Choosing the right alcohol detox program can be more difficult than people realize. At first glance we think all alcohol detox centers are the same, but upon further review we find that one alcohol detox program can be completely different from another. The question we ask is, “How do I know if the alcohol detox program is good for me?”
The first thing you need to do is to match the needs of the person requiring alcohol detox with the actual alcohol detox services provided in the alcohol detox center. For example;
• If a person is suffering from acute medical problems in conjunction with alcoholism, is the alcohol detox facility capable of providing the type of medical care that is required?
• If a person is suffering from a psychiatric disorder in conjunction with alcohol abuse, called a dual diagnosis, is the alcohol detox facility capable of providing adequate psychiatric care?
• Is the alcohol detox program located within an alcohol rehab to allow for a smooth transition into the alcohol treatment program?
• Is the alcohol detox facility licensed by the state and accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations?
• Is the medical director of the alcohol detox facility A.S.A.M. certified by the Addiction Society of Addiction Medicine?
Alcohol Detoxification Philosophies
There seem to be as many alcohol detoxification philosophies as there are alcohol detoxification programs. Some believe that alcohol detoxification can be provided “holistically”, while others believe alcohol detoxification should almost always be provided medically. There are those in the alcohol treatment field that endorse the notion that alcohol detoxification be provided on an outpatient basis, rather than with the services provided in an inpatient medically based alcohol detox program.
With all of the medical complications that can arise during the alcohol detoxification process, coupled with the emotional “ups and downs” every patient experiences, I would always lean towards admission to a medically based, inpatient alcohol detox program. An inpatient alcohol detox program is able to dispense appropriate medications as needed to reduce any alcohol withdrawal symptoms and provide people the much needed emotional support during this uncomfortable process. It makes sense to always error on the side of caution when it comes to the treatment of alcoholism.
If you would like additional information regarding any alcohol detoxification or on how to choose an effective alcohol detox center to meet your needs, feel free to go to either of these websites; www.99detox.com or www.recoveryconnection.org.
