By the end, you will have a much better idea of what to look for – and what to avoid – when choosing a drug detox center.

What to look for in a drug detox center

When evaluating a drug detox center, there are a few key criteria you must take into account:

1. Clinical excellence: The best drug detox centers have staff members who are experienced and certified in addiction medicine and who have established relationships with other local healthcare providers. Ask about their credentials and professional affiliations.
2. Mind-body approach: The best drug detox centers will combine a holistic approach with medication to address both physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Look for a center that offers nutrition, exercise, counseling, and other treatments to help you recover.
3. Support for dual diagnosis: A dual diagnosis is when a person has both addiction and mental health issues that need to be addressed together. Look for a drug detox center that specializes in both addiction and mental health treatment.
4. Family support: It is important to choose a drug detox center that provides family support and encourages family participation in your recovery. Look for centers that offer family therapy and other types of therapy and support programs.
5. Aftercare planning: The best drug detox centers should provide a comprehensive aftercare plan once detox is complete. Look for centers that partner with sober living homes, outpatient treatment centers, and other professionals who can support you after you have left the facility.

7 science-backed ways to choose the best drug detox center

There are 7 science-backed strategies you can use to find the right drug detox center for you:

1. Start by verifying the center’s credentials: Make sure the drug detox center you choose has qualified staff members who have experience in addiction medicine and who have established relationships with local healthcare providers.
2. Identify centers that practice evidence-based care: Look for a drug detox center that uses evidence-based care approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This type of therapy has been proven to help individuals struggling with substance abuse.
3. Get referrals: Ask your doctor, therapist, or other health care professionals for referrals for drug detox centers. They can provide you with unbiased reviews and advice that can help you make an informed decision.
4. Check for positive reviews: Read reviews online from individuals who have been to the center or visited the website to get a better sense of the environment and quality of care.
5. Evaluate the staff credentials: An important factor to consider is the staff’s credentials. Make sure the staff members at the drug detox center have the qualifications and expertise to provide quality treatment to those suffering from addiction.
6. Research the treatment options: Research the treatment options offered by drug detox centers to decide which one is best for you.
7. Consider the cost: Don’t let cost stop you from getting the treatment you need, but do consider the cost in your decision-making process. Look into your insurance coverage or seek out alternative payment options, such as payment plans or sliding scale fees.

What to expect during detox

When you’re looking for a drug detox center, it’s important to know what to expect once you’re there. Knowing what happens during detox can help you prepare and decide if the program is a good fit for you.

When you first arrive at the detox center, you will receive an assessment from the medical professionals. During this evaluation, the professionals will assess the severity of your addiction, your medical and mental health, and any risk factors. They will then create a plan for your detox and treatment.

During detox, you can expect to experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substance you were abusing. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, tremors, headaches, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. The medical staff at the center will monitor your symptoms and provide medication to help manage them.

Aftercare and follow-up treatment

Once you have completed detox at a drug detox center, it’s important to also plan for a recovery program that will help you maintain sobriety. Aftercare and follow-up treatment are integral for long-term sobriety and should include such options as:

Outpatient treatment

Outpatient treatment allows patients to live and work at home and receive treatment during designated hours of the day. The duration of treatment is typically three to nine months and often includes individual and group therapy, 12-Step meetings, and activities that bolster healthy behaviors.

Residential treatment

Residential treatment is best for those facing severe addiction, and involves close monitoring of the person in a 24-hour facility. Treatment typically lasts for 30 to 90 days and offers comprehensive therapies and activities to address addiction and relapse prevention.

Sober living homes

Sober living homes are structured living environments designed to provide support to those recovering from addiction. The houses often promote accountability and help residents create positive habits and stay abstinent.

Continuing care

Continuing care is designed for those who have completed a detox and initial treatment program and is a way to remain in recovery and keep on the right path. These are often group therapy or 12-Step meetings and other activities designed to support sobriety.

Medication-assisted treatment

Medication-assisted treatment is an option for those recovering from opioid addiction. This combines medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone with counseling and behavioral therapies. These medications work by reducing the effects of opioids on the brain, which help alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

The Importance of continued care

The importance of continuing care after you detox from drugs goes without saying. It’s important to get the proper support for long-term sobriety. Continuing care typically consists of outpatient treatment, residential treatment, and sober living homes.

Outpatient treatment allows you to live at home and receive treatment during designated hours of the day. Residential treatments require you to stay in a 24-hour facility and typically lasts for 30 to 90 days. Sober living homes are structured environments designed to provide support to those recovering from addiction and promote healthy, abstinence-based habits. And continuing care provides ongoing support for those who have completed detox and initial treatment programs.

Medication-assisted treatment is often used as an option for those recovering from opioid addiction. This combines medications such as buprenorphine or Suboxone (a partial opioid agonist) with counseling and behavior therapies. This approach helps reduce cravings and prevents relapse. It also restores balance to your brain chemistry.

Sober fun in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs, Colorado, is home to some stunning sober fun locations that offer a unique experience for people in recovery and their support systems.

If you’re looking for an outdoor experience, consider checking out The Garden of the Gods, an impressive park featuring towering sandstone formations and remarkable views of Pikes Peak. Or if you’re seeking a more active experience, both Garden of the Gods Adventures and Pikes Peak Bikes offer bike tours of the area, as well as mountain and rock climbing classes for those seeking a more challenging experience.

More relaxed activities in the area include a picnic at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, a visit to the nearby Seven Falls, or an exploration of Pueblo Grande Museum.

At night, enjoy a movie under the stars at the CinemaCafe on Tejon Street! Or engage with the local recovery community at the Coming Home Cafe, a cop-driven recovery Cafe located in downtown. Whatever your interests, there is something for everyone in Colorado Springs, so make the most of your stay!

Drug Detox With Briarwood

Briarwood Detox Center offers detox treatment for alcohol, opioid, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and much more. Our experienced clinical staff provides round-the-clock monitoring throughout the drug detox process and our therapy team provides support to help manage the emotional response to treatment. Additionally, we have detox facilities located in Austin, Houston, and Colorado Springs with state-of-the-art amenities.

Briarwood is dedicated to facilitating a healthy and safe environment that empowers people to make significant and lasting changes in their lives. We look forward to supporting you or your loved one on the journey to recovery. Call (512) 277 – 3103 today for more information on our programs and admission process.