Jumping into a detox program can be incredibly overwhelming and stressful. Some of this stress can easily be eliminated by taking the time to research and find a detox provider that not only aligns with your recovery goals but also offers the kind of treatment you seek. In order to find this kind of detox provider, it’s vital to ask numerous questions and gain as much information as you can before you choose a detox program.

What type of detox does the treatment center offer?

Because addiction to drugs and alcohol alters the natural functions of the brain and impedes proper chemical production, the body experiences some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when undergoing detox. For this reason, it’s important to understand just what kind of detox the center provides and whether there is medical personnel on hand in case of an emergency. 

You will want to ask whether the center uses alternative detox methods (sauna, natural or herbal detox) where the body typically sweats out the toxins and no medication is used; whether detox is medically assisted/monitored and the vital signs are watched at all times; or whether it’s a medical detox program where a detox doctor is able to prescribe medications to lessen withdrawal symptoms and be present throughout the majority of the detox process.

What type of treatment is offered?

This differs from the type of detox offered. Once the body is detoxed and all the toxins are removed from the body, the work of psychological recovery can begin. You’ll want to ask if the detox provider is simply a detox center or whether there is also an addiction rehab program in conjunction with the detox program which offers different kinds of therapy (CBT, DBT, art, equine, adventure therapy, etc.) to complete the process of recovery.

What is the staff like?

It’s important to know who is on staff as they’ll be the ones walking with you through the detox and recovery process. Is there a medical professional, psychiatrist and therapist on staff? What kind of education/credentials do they have? What is the staff-to-client ratio and will someone be available when you need them? Will you have a nurse with you almost constantly during the hardest stages of detox? Knowing the answers will offer you a better understanding of the quality of care you’ll be receiving throughout detox.

How long is the detox program?

It might seem like a simple question, but knowing how long you’ll undergo detox can bring you a lot of peace, knowing the most physically taxing parts of recovery is complete after approximately one week. However, you’ll want to talk with the provider about how long their program is so you know what to expect, how long to plan for and to take any necessary steps beforehand so you can smoothly transition right into post-detox rehab.

Are the detox plans personalized?

There’s no one-size-fits-all detox plan. One person’s experience with addictive opioids might be completely different from another’s; one client might suffer from co-occurring schizophrenia and addiction, while another might experience addiction as a co-occurring symptom of depression or anxiety. Therefore, you want to ask about personalized treatment plans and inquire if the detox center also offers rehab programs or takes into consideration the needs of a patient with a co-occurring disorder. After all, complete healing can only take place when the whole person, body and mind, is treated.

What considerations are there for after-care?

Drug and alcohol detox is the first step in the journey of recovery, always followed by time spent in rehab. Therefore, it’s important to know just what kind of programs are offered following detox. Will they recommend you to an inpatient or outpatient program? Should you prepare yourself to enter into a partial hospitalization program? Will you have to transfer facilities or are there post-detox programs available at the same center? 

Ask whatever will make you comfortable

Detoxing from an addiction is difficult, there’s no denying it, but it doesn’t have to be so shrouded in mystery that the unknown keeps you from entering into this stage of recovery. Therefore, it’s important to ask any and every question you have before beginning the program. There’s no such thing as a silly question because it’s absolutely necessary that you feel as comfortable as possible. Questions about insurance, location, clients’ reviews, the intake process, even the type of food offered at the treatment center can all be asked if the answers will bring you peace of mind. 

Reach out today

No matter how hard the realities of detox might be, it is a brave step towards recovery when you choose to undergo detox. It promises to set you on the path of recovery by first beginning to heal your body before turning to the healing of your mind. Because detox is so important in this new stage of life, it’s more than okay to ask as many questions as you need to not only get all the proper information but to feel comfortable and confident in your decisions. 

To begin the process of detox today, call Pyramid Healthcare in Pennsylvania today at 888-694-9996.