Are All Drug and Alcohol Detox Centers Locked Down for People Inside?

The very thought of completing detox is intimidating. Add to this the knowledge that many facilities operate as secure, closed campuses, and you might be beside yourself with worry. The good news is that supervised detox is a relatively short process for most substances. With the right support systems in place, it can also be much easier and far more comfortable than you anticipate. Medically supervised detox is infinitely safer and far more doable than attempting to abstain on your own at home.

Best of all, you can choose from a variety of detox centers and treatment modalities. Locked or closed campuses exist to keep patients safe. During the initial stages of detox, cravings are at their highest. Rehab centers and standalone detox facilities keep their campuses closed to ensure that none of their patients are being exposed to high-risk activities, or any other circumstances or events that might derail their treatments. Moreover, once you commit to and start a medically supervised detox, it’s generally best to remain right where you are.

As your body moves through the various stages of withdrawal that are associated with your substance of choice, continuing to receive care can be vital for avoiding severe sickness, potentially permanent injuries, and even death. Notwithstanding these things, you always have the power of choice. Closed campus detox facilities and inpatient treatment centers will never hold you against your will.

Patients Who Voluntarily Exit Treatment Might Not Be Able to Return

Detox can be completed in a variety of ways. For instance, if you choose to take part in an inpatient program, you’ll likely complete your detox onsite. Once this portion of your treatment is done, you’ll seamlessly transfer into other recovery activities. These can include taking part in group and individual therapy, stress management and life-planning workshops, and various forms of recreation among other things.

With many inpatient rehab centers, when patients voluntarily leave campus they are unable to return. This protects the well-being of all other clients and ensures that their recoveries aren’t compromised. If you intend to take part in an outpatient program, you’ll complete medically supervised detox on-campus and then you’ll be free to go home.

You’ll return to that same site or another one when it’s time to take part in your outpatient rehab activities. Both inpatient and outpatient rehab last for one to three months. There are also options in extended addiction treatment that can last between six months and one full year. If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of being on a closed or locked campus for an extended period of time, outpatient rehab may be right for you.

Leaving Detox Before Your Treatment Is Complete

In both detox and ongoing addiction treatment, you always have the power of choice. You can certainly leave if you feel the need to, but doing so won’t be in your best interests. Not only does this eliminate your ongoing access to medical support and potentially life-saving interventions, but it also compromises your path to recovery. Just as detoxing alone is high in risk, attempting to deal with addiction itself absent of qualified support is incredibly risky as well.

When leaving detox ahead of finishing this portion of your treatment, you will need to sign yourself out. Signing your own release forms indicates that you’re aware of the risks that you’re taking by voluntarily exiting the program. Moreover, it absolves the treating facility of responsibility for any negative effects of suddenly stopping medically supervised detox treatment.

Physical Withdrawal Is Just the Beginning

If you have a relatively easy detox with few physical withdrawal symptoms, you may feel confident enough to weather the rest of the process at home. Unfortunately, many recovering addicts are surprised by the intensity of the symptoms that follow physical withdrawal. Commonly referred to as post-acute withdrawal symptoms or PAWS, these are secondary psychological symptoms that arise just as the body is rebounding. They can include:

  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Mood swings
  • Restlessness
  • Chronic fatigue

and more. By completing detox and transferring into a formal rehab program, you’ll get assured continuance of care. This means that you’ll never have to deal with uncomfortable physical or psychological symptoms on your own. It also means that you’ll have constant access to the support you’ll need for staying on course.

Spending time on a closed campus can be incredibly beneficial for recovering addicts. This is especially true for people living with long-term addictions and for those who’ve been using large amounts of highly addictive substances. On a closed campus, you can place all of your focus on getting better. You can also avoid a host of triggers, stressors, and other real-world challenges during the most trying stage of the recovery process. If you want to know more about the available options in drug and alcohol detox centers, we can help. Call us today at 844-639-8371.

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