Finding a Medical Detox: 5 Factors to Look For
Making the decision to enter into a medical detox program to overcome substance abuse is a courageous and daunting decision. It is also the first step on the path to recovery. Detox is a process where the body rids itself of the harmful toxins accrued from continued substance abuse. It can be a challenging ordeal to get through on your own. Finding the right medical detox facility is essential for a safe and successful beginning to sobriety. In order to make the right decision, it is important to consider these five factors when choosing a detox center.
1. Accreditation & Licensing
With over 17,000 treatment clinics in the US, finding a detox center that is licensed and accredited should be priority number one. This ensures that the program you are entering meets strict quality and safety standards. With so many treatment facilities, there are bound to be those that fly under the radar. Do not risk your health and safety going to an unlicensed detox program. Accreditations from the Joint Commission (JCAHO) and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) are industry standards. It is also important to verify that the staff, including medical professionals, are all licensed and experienced in providing detox care.
2. Specialized Care
Detox programs are not all the same. Some centers specialize in a specific type of detox. Some offer only social detox and not medical detox. Since the level of care can vary substantially, it’s important to find a program that offers the type of treatment you need and can personalize their approach to you. Ask them what substances they are equipped to detox someone from and if there are any they are not able to handle. If you have a comorbid medical condition or co-occurring mental health diagnosis, ask if they have the staff and training to treat these alongside your addiction.
3. Medical Staff Expertise
Your detox plan will be created by a team of doctors, nurses, and addiction specialists. Detoxification and withdrawal management is a complex process and requires experience and qualified medical professionals. It is crucial that you make sure the people in charge of your care have the expertise needed to keep you safe and comfortable. Your team should be capable of assessing your physical and psychological needs in real-time to prevent any complications and minimize discomfort.
4. Comprehensive Assessment
Find a facility that requires a thorough assessment with you before starting your detox plan. A comprehensive evaluation is critical to understand your specific needs and to tailor the detox strategy accordingly. This assessment should go over your substance use history, medical background, psychological profile, and any previous attempts at detox or substance abuse treatment. A successful detox can hinge on the information in these assessments so it is of the utmost importance that the medical detox program you chose requires one.
5. Aftercare & Support
It was mentioned earlier in this blog that detox is just the first step in the journey of recovery. Finding a medical detox program that understands the process and is set up to guide you into the next phase of sobriety is important. Whether it is transitioning into residential treatment or into therapy with an addiction counselor, long-term success requires continued support and accountability. Any good detox facility will have case managers on staff to help you create an aftercare plan.
Finding the right medical detox facility for your specific needs is the name of the game. By looking for these five factors, you can ensure that the program you choose is legit and up to the task at hand. Use them to guide your research. Entering into a detox program is the best thing you can do for your sobriety.
If you or someone you know is looking for a reputable detox program, call Holland Pathways today. Our experienced staff can answer any questions you may have and help you figure out if we’re the right fit.
