Drug Detox FAQ’s

Many people wonder how drug treatment programs work. Drug detox is truly the first step towards entering a supportive rehabilitation facility. Detox centers around healing the body from the long-term effects of physical dependence. The focus is to help stabilize the body by treating withdrawal symptoms that result from detox. During detox patients are treated by medical staff who are there to provide the physical and psychological support needed to get clean.

According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 16.6 million American adults age 18 and up had an alcohol use disorder in 2013. This includes alcohol abuse and dependence characterized by heavy and binge drinking. The NIAAA defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that leads to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 g/dL, usually occurring in a 2 hour time span after 5 drinks for men and 4 drinks for women. SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, defines heavy drinking as the consumption of at least 5 drinks on the same occasion in 5 consecutive days within the last month.

During outpatient drug treatment you continue to live at home and in some cases attend work or school. Depending on the intensity level of the program patients may meet several times a week working to prevent relapse and provide a network of support. Some programs may require partial hospitalization is medical monitoring or treatment is required.

The length of time in detox is based on each individual. Medical staff assesses each patient upon admission to determine approximately how long a safe detox and withdrawal protocol will take. This depends on what drug(s) you are using, how much and for how long. The length of detox can range from 5-14 days. Typically opiate detox is the shortest while alcohol, benzos, and methadone detox take longer.

The length of time in detox is based on each individual. Medical staff assesses each patient upon admission to determine approximately how long a safe detox and withdrawal protocol will take. This depends on what drug(s) you are using, how much and for how long. The length of detox can range from 5-14 days. Typically opiate detox is the shortest while alcohol, benzos, and methadone detox take longer.

Detox facilities are not like they used to be. You are not locked up or strapped to a bed left to feel sick. Facilities today are spa-like wellness centers that are small, intimate and cozy. Patients can walk the grounds and even choose to sign themselves out if they wish. Detox is a voluntary process and most people who consider leaving such programs quickly change their minds after speaking with counselors and think about the alternative to getting sober.

The cost of detox varies from program to program. An average detox protocol can cost anywhere from under $2000 to over $10,000 a week depending on the program. The good news is that almost every insurance carrier covers inpatient detox; many even cover 100% of the cost. Most programs offer flexible payment plans and always ask about affordable self-pay rates.

Withdrawal symptoms are the physical and psychological symptoms associated with getting clean from drugs and alcohol. These can range from moderately uncomfortable to excruciatingly painful. Most times withdrawal symptoms depend on drug(s) of abuse, length of time using, combination of alcohol and drug use, and how much a person is using.

Withdrawal symptoms are well managed in detox facilities using detox-specific medications. These help ease your physical discomfort as well as your emotional symptoms of withdrawal. Medications help you feel more physically comfortable, more relaxed, able to sleep, and above all keep you medically safe and prevent complications such as seizures, DT’s, convulsions, psychosis etc. There are also medications to help with strong drug and alcohol cravings that people detoxing always experience.

Detox staff typically consist of addiction psychiatrists, medical doctors, 24/7 nursing staff, counselors, therapists and behavior health techs. Staff is available 24/7 and each person is qualified and expertly trained in helping individuals come off drugs and alcohol safely and effectively.

This too depends on the program you choose. State-funded programs do accept those who do not have insurance, cannot afford to pay for detox and are considered by the state of Georgia as indigent. Most people think detox programs are filled with homeless junkies and the mentally ill. While drug and alcohol addiction does not discriminate most reputable programs accept clients who are appropriate for a non-hospital based level of care. Those with acute mental illness should and are referred to more appropriate facilities.

Most detox programs do allow smoking in designated areas. While some facilities do have a non-smoking policy it is always best to check with the program prior.

Detox programs do have scheduled times for certain things such as meals, medications, groups and counseling. However staff understands that the physical process of detox and withdrawal can be challenging so most are flexible allowing patients to relax and recuperate as they need. As patients become more medically stable they can attend groups, meetings and therapy appointments that are set up to provide support, compassion and education about addiction and the recovery process.

Most detox programs do not allow visitors during the first few days. This is because patients are not yet medically stable and require close monitoring and support. After that some programs allow friends and family to visit for short periods of time. Each case is individual and staff are flexible when it comes to understanding each person’s unique circumstances.

It is recommended that you bring 7 days’ worth of comfortable and weather appropriate clothing. Don’t bring a laptop or cellphone but do bring your iPod or music player, books, family photos and mementos that will remind you of the life that awaits you after detox.

Many detox programs offer spa-like amenities including massage, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, yoga, meditation etc. Of course you can only use these amenities once you are medically cleared for your own safety.