Nearly 25 million people throughout the U.S. have used some sort of illegal drug in the last month. Nearly 10 percent of people older than 12 also abuse illegal drugs or prescription drugs on a regular basis.
If you’re struggling with drug abuse and addiction — or know someone who is — it’s imperative that you seek help.
The first step toward sobriety is detoxing. You can detox on your own, but it’s not recommended. It’s much better to go through a structured program.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about finding an effective detox program in Orange County.
Benefits of Detox Programs
Some people assume that they can handle going through the detox process on their own. What they don’t realize, though, is that there are a lot of benefits that come with going through a detox program, including the following:
Manage Withdrawal Symptoms
When you begin detoxing from drugs or alcohol, you will go through some serious withdrawal symptoms, including the following:
- Muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Night sweats
- shakiness
- Vomiting
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Disorientation and confusion
You might also experience serious issues like seizures. These aren’t the kind of symptoms you want to try and deal with alone.
Increased Chances of Success
In addition to avoiding the dangers of going through the detox process by yourself, participating in detox programs also increases your chances of remaining sober.
People who go through detox with the help of supportive professionals are more likely to stay sober long-term. This is because they don’t just stop using drugs or consuming alcohol.
They also learn why they were using drugs or alcohol in the first place. They also learn to cope with triggers in healthier ways and manage their stress so they don’t slip back into bad habits.
How to Find the Right Detox Program
There are plenty of benefits that come with participating in a detox program. How do you find the right program for you, though?
Here are some tips that will help you find a great program for your needs:
Location
Location matters when you’re choosing a detox program.
Do you want to choose a location relatively close to home so that friends or family can come to visit you? Or, do you want to get out of your everyday environment and away from potential triggers?
Be sure to take location into account, whether you want to stay close to home or go somewhere far away.
Staff Qualifications
Pay special attention to the qualifications of the staff members at the facility you’re considering.
What kind of training do they have? What kind of continuing education is required for them?
Are there licensed doctors and nurses on staff? What about therapists?
If you want to have a good detox experience and experience maximum benefits, you need to have a team of qualified individuals helping you.
Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
Ideally, the detox program you consider will offer treatment for co-existing disorders.
Addiction rarely happens in a vacuum. Many people who struggle with addiction also struggle with mental health disorders like depression or anxiety.
Look for a program that offers counseling and treatments for these conditions in addition to treatments that will help you overcome withdrawal symptoms.
Cost
Of course, the cost of the program matters, too. Look for a program that fits your specific budget. If you can’t afford a particular program, reach out to see if they offer any kind of financial aid or payment plans to help offset the cost.
Insurance Coverage
It’s a good idea to check and see if your insurance provider will help cover the cost of treatment, too. Often, your insurance plan will cover at least part of the cost. Remember, it never hurts to ask and see what options are available to you.
Length of Treatment
Most detox programs are relatively short (7-10 days).
Check to see how long the program lasts before you make a decision. Check, too, to find out what happens after the detox is over.
In most facilities, you will transition to either residential treatment or outpatient treatment after you’ve finished detoxing.
Steer clear of programs that don’t have any kind of plan in place for the post-detox period.
Program Results
Do some research to learn about a program’s results before you decide to invest in it. How many people complete the program? How many of them stay sober after completing the program?
Most facilities share information about their results and program completion rates on their website.
If you can’t find information there, reach out to the facility and ask if they can send you this information. If they’re hesitant to do so, you might want to look elsewhere.
Licensing and Accreditation
Look for a detox program and treatment facility that is accredited with the Joint Commission.
This is a sign that they provide high-quality care and are dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest practices and approaches.
The program should be licensed, too. This indicates they have qualified medical professionals working on their staff.
Aftercare Treatment
Finally, be sure to ask about the programs the facility has in place for after detox and inpatient or outpatient treatment is complete.
How do they help you transition back to everyday life? Do they offer ongoing counseling? Access to job placement services?
Look for a program that has a good aftercare treatment plan in place. This will help you ensure you stay sober after you’ve “graduated.”
Get Help in Orange County Today
As you can see, there are a lot of reasons to pursue a structured detox program in Orange County.
Keep these guidelines in mind so you can find the right detox program for your needs.
Are you ready to get help in Orange County? If so, reach out to us at Northbound Treatment today.
We offer a variety of addiction treatment services, including detox, residential treatment, and outpatient treatment.
Our programs have incredible outcomes and a 92 percent completion rate. If you want to work with the best professionals in the area, you’ve got to work with us.
