Frequently Asked Questions

Seeking detox treatment for addiction is a major first step you can take toward becoming healthier and achieving a happier, more fulfilling life. Having questions about detox and about how it helps you overcome addiction is normal, and can help you make the right choice when choosing between detox programs or detox centers. The more prepared you are for detox, the more successful you’ll be at overcoming addiction.

For more information about your detox treatment options, call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) .

What is Detox?

Detox is a process in which you stop using drugs, alcohol, and other substances so you can overcome physical dependency and addiction. Detox is usually the first stage of addiction treatment, and takes place in an inpatient or outpatient setting. There are several types of detox treatments available to treat all addiction types, and to accommodate your unique, individual health needs and personal preferences.

What Happens in Drug or Alcohol Detox?

During detox, your body overcomes physical dependency on drugs and alcohol. When you stop using, your body goes through withdrawal as it tries to rebalance and repair itself from consistent drug or alcohol abuse. Sometimes, certain withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and life-threatening depending on the substance being used and on the length of a person’s addiction.

Detox centers offer safe, comfortable environments in which recovering addicts can stop using without gaining access to drugs or alcohol. Many detox treatments can reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms — especially those that involve the use of medications that relieve these symptoms. For instance, if you’re trying to overcome addiction to sleep aids, your detox treatment may involve medications that treat insomnia and sleep disturbances.

How Long Does is Take to Detoxify from Drugs or Alcohol?

The length of detox depends mainly on the type of detox treatment you choose, as well as on your addiction status. Short-term users with mild addictions may complete detox in as little as three to five days, while long-term users with severe addictions may require up to several weeks for treatment.

The medical staff at your detox center can offer you an estimated recovery time for detox based on your personal medical history and results from your health evaluation. Also, some detox programs — such as rapid detox — can be completed within days, while other detox programs can take months to complete. For instance, methadone maintenance treatment — a common detox treatment for heroin and opioid addiction — may last for months or until you successfully overcome dependency on opioids.

Does Detox Cure Addiction?

Detox may not cure addiction on its own, but effectively complements any addiction recovery program. Detox allows you to achieve sobriety from substances so you can focus on addressing the mental aspects of addiction. Many times, detox treatment can help you avoid drug or alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms by motivating you to keep your body healthy and clean of substances.

Detox is a necessary part of addiction treatment, and offers you improved health and the mental clarity you need to successfully fight and overcome addiction.

How Much Does Addiction Detox Cost?

The cost of detox treatment depends on several factors, such as the type of facility you choose, and the treatments and amenities provided. For instance, treatment at a luxury detox center that offers gourmet meals and horseback riding therapy may cost more than treatment at an outpatient detox center that only offers detox and behavioral counseling.

Many states also offer free and low-cost detox programs for those who need financial assistance and can’t pay for treatment on their own. When researching detox centers, ask about factors that contribute to cost, such as the amenities provided, detox program length, and location of the detox center. Keep in mind that addiction is often far more costly than detox treatment, and that the pros far outweigh the cons in regards to choosing detox.

Is Health Insurance Accepted?

Call our helpline to find detox centers that take your insurance.

Your health insurance policy may cover some or all costs associated with detox treatment. Contact your insurance provider before calling detox centers to learn more about your options. Your insurance provider may be able to help you find detox centers that accept your health plan.

If a detox facility doesn’t accept your insurance plan, ask the detox center about available payment plans or financing options. Most detox centers are willing to help out and discuss additional payment options so you can get started right away on the path to sobriety.

Should I Choose Inpatient or Outpatient Detox?

Inpatient detox centers are residential living facilities in which you undergo detox with 24/7 access to medical support. Inpatient detox is ideal if you’re a long-term addict, or have tried detox one or more times in the past and failed to stay sober. Inpatient detox is also ideal for those who need a safe environment away from drugs, alcohol, and negative influences who drive addiction.

Outpatient detox centers offer care in a clinical setting that requires you to visit the detox center once per day for treatment, or to receive medication that treats your addiction type. You may even be prescribed medication you can take at home on your own without medical supervision. Outpatient detox is ideal for those who balance work, school, and family lives, and for those who live in safe, caring, supportive environments away from negative influences.

What Happens After Detox?

Many detox centers offer aftercare in the form of support groups, counseling, and therapy following treatment. These ongoing therapies are designed to educate you on addiction, and on new, effective ways to avoid relapse and stay clean. Ask your detox center about aftercare programs that address the psychological causes of your addiction, and about other treatments that can help you repair and rebuild your life after detox has ended.

Call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) now to find the best detox program for your needs!