Detox vs. Rehab

Drug and alcohol addiction treatment is a scary thought. People who have not been through the process are never sure what to expect. They hear words like detox, therapy, and aftercare and do not know what all of it means. To help clarify some of this information for people wanting help, we thought we would shed some light. Addiction treatment is necessary for a lot of people so it is important to make sure everyone understands how it works. We want to discuss the differences between detox vs. rehab.

The Treatment Process

Addiction treatment staff breaks the overall treatment process down into three integrated steps. The first step is usually detox. Clinicians typically prescribe a detox program for patients with a significant addiction. Clinicians make this decision by looking at the patient’s drug abuse history. Based on the frequency and depth of drug abuse, the patient may need detox before going through therapy. Detox allows patients to cleanse the substance from their body so they can focus on their recovery during therapy.

The second step in the treatment process is addiction therapy. This is the time when the patient and their counselor will investigate the reasons for the patient’s illness. If they can get to the why of addiction, the patient has a solid chance of a full recovery. They can get there by developing the coping skills they will need to avoid future relapses.

The final step in the treatment process is an aftercare program. After the treatment facility discharges a patient, the patient is left to face the real world without drugs. That is a scary place to be. Counselors encourage patients to continue with addiction therapy and attend 12-step program meetings. By continuing to deal with their addiction issues, patients build up recovery time that becomes a shield against temptations.

When comparing detox vs. rehab, it becomes clear these are two separate steps in a single process. Detox helps the patient cleanse their mind and body in preparation for treatment. Rehab is the therapy part of the process. This is where patients learn the truth about their addiction and how to cope with it.

It is possible for a patient to detox without rehab. It is also possible to go through rehab without detoxing. The problem is most patients need both steps for a successful recovery. Again, the detox vs. rehab analysis points out these are two parts of a single, vital process. It is important to discuss with your doctor treatment options. Many people will attempt to detox on their own and fail. Having help during the process can make all the difference in your recovery.

Serenity House Detox – A Houston Standard

The road to recovery is a long and challenging one. As one of the premier detox centers in Houston, Serenity House Detox offers a wide range of detox programs. We have designed our treatment plans to be able to meet the individual needs of each patient. We have a variety of treatment programs that can help you or a loved one work towards an addiction-free future. Some of the detox programs that we offer include:

If you are ready to fight back against your addiction, Serenity House Detox stands prepared to help you through the detox process. You can start by calling our Houston facility at 866.516.8356. After spending time under our care, you will be ready to tackle the rigors of therapy. If you need help finding a reputable rehab facility, we can help you find your place in the sun.

We Stand for Equality - A message from CEO Mark Gold

Amatus stands in solidarity with all of the people across the globe mourning the death of George Floyd and countless others who lost their lives unnecessarily. We are outraged and heartbroken. We support those fighting to combat hate, discrimination, and unfair treatment of our fellow humans. We stand with our staff, our clients, and all those who live in legitimate fear that they and their loved ones may be targeted based on race. We empathize with the anxiety, fatigue, and frustration of the African American community. We acknowledge that these lives matter.

Racism infiltrates every aspect of our lives. We would be remiss not to mention how it impacts the addiction community. Spurred on by The War on Drugs, African Americans and other people of color are often incarcerated for similar practices for which the white population receives treatment.

Nearly 80% of people in federal prison for drug crimes are black and brown people. This is why Amatus supports Drug Abuse Response Team (D.A.R.T.), a program that connects people willing to enter addiction treatment to resources and help to minimize jail time.

We know that dealing with systemic racism, fear of violence, and discrimination is traumatic. We are committed to supporting people in our communities in need of compassion and trauma-informed care. As an ongoing commitment, we will continue to develop meaningful ways to use our voice and resources to support reforming the drug policies that so negatively impact African American communities. In addition, we have set up a Social Justice Scholarship Fund, as a way to provide treatment for individuals who are facing jail time for drug-related offenses.

As a company, Amatus embraces diversity and wholeheartedly believes in the power of inclusion. We acknowledge that we do not have all the answers. We may never be perfect, but we resolve to work to make Amatus the best version of itself. We are dedicated to leading peaceful and positive change in our workplace and across the communities we serve. We have the responsibility to create a culture where there is no place for hate and discrimination.

We take a knee with those who fight oppression and who demand to make our country a more perfect union.

To a brighter future, upward and onward.

Amatus Health