Detox is such an important factor in the overall recovery plan, that it deserves a second look. Often detox is used as a substitute for “recovery program” which it is not designed to do, and cannot do. I’ll break down the subject simply into 3 sections, A, B, and C.
A: ALWAYS consider detox for at risk situations. These include alcohol cessation, prescription medication cessation or tapering, multiple addictions such as heroin/xanax, or any situation where the person’s health has deteriorated to the point where medical supervision will help them to get through the initial come down, and still be alive for rehab.
B: BEFORE the person leaves detox, have a plan in place to transfer from the detox setting WITHOUT DELAY into a rehap program, which will hopefully be a residential program. In detox, often the person has a good result and will be feeling well, at least better than they have in quite a while. This is a dangerous spot, as if the pattern of addiction has not been dissected and eradicated, the person is subject to relapse at this point. Many people have tried to substitute detox for rehab, which can only result in a repeating losing scenario when used this way and can take a toll on not only health, but family and other relationships. Before detox is completed, get the rehab program lined up so the person can transfer directly from detox to rehab.
C: CHOOSE a detox program wisely. Ask if the protocol involves leaving detox with a prescription. If it does, STEER CLEAR. You should be looking for a detox that will only use the medications that it does, to prevent seizure or other complications. The use of these very necessary medications should be gently weaned off before the person is ready to transfer to rehab. Choose your detox just a carefully as you can. Rehab can not occur if you have left the person still addicted to an artificial mood altering substance - for the basic reason that a person’s addiction has been doing just that for as long as they have been using. So CHOOSE your detox wisely.
I hope this summary has been useful. For more information and guidance please call one of our helpful counselors at Drug Rehab Referral Services.