10 Things to Look for in a Detox Center

Detox is often the first part of the recovery process for many people, and it helps prepare people for continued treatment for substance use disorders. Choosing a medical detox facility is an important decision and the right facility can make all the difference.

This article will go over 10 things to look for in a medical detox facility so that you can make the right choice for you or a loved one.

Things to Look for in a Medical Detox Facility

During the process of medical detox, a physician or nurse supervises individuals who are going through withdrawal, with the aim to resolve life-threatening crises, control withdrawal symptoms, and offer support and encouragement.

Detox is a form of medical treatment, and finding a treatment center that uses evidence-based addiction-focused healthcare is important to ensuring your health and safety during detox  Here are 10 things to look for in a facility:

1. A good reputation: If a facility has a history of providing people with excellent care, and a good track record of former patients in long-term addiction recovery, it’s likely it is a good choice.
2. Respect: People should have a say in the type of care they receive, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Each person should be respected, and individuals should have the option to disagree with clinicians’ care recommendations. SAMHSA recommends informing patients about their care plan and customizing treatment to individual needs.
3. Comfort: The facility, its program, and staff should be tailored to the needs of those requiring drug or alcohol detox. In addition to managing withdrawal, it should provide people with comfortable rooms and amenities like nutritious meals, round-the-clock support, and complementary therapies. Also, consider the attitude of the staff members, as they should help people to feel welcome and comfortable.
4. Use of medications: Some medications can reduce cravings and help to prevent relapse, such as buprenorphine for opioid withdrawal. Oftentimes, medications may be used to treat co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. In addition, medications may be used on an as-needed basis to address specific withdrawal symptoms, such as anti-nausea medications to treat vomiting.
5. Location: The facility should be located in an area that helps to make the person feel safe and at ease. A secluded getaway removes people from life stresses and substance-taking influences. Detox centers close to home make it easier for family members to visit and provide support and encouragement.
6. Qualifications of staff members: Those working at the detox center should be caring, professional, and properly credentialed. Be sure to talk to physicians, nurses, and therapists during the initial tour. They should be willing to answer any questions or concerns that someone may have, and they should have extensive experience in helping individuals detox from drugs and alcohol. All detox centers should have medical professionals on site around the clock.
7. Monitoring: Monitoring during detox is an important facet of care, to ensure the physical safety of the individual, provide comfort, and address any critical issues that may arise. Make sure to choose a detox facility that has a good staff-to-patient ratio that allows for continued monitoring.
8. Counseling: Individual and group counseling can incorporate a variety of treatments and strategies that support the detox process. One common type, according to SAMHSA, is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It initiates the process of changing the thoughts, behaviors, and feelings of those suffering from addiction. Long-term recovery beyond detox is often dependent on the person’s outlook, so CBT can prove critical to recovery. While intensive treatment generally doesn’t begin until detox is complete, some therapy can begin during the detox phase of care.
9. Payment options: In many instances, insurance may at least partially cover the cost of detox. Ensure that the detox center you choose accepts insurance — and clarify the specifics beforehand. Some detox centers may offer payment plans so clients can pay off the cost of care over a set period of time.
10. Realistic promises: Any facility that promises a “cure” for addiction or “instant results” should be avoided. Likewise, detox centers that use “rapid detox” or “ultra-rapid detox” methods should be considered suspect since these methods have been shown to be dangerous. Instead, the facility should focus on recovery as a long-term process and use evidence-based treatments. Since detox is not treatment on its own, it should be followed with a comprehensive treatment program with a heavy focus on therapy.

Medical Detox in Tampa Bay

If you or someone you love are struggling with addiction and are ready to get help, medical detox at our inpatient rehab near Tampa can get you on the road to recovery.

Contact our admissions navigators 24/7 at to learn more about center and the different levels of care that we offer, to find one that is right for you. Our navigators can answer any of your questions, and give you more information about payment options and starting the rehab admissions process.