Drug addiction is a common, but terrible condition that causes damage to all areas of an individual’s life. Deciding to quit using drugs is one of the most important decisions an individual will make in their life. However, there are many aspects to drug addiction treatment that need to be considered. For instance, finding a reputable drug detox center in New Jersey is extremely important, as detox is the first step in one’s recovery.
Unfortunately, not every detox center is created equal. It is important to be informed on the many factors that contribute to whether a specific detox program is reputable or shady. A trustworthy detox program will offer individualized care, experienced medical staff, payment options, medication-assisted treatment, and even treatment referral services.
What is Drug Detox?
Drug detox is the first step to achieving and maintaining long-term sobriety. When someone is addicted to a substance, their body will become accustomed to the presence of the drug. And, when an individual abruptly stops using drugs, they will experience symptoms of withdrawal that are difficult to deal with without professional help.
Withdrawal symptoms are the side effects experienced when the use of an addictive substance is ceased. Depending on the severity of an individual’s addiction, the withdrawal symptoms they experience may range from mild to severe. Severe symptoms of withdrawal are often life-threatening and require medical intervention and pharmacological treatment.
Drug detox programs in New Jersey help individuals overcome their substance use disorder safely and effectively.[1]
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drug Detox Program in New Jersey
Each individual dealing with drug addiction has gone through unique struggles and hardships. Additionally, every addiction will vary depending on the length of use, the severity of dependence, the health of the individual, and much more. Because of this, people need to assess their individual needs when choosing a drug detox center in New Jersey.
Here are a few main factors that everyone should consider when choosing a drug detox program.
Individualized Care
Each person recovering from addiction will require different methods of treatment. When choosing a drug detox center, it is important to find a program that includes individualized care.
One sign that a program offers individualized treatment plans is if they complete a thorough assessment before admitting their patients. These assessments are intended to gather information from each patient to craft a treatment plan that will cater to their specific needs. Typically, treatment providers will ask about a patient’s drug abuse history, mental health history, family history, home environment, and overall physical health.
Qualified Medical Staff
Drug detox programs should only hire licensed and experienced medical staff. During drug detox, patients experience a wide range of withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes, patients with severe addictions deal with symptoms such as seizures, delirium tremens, hallucinations, and more.
Additionally, some patients may have underlying medical conditions like diabetes that need to be maintained and monitored throughout detox. Every patient should be able to rest assured that the staff members are trained and experienced in dealing with medical emergencies of the sort.
Payment Options
Drug detox can become extremely expensive. With a combination of medical treatments, medications, meals for patients, and living arrangements, it’s easy to see how the cost of drug detox can quickly skyrocket. However, the best drug detox programs in New Jersey will provide payment options for individuals in need.
Payment options to ask about when choosing a drug detox facility include:
- The Affordable Health Care Act (ACA)[2]
- Medicaid and Medicare
- Private health insurance
- Sliding scale fees or payment plans
- Loans or scholarships for treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is extremely important for one’s success in detox. MAT is a pharmacological treatment that helps patients ease and manage withdrawal symptoms during detox. The medications provided will be dispensed directly from a doctor and patients are supervised 24/7 to ensure safety and comfort. MAT is typically used in patients who are detoxing from opioids.
Common medications used in MAT:[3]
- Buprenorphine
- Naloxone
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
Without the medications used in MAT, many individuals find the symptoms of withdrawal too difficult to bear. Unfortunately, this is a common cause of relapse in early recovery. Additionally, sometimes the severe side-effects of withdrawal must be medically managed to prevent medical emergencies such as seizures, coma, and even death.
Treatment Referral Services
While drug and alcohol detox is the first step in recovery, it should always be followed by residential addiction treatment. Reputable drug detox facilities provide their patients with treatment referral services so they do not have to stress about finding a good drug rehab to attend by themselves.
Treatment referral services provide patients with referrals to reputable treatment programs that will admit them immediately upon their release from detox. Many individuals who attend detox without plans for a residential addiction treatment program end up relapsing. This is because detox only heals the physical aspects of addiction, while residential rehab heals the emotional and mental aspects.
Get Started With the Best Detox Center in New Jersey
If you or a loved one struggles with drug addiction, it’s time to consider attending a drug detox facility in New Jersey. New Jersey Behavioral Health Center is a reputable addiction treatment program that provides patients with detox referral services. To learn more about how to choose a drug detox program or if our program is right for you, contact us today.
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