Substance use disorders can be difficult to recover from. When you are addicted to alcohol or drugs, your brain and body begin to rely on the substance to function properly. This means that if you suddenly stop taking it, you will experience withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal must be treated by a professional detox program, especially if you’ve been abusing drugs and alcohol long-term. Without medical care, your symptoms could range from painful to life-threatening. Even if you do not experience severe symptoms, withdrawal can be a significant trigger for relapse without the supervision offered by a medical detox program.

If you are considering attending detox, you might be wondering how to pick the right program. When you are deciding between different facilities, there are several questions you can ask to determine if the detox center is right for you.

For example, you might want to know if the program is inpatient or outpatient. It is also helpful to determine if the detox center uses FDA-approved medications to lessen withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

In this article, you will learn:

Why detox is vital for the recovery process
What questions you should ask a detox program
How to prepare yourself before entering a detox facility

What to Ask a Detox Center Before Beginning Treatment

Medical detox is a very important part of the recovery process. It helps you overcome withdrawal and prevents you from experiencing a relapse early on. Without a detox program, you could experience severe or even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

Entering an addiction treatment center can be scary, especially if it’s your first time. The idea of going through withdrawal in a detox program might feel overwhelming. However, asking questions about how the program works and what it offers might make you feel more comfortable with committing to the process.

Before entering a detox program, you should ask the following questions:

1. Do You Offer Inpatient or Outpatient Detox?

There are two different types of detox: inpatient and outpatient. Both treatment options come with their own set of benefits and risks. Inpatient is generally considered to be the more intensive care option, as you’ll have 24/7 treatment, supervision, and support. On the other hand, outpatient detox allows you to live in the comfort of your own home while you overcome withdrawal.

At Costa Mesa Detox, we offer inpatient services to ensure our clients get the highest level of detox care. While outpatient detox might sound appealing, being at home during the withdrawal phase of recovery can make you more susceptible to relapse. When you choose our detox facility, you are more likely to overcome the early stages of recovery without a hitch.

2. Do You Use Individualized Treatment Planning?

Some treatment facilities use a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. While this might be effective in some cases, most people need specialized services and treatments throughout recovery. Before you commit to a detox program, you should ask them if they offer individualized treatment planning.

Costa Mesa Detox uses individualized treatment planning to ensure its clients receive services and support that is based on their needs. By using in-depth initial assessments, we can gather information to determine what course of treatment is best suited to your goals for recovery.

3. Is Your Program Medically-Assisted?

Before you commit to a detox program, you should make sure they offer medically assisted services. Withdrawal symptoms can be painful, irritating, and just difficult to cope with. When you choose a medically-assisted detox program like Costa Mesa, you can rest assured that your symptoms will be managed through the use of FDA-approved medications.

4. Do You Provide Mental Health Support?

Withdrawal can lead to mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, and more. For this reason, you should always choose a medical detox program that offers psychological support and treatment.

Even further, some people with substance abuse issues suffer from co-occurring disorders. This means they are dealing with mental health issues in combination with their addiction. Because of this, it is best to opt for a detox program that offers dual diagnosis services.

5. Do You Take My Insurance?

Detox can be incredibly expensive. To explain, you’ll have to pay for medical treatments, withdrawal medications, housing, and meals. At the end of the day, the overall price can be pretty high.

However, if you have health insurance, sometimes all or most of the cost of detox will be covered. Before starting treatment, you should ensure the detox program you are working with accepts your insurance.

6. Are There Options for a Continuum of Care?

While detox is a vital step in the recovery from addiction, it is not meant to be a standalone treatment option. After you complete detox, you’ll need to attend an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment facility where you can address the root causes of your drug addiction.

While you can always coordinate to transition to another facility once you complete detox, it is easier to pick a detox program that offers a continuum of care. This means that the detox facility has inpatient or outpatient drug rehab centers on-site for you to take advantage of.

7. What Should I Do to Prepare for Detox?

Before you commit to the detox facility you are looking at, you should ask them how to prepare for the program. They will usually give you advice on what to pack, what you cannot bring, and what documents you might need to be accepted into the program.

Typically, preparing for detox involves packing comfortable clothes that would be considered appropriate in all types of settings. You might want to bring sweatpants or other loose-fitting and warm clothing that you would choose to wear while you were dealing with the flu. You should avoid bringing any hygiene products that contain alcohol and consider taking a few crossword puzzles or books to read.

If you have more questions about how to prepare for detox, you can schedule a call with the admissions counselors at Costa Mesa Detox. Our addiction experts are ready to answer any questions you might have about how our detox program works.

Get Connected to a Top-Rated Drug and Alcohol Detox Center

If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. At Costa Mesa Detox, we offer a compassionate and evidence-based approach to drug and alcohol addiction treatment.

Questions to Ask a Detox Center Before Starting Treatment

Costa Mesa Detox