What’s the Difference Between Detox and Rehab?

Detox and rehab are essential steps on the road to recovery. While both are valuable programs, detox and rehab focus on different aspects of recovery, offering various benefits to individuals seeking healing.

Detox vs. Rehab

The difference between detox and rehab comes down to the specific aspects of recovery they address. Detox focuses on the physical effects of addiction and withdrawal, while rehab focuses more on emotional, cognitive and social effects that are part of the healing process.

Detox

The goal of detox is to purge the body of toxins and help it return to a healthier state. The human body can become physically dependent on a substance, needing more over time to achieve the desired effect. When the body no longer receives the substance, it may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • Headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tremors
  • Seizures

Some withdrawal symptoms are severe and even life-threatening. Due to the seriousness of withdrawal symptoms, individuals need special medical attention throughout detoxification.

Rehab

While detox helps individuals begin their recovery journeys, rehab focuses on giving them the tools to stay on those paths. These programs teach individuals valuable coping mechanisms and life management skills. Rehab can help individuals build confidence and prepare to return to daily life.

Rehab can take a few different forms, such as:

  • Inpatient treatment: Individuals can stay at a treatment center for some time, living and sleeping in the same place they receive care to obtain medical attention whenever needed.
  • Partial hospitalization programs: Instead of sleeping at the treatment facility, individuals who participate in partial hospitalization live and sleep at home while coming to the facility every day for therapy and other activities.
  • Intensive outpatient programs: This rehab method allows individuals flexibility in their treatment by only requiring them to come to a treatment center a few times a week.

Rehab programs involve different activities and resources to encourage mind and body healing, including:

  • Individual counseling
  • Group therapy
  • Meditation
  • Peer support groups
  • Fitness
  • Alternative therapies, such as art therapy

The Benefits of Detox and Rehab Combined

While individuals may choose to do one or the other based on their specific needs and situations, the best chances for a successful and long-term recovery come when detox and rehab are combined. The detox process will help individuals overcome the physical effects of withdrawal, while rehab will teach them the skills and provide the support they need to enjoy long-lasting recovery.

Discover Compassionate Detox and Rehab Programs at Diamond House

At Diamond House Detox, we are committed to your mental and physical health. We provide the safe space you need to detox successfully and continue rehabilitation so you can create beneficial habits that promote healing and recovery.

We offer several detox programs catered to specific substances, and we provide a residential stabilization program to support clients who need extra care after detoxification. For those who need more flexibility in their schedule, we offer several outpatient programsContact us today to learn more about our programs and services.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Diamond House Detox
Vicky is a board certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She began her nursing career in healthcare by working in the intensive care unit, and then an inpatient psychiatric hospital. After realizing the mental health needs of both the patients and the families she served, she became a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Throughout her experience working with clients, she has developed a passion for those with dual diagnoses and specializes in helping individuals recognize the issues driving their substance use. This recognition has been crucial to the individual’s success in treatment. Vicky opened Diamond House Detox so that she can address these issues early on in a therapeutic environment to allow clients to transition to the next level in their recovery.
Vicky Magobet