you may need, and may eventually find your detox attempt unsuccessful.
The biggest difference between at-home detox and medical detox is safety — not comfort. Because of possible health complications, medical detox is the safest way to begin a path to addiction recovery. Medical detox involves the supervision of health professionals throughout the entire process. These professionals can act quickly if any complications arise or if withdrawal symptoms are severely painful or otherwise uncomfortable.
Detox can be physically and mentally draining. Fortunately, medical detox can help clients with both. Many medical detox programs offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which involves FDA-approved prescription drugs that can reduce the effects of withdrawal symptoms as well as substance cravings. More common medications can be given for other discomforts, such as loperamide for diarrhea.
Why Do I Need a Medical Detox Center?
A medical detox center is necessary when you’re ready to take the first step to overcome your addiction. In a facility like this, professional care is provided under the direct and continual supervision of an on-site physician and medical team. Expect a medical detox program to:
- Develop long-term personalized treatment plans for clients
- Manage and eliminate medically dangerous withdrawal symptoms
- Medically manage any co-occurring disorders
- Reduce the physical discomfort associated with withdrawal
A medical detox program can be either inpatient or outpatient. Some detox centers will only offer one of these options but can typically refer you to other centers that provide what they can’t. In general, inpatient detox programs are ideal for people with a problematic home environment, co-occurring issues, or severe addiction.
When Should You Consider a Medical Detox Program?
Now that you know what a medical detox center is, as well as the programs they offer, you may be wondering if you need to undergo detox. In general, clients struggling with addiction are candidates for medical detox. But you may especially need to undergo detox if you have:
- Been using an addictive substance regularly in large amounts
- Craved an addictive substance regularly when access to it was limited
- Required increasing amounts of an addictive substance to achieve the usual effect
- Tried to quit using an addictive substance and found that it was impossible
- Used an addictive substance over an extended period
People struggling with substance use disorders commonly seek medical detox programs when they are at an increased risk of experiencing the effects of withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal may arise during attempts to quit or cut down on the use of an addictive substance — or in any situation when the consistency of using the addictive substance is compromised.
Ready To Learn More About Santé Center for Healing’s Medical Detox Program?
If you’re looking for a medical detox program near Austin, TX, contact Santé Center for Healing today. Reach out to our team online or call 866.238.3154.
