What to Expect After a Drug Detox

Time has seen a tremendous evolution in treatments for addiction. As we kept learning more and more about the addiction, the ways to treat it also evolved. 

Today, according to the NIDA (The National Institute On Drug Abuse), addiction is a chronic disease that includes alterations to the brain due to the presence of particular drugs. These intoxicating drugs change the levels of the neurotransmitters and promote the reward system.

The fundamental symptoms of addiction are:

1. Compulsive substance abuse
2. Cravings to get high

What Is Detox?

NIDA says that detox is the foundation of any addiction treatment. This clinical setting is nothing but the detoxification from addictive substances. 

It includes medical assistance throughout the process and therefore, also called medical detox or medically managed withdrawal. In this stage of the treatment, the person stops talking substances and faces withdrawals with the help of professionals. 

Medications are used to reduce psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms. This helps patients to focus on therapeutic recovery and prevent relapse.

What Happens After Detox?

Ever wondered what happens next when the body stops relying on the substance anymore once the detox is over? What happens when you don’t need drugs or alcohol to feel normal? 

Professionals recommend the rehabilitation program for the post-detox journey. Why? Because detox is not the only treatment for the addiction. In many cases, the chances of increased addictive behaviour can be triggered due to pre-existing psychological problems such as violence, divorce, loss of employment, sexual trauma, grief, etc. Therapy is needed to address such issues once the withdrawal symptoms are gone, and there’s no trace of toxins in the body.

However, there are several options for rehab. And, the same treatment does not work for everyone. Choosing the most suitable one depends heavily on the referral from the detox program or recommendation from the therapist.

From relapse prevention and educational therapies for patients at significant risk of drug abuse to long-term inpatient therapies for patients with co-occurring health issues, our Huntington Beach Rehab has it all.

It is crucial to understand the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of the patients before approaching a specific therapeutic treatment after detox. Addiction can be tough on patients; therefore, they need the utmost care to get back to normal life.

Which Rehab Programs Are Available After Detox?

According to the Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment by NIDA, the following are some of the most useful therapies after detox:

Relapse Prevention Therapy

Patients in rehab often experience temptations or cravings. This therapy includes an actionable plan that needs to be implemented in case of cravings. This is an excellent way to avoid relapse. 

Family Therapy

No matter what treatment you are going through, your family is the backbone of this entire process. Family therapy includes addressing your problems with family members as it increases the chances of success.

Educational Therapy or Classes

Such classes are great to educate patients on how drugs and alcohol can mess up with your physical and psychological state. This has been a successful way to avoid relapse so far. 

Medical Services

This therapy is recommended to patients who are facing chronic illnesses and relevant disorders. With proper medical care, this helps patients stay away from self-medication that involves alcohol or drugs.

Life Skills Learning

Active addicts often avoid everyday responsibilities. Post detox, once they no longer depend on drugs or alcohol to remain normal, educating them on the day-to-day responsibilities and new life skills is essential. 

This training helps them gain more self-confidence. And it keeps them from going back to drugs or alcohol.

Standard Outpatient Programs

This is basically a group therapy such as alcoholics anonymous and 12-steps groups. Patients that are suitable for such outpatient programs can live at their homes and continue the daily routine like work or school. 

They have to attend the therapy for specific hours per week (maximum 10 hours). The primary purpose of such treatments is to teach patients how to deal with triggers and stress successfully.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

This is quite the same as the standard outpatient programs. The only difference is time. In this approach, patients have to attend the therapy for at least 20-30 hours each week. 

IOP patients can stay at home and continue their school or work. However, they may have to take some time off their schedule to attend the therapy and meet the treatment obligations. 

Partial Hospitalization

This part of inpatient treatment is performed to stabilize the patients before they are sent to the lower level care such as outpatient programs. Patients with co-occurring mental disorders and substance abuse issues can benefit a lot from this program. 

Residential Or Inpatient

With residential or inpatient therapy, patients have to stay away from their familiar environment as it can be the reason for relapse. They can be kept at a luxury resort or maybe under 24-hour medical supervision. 

The following are the therapies and activities that are included in this approach:

• Personal Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Medication
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Art Therapy
• Nutrition Therapy
• Journaling

Final Thoughts

While there are various approaches for post-detox treatments, the standard and critical component of all of them is to provide the right care. 

Patients that complete 90 days rehab programs are less likely to relapse and go back to drugs within the 1st year of the treatment. Also, they remain sober for a longer time and in case they relapse, they know what to do.

Needless to say, this journey is incomplete without the support from doctors, family members, therapists and mutual support groups.