Detox and rehab are terms that seem to be used interchangeably. However, there is a massive difference between the two programs. While individuals can benefit from both, and both programs complement each other, they are still two different things. When the time comes to begin the recovery process, it is important to know which will suit your needs better.
At Genesis Medical Detox, we are here to help you have a successful detox. In the process, we can educate you on the difference between a rehab and a detox center.
What Is Detox?
Detox is both a process and a program. Detox is often referred to as the first stage of recovery. During detoxification, a person’s body is cleansed of a substance that has been abused for a period of time. Although the person’s body is now cleansed of that substance, it does not mean they will not still crave the substance or be tempted to use it again.
Although it is not recommended, this process can be done at home. It can also be done in a medical detox center. A medical detox center is equipped with trained professionals who can guide patients through detox and withdrawal safely. If a person is addicted to a substance, it is incredibly dangerous to quit “cold turkey.” This is where medical detox is recommended.
When a person’s body has become accustomed to a certain amount of their preferred substance, they can experience withdrawal symptoms as little as a few hours after their last use. Depending on the substance, length of use, and the individual, withdrawal can be uncomfortable and oftentimes dangerous. A medical detox center is designed to safely navigate each patient’s withdrawal journey. They offer 24-hour supervision to patients and are available to intervene if anything goes wrong.
What Is Withdrawal?
After all this talk about withdrawal, it is natural to be curious about what it is exactly. Withdrawal is the body’s natural response to the cutting back or sudden stopping of a substance, such as alcohol or drugs.
Substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines have significantly more dangerous withdrawal symptoms than other substances. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild symptoms such as headaches and fatigue to more severe symptoms like seizures, suicidal thoughts, and hallucinations.
Depending on a number of factors, withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from a week to several months.
Who Can Benefit From Medical Detox
Detox centers are the first step towards beginning the journey to recovery. If you fit into one of the following categories, medical detox may be especially beneficial for you.
- You have attempted to stop using a substance in the past and failed.
- You have a condition that requires you to stop using the substance immediately, such as pregnancy.
- You have been abusing multiple substances.
- You have a co-occurring mental health disorder.
- You need to detox before entering a rehabilitation center.
What Is Rehab?
Rehabilitation is the process of regaining control over one’s life after a substance use disorder. This includes learning how to readjust to society, restoring health, and managing life without substance use.
Rehab centers focus on providing counseling and therapy to patients with the goal of overcoming addiction and finding new ways to live without drugs. Rehab can also be referred to as a recovery or drug treatment center.
Drug rehab centers typically offer multiple levels of inpatient and outpatient care. Levels of care vary from long-term stays to visits multiple times per week. Not all rehab centers offer long-term care, while others only offer long-term care. However, they are all focused on long-term recovery and helping people build and maintain productive lifestyles without substance use.
Deciding to enter a rehabilitation program is a step in the right direction toward long-term recovery. After completing a medical detox, it can be challenging to stay on the right track.
As mentioned before, not because a person has successfully detoxed from substance use means they are totally healed. Detoxing is only the beginning of a long journey to recovery. Most people will still need an extra push to prevent a relapse. This is where rehab centers are helpful.
Here are some reasons to consider a rehab center after detoxing.
- You are having trouble with cravings after detox.
- You need community support to stay on top of your recovery.
- You need guidance to regain control of your life.
- You do not have the resources to get back on your feet.
- You want to restore your mental and physical health.
Detox vs. Rehab: What’s the Difference?
Detox is the first step on the road to recovery. It is a medical process that clears your body of the substance so you can begin to take the actions necessary to achieve sobriety. The process of detoxification can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. However, it is necessary to begin the recovery journey.
On the other hand, rehab focuses on restoring mental and physical health after the body has been cleansed. Recovery is a lifelong journey. It is easier to achieve long-term recovery with a strong community and a sound mind. For this reason, rehabs focus on clinical-based supports, like therapy.
Cohesively, detox and rehab are the keys to the journey of a lasting recovery journey. The two work together to give patients the best chance possible.
Learn More About Medical Detox With Genesis Medical Detox
If you or a loved one has been struggling with addiction, call Genesis Medical Detox to find out if a detox program is right for you. Our team of professionals is here to help anyone in need of detox to navigate the process and have a healthy and safe detox experience. Contact us today to get access to our many resources and begin your journey to recovery.
At Genesis Medical Detox, we are committed to providing compassionate, supportive, and appropriate medical care to all those in need. We are here to support you every step of the way. Give us a call to learn more about medical detox.
