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The Differences Between Detox and Rehab : Know Them Now

People commonly mistake detox treatment centers with different types of rehab centers. While both drug detox and a rehab treatment center are highly advised for seeking addiction recovery, there is a difference between detox and rehab centers. Rehab centers often offer detox programs, as this is the start of addiction treatment, but the two are not one and the same. Here we will dive into some common questions regarding treatment options such as:

  • What is the difference between detox and rehab?
  • What are the different types of detox?
  • What is drug rehab?
  • How should I choose a detox program?

Your health and well-being should come first, and you deserve to find the best treatment option to fit your recovery needs. Golden Road Recovery is an addiction treatment center in Los Angeles that provides quality care to those brave individuals hoping to seek recovery.

10 Differences Between Detox and Rehab

While both drug detox and rehab are often an essential part of the recovery process, there are many differences between the two. Here is everything to know on what’s the difference between detox and rehab:

  1. Drug detox is short-term while rehab ranges from short-long term. The detox period typically lasts up to 2 weeks, and in some cases, symptoms can last longer, whereas rehab usually begins with 30-day treatment programs, and can last up to a year.
  2. The goal of drug detox is to safely manage withdrawal symptoms while the goal of rehab is to develop new lifestyle skills to encourage sobriety. Drug detox is only the beginning of the recovery process, while rehab teaches you the practical skills needed to maintain a drug-free lifestyle.
  3. Detox focuses on the physical effects from drug use and rehab focuses on all aspects (physical, mental, and spiritual) of addiction. Drug detox only provides you the support to manage the physical withdrawals, while rehab helps gain new skills for all areas of your life.
  4. Drug detox rids the substances from the body, while rehab provides you the skills to continue to live a life-drug free. Drug detox, simply put, is a body cleanse, and rehab supports you throughout the process of learning to remain sober with a new mindset.
  5. Drug detox can be a somewhat isolating experience, and during drug rehab, family involvement is typically encouraged. Most detox centers do not allow for family visits during the initial detox phase, as it can be triggering while rehab centers often encourage family and close friends to be involved in the treatment plan.
  6. Detox focuses on eliminating the substance used in the past, and rehab emphases thoughts of the future. Drug detox is only used to help the body recover from past decisions with drug use and rehab centers provide intensive therapy to help create a positive vision for the future.
  7. Drug detox is supported by medical professionals and rehabs can be filled with mental health professionals of all sorts. Drug detox only focuses on the physical withdrawal period, therefore less staff are needed, whereas in rehabs, with many different therapy and treatment options available, professionals such as counselors, substance use specialists, peer support specialists, etc. are often used.
  8. Drug detox wants to help you manage the pain of withdrawal symptoms and rehab wants to explore painful areas. Detox does not support the mental health aspect of addiction, and rehabs focus primarily on this. With different therapy options, individuals are encouraged to explore their past and overcome possible painful triggers.
  9. Drug detox is not typically a place of connection and rehab can provide this opportunity to meet new people. Most people in drug detox, cannot wait for the experience to be over, while in rehab, individuals have the opportunity to meet and engage with others seeking recovery.
  10. Drug detox requires additional addictions support and rehab is that additional support. Drug detox is a short-term uncomfortable experience and often requires additional help and support to help with the addiction while rehab provides the individual with the tools, resources, and support to help manage the addiction.

Drug detox is essentially the first step in seeking recovery, and oftentimes rehab is highly encouraged after the detox period. Both drug detox and rehab will increase your chances of a successful recovery to a drug-free life.

What is Detox?

We now know the differences between detox and rehab, what is detox and what are there different types of detox? Drug detox is the process in which the body clears out the drugs or alcohol that were previously consumed. Detox centers provide a safe environment to better manage the withdrawal symptoms.

Drug detox can be a painful and uncomfortable experience, and seeking help from a detox center is highly advised to avoid possible relapse. Although there are several ways to help ease the discomfort, in more severe addictions, some symptoms are unavoidable. These symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as nausea, headaches, body aches, sweating, etc. Most detox programs will be short-term, have medical trained staff to support you, and help you with the next step in your recovery journey. Detox programs are often included in rehab treatment centers, and after the detox process, you can begin working towards recovery through the rehab itself.

What is Rehab?

Rehab can be either short-term or long-term care that provides you with the resources, tools, and education to help treat your addiction. Through different types of therapy offered, educational classes, and hobbies exploration, you will have developed new coping skills to take on the world, with a sober, clear mind.

There are several different types of drug rehab and each should be considered when seeking addiction recovery. Different types of rehab include inpatient, outpatient, and sober living homes.

Inpatient rehab provides 24/7, highly intensive therapeutic care and the individual resides at the treatment facility.

Outpatient rehab provides part-time group and individual addiction treatment and allows the individual to live on their own.

Sober living homes give individuals seeking recovery to live in a home surrounded by others maintaining a drug-free life.

What Does it Mean to go to Rehab?

The thought of going to rehab might be scary and intimidating, so what does it really mean to go to rehab? Depending on the type of program you choose, and the duration of time required, going to rehab can simply mean you are seeking addiction treatment in hopes of learning the skills needed to live a life of sobriety.

Rehabs can range from 30, 60, or 90 day with the option of more long-term treatment lasting up to a year. Going to rehab is not a negative thing. It means you have hit a point where you would like to better your life, and gain new skills while receiving therapeutic support.

What is the Purpose of Rehab?

Many of us were not taught healthy coping skills, or how to manage stress, anger, or loss., therefore, leading us to use drugs and/or alcohol to help ease the pain. The purpose of rehab is to allow you a chance to feel supported and less isolated in a time of darkness. It is a chance to feel understood in a world of misconceptions around addiction. Rehab is a way to build strength and resilience towards the urge to use drugs and/or alcohol. It will allow you to explore yourself in a deeper way, with a clear mind and teach you the skills and tools needed to continue to maintain sobriety.

Is Detox Required to Attend Rehab?

Although detox is not necessarily required to attend rehab, it is likely you will experience the detox phase within a rehab facility. Detox is the first step towards treating your addiction and is a required step in this process. With the help of a supportive rehab, you will be sure to have a safe and smooth detox while attending your rehab of choice.

How Should I Choose a Detox Program?

detox vs rehab

  • How severe your addiction is (duration, amount used, etc.)
  • What your rehab or detox budget it
  • Additional treatment options needed for after detox

If you are ready to choose a detox program that fits all of your recovery needs, Golden Road Recovery is here for you. Golden Road Recovery provides quality detox treatment as well as different rehab programs for all sorts of addiction. Contact Golden Road Recovery today at (877)-372-0536 to start your journey to recovery and break free from addiction.

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