13 Minutes

Edited & medically reviewed by THE BALANCE Team
Fact checked

Addiction is extremely difficult to overcome. Without treatment, substance use disorders and other types of addiction have the potential to damage lives long before people seek recovery. When you are willing to confront addiction, you should seek premium upscale treatment for addiction at luxury treatment centers that have the ease and comforts of luxury 5-star resorts. This includes high-end rehab and detox. While the terms “detox,” “rehab,” and “treatment,” seem synonymous, they are not interchangeable.

Detoxification and rehabilitation are two distinct processes with distinct goals. While detox prepares a person for treatment, rehab treats the individual’s body, mind, and behavioral aspects. They work in tandem to help you reclaim control over the situation. If you seek to conquer addiction by focusing exclusively on one procedure, you are likely to have problems in the future again and you might relapse. Without rehab, detoxification from addictive substances does not give necessary support and therapy, which can result in recurrence. On the other side, rehab without detox is rarely effective. While rehab and detox work in tandem to provide effective treatment, you will need to enroll in both. The more you realize the distinctions between detox and rehab, the clearer it will be why successful recovery often involves both.

Seeking help is a key first step toward addiction recovery. That being said, are you familiar with the type of treatment that is most appropriate for you?

  • About 23.5 million Americans suffer from drug addictions, which are medically known as substance abuse disorders, and only about 12 percent of those dependent receive treatment.
  • Around 76 percent of alcohol rehabilitation clients who successfully finish rehab treatment report staying sober after 3 months, roughly 69 percent after six months, and slightly more than 70 percent after 9 months.
  • About 85 to 95 percent of those who successfully manage drug rehab reported staying drug-free 9 months following discharge.
  • Approximately 80 percent of users reported an improvement in their quality of life and health following alcohol and drug therapy.
  • Florida has the best success percentage of any state when it comes to drug recovery. In Florida, slightly more than 70 percent of those who seek addiction treatment successfully finish their programs.
  • Around 43 percent of persons who enter drug rehabilitation successfully complete their rehabilitation services, whereas another 16 percent are moved to subsequent treatment facilities.
  • Admissions for marijuana and alcohol addiction account for the largest percentage of drug rehab success rates in outpatient care. Over 45% of individuals aged 18 and older who finish outpatient rehabilitation programs are treated for alcohol misuse, while over 36% of adults are taken in for marijuana abuse.
  • Slightly more than 40%of persons who successfully complete outpatient drug rehab did so on their own.
  • Around 67% of individuals who successfully finish outpatient drug rehabilitation programs have their cost of treatment reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal programs.
  • Between 40% and 60% of patients with substance use disorders, relapse after therapy is discontinued. These relapse rates, though, are much lower than those associated with other chronic conditions like asthma or hypertension.
  • The overall success percentage of individuals who successfully complete alcohol and drug detox is 68 percent.
  • Several studies have shown that successfully completed rehab has far less relapse rates compared to drug detox alone.

To better understand the differences between drug addiction rehab and detox, some of the basic terminologies should be known to you first. Physical dependence develops when the body becomes accustomed to a substance. When the body needs progressively increased amounts to obtain the desired effect, this is referred to as tolerance. Whenever the body loses exposure to the drug, withdrawal occurs. Tremors, sleeplessness, nausea, headaches, dilated pupils, clammy skin, irritability, sweating, difficulty concentrating and loss of appetite are all signs of withdrawal.

When your body is completely drug-free, you can start a process of recovery/rehabilitation. This, unfortunately, is not a short process. Recovery is frequently a long, winding road, but one that is well worth the effort. After a prolonged period of substance use, the majority of people’s bodies develop a craving for the substance they are no longer taking. Symptoms of withdrawal typically occur many days after the last usage and can be quite unpleasant

The majority of persons who experience withdrawal symptoms will relapse to alleviate the discomfort. Withdrawal from certain substances can be life-threatening, hence that is why detoxing at a medical institution is the safest approach to detox. As mentioned, benzodiazepine and alcohol detoxification can be fatal. A healthcare specialist might prescribe medicine to help alleviate the pain and suffering associated with withdrawal symptoms. A clinician consults with a patient in order to discuss safe detoxification measures.

While detoxification may only last 3 to 6 days, it is a critical first step toward recovery. The length of the detox process is determined by several factors, including the following:

  • The drug that was utilized
  • How long did you use the drug
  • The quantity and the frequency with which you were consuming the substance
  • Pre-existing mental and physical health issues
  • Your inherited genetic characteristics
  • Manner of abuse (inhaling, snorting, swallowing, or injecting)
  • Family background of drug abuse

Detoxification is the initial stage of treating addiction. The objective is straightforward: to condition the mind and body for treatment. The primary technique to accomplish this is to cleanse the body of any poisonous substances. The majority of detox programs last between three and ten days and assist with the following:

  • Eliminate toxins from the body
  • Decrease the withdrawal discomfort and pain
  • Reduced levels of stress and anxiety
  • Boost the immunological system of your body
  • Take back control of your conduct
  • Manage symptoms of withdrawal
  • Reduce urges for alcohol and drugs

However, it is not all. Additionally, alcohol and drug detox help lay the groundwork for long-term abstinence. You reclaim control of your body and your brain begins to work efficiently again during detox. Without detoxification, addictive chemicals might end up causing your system to malfunction, preventing you from rehabilitating. Fortunately, once your body and mind are clear of alcohol and drugs, you are in an ideal position to maintain your sobriety. That is where rehabilitation comes into play.

When looking for a treatment program, you should have the following recommended practices in mind:

Avoid “cold turkey” detoxification. This is risky and may result in severe symptoms of withdrawal affecting your liver, heart, and lungs.

Avoid self-detox kits. Due to the fact that these products are not monitored by the FDA, there is no evidence that they are efficient. In general, avoid self-detoxification at home, which might lead to medical issues and hazards, especially if you’re trying to quit using opioids or alcohol.

Only detox under the guidance of a trained medical professional. Withdrawal is a difficult process that has a negative impact on your health, brain, and feelings. Certain symptoms, such as an erratic heartbeat, difficulty breathing, convulsions, vomiting, and hypertension, might be severe. When you have the support and care of healthcare staff on your side, you have a better chance of successfully completing detox.

Detox, as per Washington Circle Group (WCG), is a therapeutic intervention process intended to assist a drug abuser throughout the acute withdrawal phase.

Detoxification is the process of eliminating all addictive chemicals from one’s body. This may require going “cold turkey,” where the drug users completely discontinue use.

Following the medical evaluation, you may be sent to a detox center as the initial phase of treatment. A detox center is a medically assisted facility dedicated to treating the symptoms of drug withdrawal. The initial detox procedure is extremely demanding and has a considerable psychological and physical toll on the addict. Without the supervision of a healthcare practitioner, “cold turkey” detoxes from some narcotics, most notably benzodiazepines and alcohol, can be lethal.

Some detoxes, like those from opioids, might be so physically and psychologically painful that it is highly improbable for the person to complete the process without returning to substance use if the detoxification is tried outside of a medical facility. For addicts, symptoms of withdrawal can be incredibly taxing. Thus, it is preferable to undertake detox in the constraints of a medically approved facility, such as a detox clinic, which can monitor and help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Choosing a detox center might assist you in transitioning to an inpatient substance abuse treatment program or outpatient therapy.

In contrast to detox, alcohol and drug rehab focuses on the mental health of the patient. Indeed, the eventual aim of rehab is to establish a new way of life characterized by new behaviors that promote sobriety. When your body is drug and alcohol-free, you may resume working towards a fresh start. This method is more time-consuming than detox. A typical recovery program lasts between 30 and 90 days. However, based on your background of substance misuse, you may require medical attention for up to 120 days. Your emphasis in rehab will change away from physical symptoms and toward developing coping skills that will help you avoid relapse. You will engage in a variety of activities aimed at regaining control of your thoughts, including the following:

  • Counseling
  • Personal, family, and group therapy are all available.
  • Mindfulness meditation
  • 12-step programs and other forms of peer assistance
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) teaches you how to live in the present, understand emotions, control stress, and improve interpersonal relationships.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which will assist you in developing more healthy thought patterns.

Additionally, rehab will assist you in focusing on your overall healing. Most programs include activities that promote physical and spiritual well-being, as well as social and creative requirements. You are not identified in rehab by the drugs you previously used; rather, you are defined by the individual you are becoming. Additionally, rehab assists you in preparing for life after treatment by offering aftercare programs and alumni program events.

Once you have successfully completed detox, either at home or at a detox center, the second phase, preferably, a rehabilitation program or “rehab” can assist you in achieving long-term success. This is extremely advised, as those who experience a brief detox but do not attend rehab are substantially more likely to relapse.

In a residential recovery clinic, you will receive 24-hour monitoring to assist you in managing and maintaining the improvements acquired during detox without interruptions. Residential rehab programs differ in their approach, but most focus on all facets of addiction recovery, namely emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. While the treatment facility is monitored 24 hours a day, it does not have to seem like it is on lockdown. Numerous centers provide family counseling, seminars, and even complementary therapies such as music, yoga, and exercise.

Rehabilitation programs are accessible for both private and public admittance. The purpose of alcohol and drug rehabilitation is to provide addicts the time and space they have to cope while minimizing the chance of recurrence. Numerous residential rehab facilities provide modern conveniences while supporting and encouraging rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation can assist an individual in identifying triggers for substance use, developing a plan, and practicing “replacement” behavior in place of drug use. Everything that could result in abuse behavior/substance use can be regarded as a trigger. These include loud music, clubs, 6 p.m. after a hard day’s work, celebrations, and grief, among other things.

After recognizing those factors, the person will choose their capabilities and talents to use them to their advantage. If the client has difficulty identifying their strengths and interests, the treatment would often involve them in a variety of activities to help them discover their likes or dislikes. These interests may include caring for others, creating, cooking, singing, music, and writing. Recognizing strengths during the rehabilitation process may increase the likelihood of being clean and working in recovery.

Rehab can be considered a necessary phase in the recovery process and a chance for a mental, bodily, and spiritual reset. When change is happening, it is a process that starts with the recognition of a problem, progresses to consideration of possible solutions, to gathering information, and finally to action.

Following treatment (outpatient and inpatient rehab), persons in recovery must keep the “skills” acquired during rehab to aid in the resetting. As you develop confidence, sobriety, an awareness of yourself, and skills for functioning in the “real world,” you may be ready to switch to an outpatient setting.

Treatment on a Long-Term Basis & Aftercare in Rehab. Your counselor and therapy team will address your fears, doubts, and obstacles to transitioning while you learn to handle life without using substances. The recovery team will assist you in developing an aftercare program that details where you should seek support, such as sober support groups, return to work project plans, family problems, and any other challenges identified throughout your treatment.

  • Detox is concerned with the physical manifestations of addiction.
  • Rehab is concerned with the emotional, mental, social, and cognitive consequences of addiction.
  • Detox eliminates harmful toxins from your life.
  • Rehabilitation instills in you good cognition and stress management abilities.
  • Detox assists in cleansing your history (for example substance use).
  • Rehabilitation is concerned with your future (for example, new behavior patterns, social circles, and coping skills).
  • Throughout detox, medical and clinical professionals will assist you.
  • Support is provided in rehab by your therapist, counselor, peers, and mentors for a comprehensive healing process.
  • Family visits are not permitted during detox.
  • Rehabilitation promotes family therapy.
  • Detox helps alleviate the discomfort associated with symptoms of withdrawal.
  • By employing behavioral therapy, rehab pushes you to examine and talk about your pain.

If you are truly committed to ending your addiction, you will require both detox and rehab. Detox cleanses your body of toxins, however, it is not sufficient. Additionally, you must tackle the emotional, mental, psychological, and relational consequences of substance misuse. Rehabilitation can assist you in accomplishing this.

Detox does not delve into the reasons you began abusing narcotics in the first place. Removing alcohol and drugs from your system, on the other hand, will not educate you on how to prevent them in the future. That is why an effective recovery process includes detoxification and rehabilitation.

As discussed, rehab and detox are both essential components of effective drug and alcohol rehab. Various short-term and long-term rehab methods are in practice at different levels of healthcare, namely residential, inpatient and outpatient. A high-end luxury inpatient rehab provides premium detox and rehab services with the comfort of a luxury resort. High-class elites, celebs, athletes, and other high-ranked officials can enjoy the luxury private accommodation, premium fitness centers, high-end swimming pool facility, upscale sauna and hot tubs, gourmet chef-prepared nutritious and scrumptious meals, all in a scenic atmosphere that adds to the healing process that is offered at premium upscale treatment centers. One of the main benefits of rehab at a high-end luxury center is the low staff-to-patient ratio which warrants immediate and effective care round the clock.

Executives with work commitments seeking rehab can have access to an office-like environment where they are allowed to use personal computers and cellphones to manage their business and executive commitment while being part of their luxury and premium personal and group therapies.

A comprehensive aftercare plan is another hallmark of high-end luxury treatment centers. Once you successfully complete your premium detox and high-end rehab, you will not be left alone even after that. You will be followed up with consistent feedback and an aftercare plan.

Several evidence-based complementary and alternative treatments are also part of the therapeutic interventions at high-end luxury treatment centers. These include massage and spa treatments, acupuncture, equine therapy, and recreational therapy.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, contact us right away for a personalized detox and rehab plan.     

FAQs