Should I seek drug detox before a drug rehab center?

Drug rehab and drug detox are two separate things. However, there can be some overlap. A drug rehabilitation treatment facility can offer drug detoxification. Drug detox involves helping an addict safely get drugs out of their system. Some people are not able to quit cold turkey without being a danger to them selves.   They may not be able to emotionally and psychologically handle it or may be at risk for death if they are not able to slowly stop using.

Generally some type   of medical intervention may be needed. For example,  an addict may be administered   methadone or some other drug so that they can safely quit using the drugs they are addicted to.

Some people wonder if they should go to drug detox before enrolling into a drug rehab facility. The answer is not a straight forward one. In fact, it depends. Some drug rehab programs will have drug detox and therefore, when one starts rehab they can begin a detoxification program right away. If a drug abuse rehabilitation center does not have a detox, then it may be a good idea for a person to get clean first.  Below, we take a look at when it is good idea to go to detox prior to rehab and when it might not be wise.

When an individual should seek drug detox prior to entering drug rehab center:

a. If a person is unable to stop drug use on their own: If a person is not able to stop using drugs on their own because they can not handle the withdrawals, then a detox program may be necessary before entering rehab. This is because a person who is continuing to use drugs while in rehabilitation, due to an intense fear of the withdrawal period, will not be able to make any progress. They need to stop using if they want a real shot at recovery.

b. When a person refuses to go to rehab but is in grave danger: Sometimes people will be using so heavily that if they don’t get the drugs out of their system they will die. They may not be ready to go to rehab but if they do not get help or get clean they may die. A family member or friend may be able to convince them to go through detoxification but not rehab. There is a chance that once they sober up, they might be willing to enter a rehabilitation facility.

c. When an individual can not safely stop using cold turkey: There are some individuals that could die if they suddenly and completely stop taking drugs. These persons may need to slowly and gradually be taken off of drugs. Because additional drugs may need to be administered to them so that they can get off of the ones they are addicted to, professional drug detoxification may be necessary before they can begin rehab.

When an individual should not seek drug detox before entering a drug rehab center:

a. If a drug rehab clinic offers drug detox: There are some drug rehab facilities that offer detox. In these cases, a person will be able to enter rehab first and then get the medical help that they need.

b. When they can stop using without medical intervention: Some people will be able to quit and go through the withdrawal period without medical intervention. When this is the case, there will be no need for medical, drug detox. These people can go ahead and enter rehab. If it is determined later that they need detox, then it will be available to them.