Everyone’s journey into recovery is different. But one piece of the sobriety puzzle that holds true for anyone physically dependent on a substance is the need for detox. While this is generally considered the first step in the recovery process, it is also universally considered to be the most unpleasant step. At Live Again Detox, we go above and beyond to make the detox experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. When deciding where and how to detox, you may come across several types or detox programs. The two most common are the medical model and the social model. In this blog we’ll explore the two and provide you with a guide so you can make the best decision for your situation.
Medical Detox: A Comprehensive, Supervised Approach
A medical detox program is a structured process where individuals who are physically dependent on substances receive supervision from medical professionals to manage withdrawal symptoms. At Live Again Detox, our medical detox program involves a multidisciplinary team of licensed medical staff who provide round-the-clock care.
Pros of Medical Detox
24/7 Medical Supervision:
Medical detox ensures constant medical supervision, making sure any complications that occur as a result of detox are promptly addressed. This is particularly important for individuals with severe addictions, underlying medical conditions, or co-occurring mental health diagnoses.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT):
Doctor prescribed medications may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. In some situations, such as alcohol and benzodiazepine detox, the use of these medications may be necessary as detoxing can be life-threatening without medical intervention. MAT can be a vital component for those dealing with prescription medication, opioid, or alcohol dependence.
Individualized Care:
Each patient receives a personalized detox plan tailored to their specific needs and medical history. This tailored approach increases the likelihood of a successful detox and prepares the patient for the next steps in recovery while ensuring maximum comfort.
Cons of Medical Detox
Cost:
Medical detox can be more expensive due to the need for medical staff and facilities. However, detox is often covered by insurance providers so your out-of-pocket costs may be nothing. Always ask about financial arrangements when researching detox. Most programs will work with you to ensure that money isn’t the sole reason you are unable to get help.
Social Detox: A Peer-Focused Approach
Social detox emphasizes a supportive environment where individuals can detox with the aid of trained staff and peer support. The social model doesn’t employ medical staff nor does it use medications to ease the withdrawal process. This model emphasizes the importance of social interactions and a community-based approach to detox. It is not for everyone.
Pros of Social Detox
Community Support:
The social detox model fosters a sense of community and belonging. Peer support can be incredibly motivating and help individuals feel less isolated during the detox process.
Cost-Effective:
Social detox programs tend to be less expensive than medical detox, making them a more affordable option for many individuals seeking help.
Cons of Social Detox
Limited Medical Supervision:
Without constant medical oversight or the use of any medical professionals, there is a higher risk of complications going unaddressed. This model is not suitable for individuals with severe addictions, co-occurring mental health issues, or significant medical issues.
No Medication-Assisted Treatment:
Social detox typically does not include medication to manage withdrawal symptoms, which can make the process more challenging for some individuals. It can also be life-threatening for those coming off alcohol, benzos, or opioids. To be clear – social detox is not appropriate for anyone attempting to detox off alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids.
Lack of Personalized Treatment
The social detox model is based on peer support and lacks the individualized medical and clinical approach that you would receive in a medical detox program.
Choosing the Right Detox Program at Live Again Detox
At Live Again Detox in Nashville, TN, we offer a medical detox program run by experienced medical staff who cater to the diverse needs of our clients. Our licensed and professional team will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the most appropriate approach for each individual.
Why Choose Live Again Detox?
Comprehensive Care:
Our facility provides comprehensive care designed to support your physical and emotional well-being.
Experienced Staff:
Our team of medical professionals and support staff are dedicated to guiding you through the detox process with compassion and expertise. Many of us are in long-term recovery and know firsthand the struggles of substance abuse and the detox experience. We are here to help.
Holistic Approach:
We incorporate holistic therapies and activities to promote overall wellness, ensuring that you start your recovery journey on the right foot.
Reach Out to Learn More
At Live Again Detox, we are committed to providing the highest quality care to help you achieve lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact us today to learn more about our detox programs and start your journey to a healthier, happier life.
Contact Us
We’re here to support you on your journey to a healthier, happier life. Reach out to us via phone, email, or our online contact form today.
