Individuals possessing serious, long-standing substance addictions in which they have consumed prodigious amounts of drugs often must experience a procedure known as detoxification, sometimes abbreviated as detox, to initiate the recovery procedure. Addicts might be reluctant to enter detox or subsequent rehabilitation for many reasons. One such reason might be the fear of experiencing the process in a hospital-like setting. Therefore, the question many prospective recovery candidates might have is if a detox facility at a rehabilitation center similar to that performed in a hospital?
The Detox Process
One must realize that professionally performed detox is executed to rid the addict’s body of the specific substance said individual has been abusing. Most addicts simply cannot quit their habit “cold turkey” because their bodies and minds are too reliant on the offending chemical to function.
Abruptly halting one’s intake of the substance they are addicted to will produce withdrawal symptoms. These physical and mental manifestations will vary depending upon the specific drug being used, the addict’s general health, other vital statistics like their weight, the duration of the addiction and the specific ingested amounts of the drug in question.
In most instances, common withdrawal symptoms include sweating, nausea, vomiting and tremors. In cases of severe addiction, said manifestations could include far more serious, potentially life-threatening issues like hallucinations, convulsions and even respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
With said facts in mind, detox should be performed by experienced professionals in a supervised setting where the addict’s health can be monitored. Ergo, detox in a rehabilitation facility will mirror a hospital in that said event will be overseen by medical professionals who administer medical treatments when necessary.
Differences Between Hospital And Medical Detox
That said, there are several discernible differences between hospital and rehabilitation facility detox programs.
Less Isolation
Individuals administered detox in a hospital setting are more isolated than they typically would be in a rehabilitation establishment. The detox process can be a daunting task that requires a significant degree of mental toughness and intestinal fortitude. However, in hospitals, such isolation could frighten and place additional mental strain on addicts thus increasing their reluctance to participate. Residential facilities do not foster an atmosphere of isolation.
The General Atmosphere
Hospitals can be intimidating places for anyone let alone ailing individuals struggling with addiction. In addition to the isolation, some addicts might feel an additional burden of coping with the stress of seeing people dressed in white coats hover over them sometimes speaking in harsh tones or speaking in complicated medical language.
Inpatient facilities are often more comfortable, tranquil, inviting environments. Staffers and administrators often possess a dearth of knowledge about addiction and significant experience working with addicts. Ergo, an addict is less likely to feel intimidated or stressed by a rehabilitation facility’s atmosphere.
The Duration Of The Stay
An addict will not remain in a hospital for any longer than it takes to complete the detox process. Ergo, once the substance in question has been removed from said subject’s system and provided the addict does not possess any significant medical issues warranting hospitalization, said individual will likely be released. A total hospital stay may last only a few days. A quick release might be a relief for the addict. However, such circumstances often precipitate a greater chance of relapse.
Hospitals typically only help the addict conquer their physical and chemical addictions. That said, the mental and psychological dependencies often take quite longer to overcome. Ergo, addicts stand a better chance of beating the mental aspects of their addiction by spending extended periods in a residential facility where said individuals will learn coping mechanisms and be provided instruction on how to view life through a sober lens.
Important Considerations
Under certain circumstances, an addict might require detox in a hospital setting. For example, if they have overdosed, have severe addictions, are experiencing the throes of life-threatening withdrawal manifestations or have serious comorbidities that could potentially place their addict’s life in jeopardy, immediate hospitalization under strict medical monitoring might prove critical.
Reaching Out To Us
Individuals caught up in a serious addiction but seeking to to get clean and change their lives are encouraged to contact us. Though we are located in the Naples/Fort Myers, Florida region, our experienced team of rehabilitation and counseling professionals treats adults from throughout the United States. Call us today at 844-639-8371.