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What is an Inpatient Drug Detox?
The two main steps in an inpatient drug detox program are:
Evaluation: Upon beginning drug detoxification, the patient is first tested to see which specific substances are in their system. Clinicians also evaluate the patient for potential co-occurring disorders, dual diagnosis, and mental/behavioral issues.
Stabilization: In this stage, the patient is guided through the process of detoxification. This is usually done with the use of medications. Also part of stabilization is explaining to the patient what to expect during treatment and the recovery process.
So, What are the 5 Reasons You Should Go to Inpatient Drug Detox?
1. Your DOC is alcohol and/or benzodiazepines – you definitely should go to inpatient drug detox if you are dependent on alcohol and/or benzodiazepines (such as Xanax) because these are the only two categories of drugs that have proven to have potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal is similar to alcohol and barbiturate withdrawal syndromes. It can be severe and provoke life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, particularly with abrupt or overly-rapid dosage reduction from high doses or long term use.
2. You’re afraid of withdrawals (Even if you are not alcohol dependent) – for many opiate addicts, the idea of going through withdrawals is terrifying. Although not potentially life-threatening, the withdrawals from opiates make you wish you were dead. Going to an inpatient drug detox will ease your fears and discomfort because the program is structured to taper you off the drugs.
3. Your insurance covers it, so why not? If you have medical insurance with benefits that will cover inpatient drug detox, then take advantage of it! You might be thinking that you would rather detox at home through an outpatient program but, then you will have to arrange transportation to and from. If you do not have your own, this can certainly be a hassle. If you do drive and have your own vehicle, you will have to work at being motivated to take yourself, especially on bad days when you are feeling particularly tired and/or uncomfortable. Another thing to consider is that some of the medications given at an outpatient or inpatient drug detox will render you unable to operate machinery such as your car.
4. To be successful in completing detox without relapse – while detoxing from drugs and alcohol, there will be discomfort, although not quite as bad as going cold-turkey, and that is enough to make you want to go out and use – anything to stop the way you are feeling. Being in a safe environment with support from medical staff, therapists, and even peers can make the detox process go more smoothly.
5. Fringe Benefits – By attending an inpatient drug detox, you will not only be in a safe environment away from people, places, and things that support your drug behaviors but, you will be able to “get away from it all” that is, the day-to-day stuff that has been stressing you out. In an inpatient drug detox, your meals will be prepared for you by 5 Star Chefs (not hospital food!). Most detoxes also offer services such as massage, saunas/sweat lodges, and other spa experiences that will ease the detox process.
If you ask me, this sounds a helluva lot better than detoxing on your couch at home.
If your loved one is in need of inpatient drug detox, please give us a call at 800-951-6135.
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