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What is the Social Detox Model?

what is the social detox model

When you hear words like rehab and detox, usually you want to imagine the same type of setting, processes, and treatment. This is inaccurate.

Rehab and detox are actually very different and while detoxification for drugs or alcohol can be a part of rehab, it doesn’t have to be and not everyone goes through a detox program when detoxing.social model for detox

The term “social model detox” or “social detox” can conjure up images like needing detox from social media or news or other types of social interaction, this isn’t quite right either. Social model detox is actually a particular type of detox process from drugs or alcohol.

It is often talked about alongside its counterpart, the medical model of detox, or a medical detox program. Each type of program has its own special benefits and experiences for those involved in the process.

What Makes Social Detox Special?

The basic definition of social detox is to remove toxins from the body without the use of additional medications. This is the opposite of medical detox or medication-assisted treatments as those processes for treatment include the use of more medications.

That is not a bad thing and medication-assisted treatment is an evidence-based theory that has been proven to work effectively and safely when done correctly with professional supervision.

Detox without additional medications is also safe and effective. This is the basis of the social model of detox. It is most ideal for those with mild addictions and with minimal risk of overdose. Also, note that this type of detox may not be best for everyone. The most important thing to always remember about addiction treatment is that it is never the same for everyone and a one-size-fits-all approach is not a safe or effective way to find treatment.

Sometimes the symptoms from withdrawal during detox can be life-threatening and in these cases, medical model detox is the safer option. However, when this isn’t the case, the social model of detox can be just as effective and safe.

How Do I Know if I Need a Drug Detox Treatment Center?

social detoxDeciding whether or not to detox at a drug or alcohol treatment center can seem tricky. It is important to remember that you should first start by assessing and thinking about how severe you or your loved one’s substance use disorder is. The more intense this is, the more likely there will be a benefit to seeking care at a treatment center that specializes in detox.

Remember that there are a variety of different types of detox and that certain types of detox are more effective than others for different cases. Improper detox can lead to heightened withdrawal symptoms like severe pain, psychosis, and suicidal ideation.

This is why at Pathways Recovery we are sure to assess everyone who seeks care with us on an individual basis to be sure that we are able to provide the proper, quality, whole-body care they need.

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that the more severe an addiction is the more difficult it is to quit without treatment and support. This makes perfect sense when you consider the brain.

Addiction impacts the brain and creates a dependence on a particular substance that makes your brain crave the substance whenever it feels like there isn’t enough. If a substance has been used for a long period of time it can take the brain longer to return to a state where it does not think it NEEDS the substance.

This is part of why it is important to seek care early and to be sure the team that is helping you understands both the social and medical aspects of detoxification.

Detox Treatment for Drugs Is Just the Beginning of Recovery

As you saw before, it can be common to think that detox is like rehab and that once you’ve detoxed from the drugs then that’s it. However, that is not truly the case. In fact, most people benefit far more from having in-depth treatment.

Research shows that the longer someone spends in getting treatment for their addiction, the better their long term recovery experience. So, it is important that we remember to combine detox with other important treatments like therapies, healthy lifestyles, and nutritional well-being.

This is where the social model of detox comes into play again as it works to pair detoxification with therapies and skills. For example, when in social detox you will not only be safely weaned off of whatever substance is currently in your system but you will also have the opportunity to meet with therapists and learn healthy strategies and skills.

Once you or your loved one is finished with detox, it can be time to get help for the underlying causes of addiction in an inpatient or outpatient care setting. This is where other methods of treatment come into play and can help return the body, mind, and soul to a healthy lifestyle and balance.

Seeking Drug Detox Services and Facilities in Roseville California

Drug detoxification or alcohol detoxification is critical to maintaining long term sobriety.

We work with each individual and their loved ones to develop a plan of recovery before leaving our facility. Here, at Pathways Recovery, we know our health revolves around our mental, physical, and even nutritional well-being. Ultimately, each individual has their own unique circumstances that will shape their health and nutrition. There may be financial constraints, time constraints, work or family obligations, and even geographic factors impacting someone’s mental health and access to food.

Our program offers specialized care that extends past the usual detox services. We offer:

  • Comprehensive medical care by a doctor of addiction medicine
  • An experienced detox staff that closely monitors and supports each client around the clock
  • Treatment for six patients maximum at a time
  • Nutritious and fresh whole-food, plant-rich foods, and can accommodate dietary restrictions
  • Fresh cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices
  • Whole-food smoothies with superfoods made daily and as needed
  • Vitamins and  supplements designed for healing the addicted brain and body
  • Yoga and meditation sessions
  • Addiction Education support group and individual counseling session included for loved ones

Our whole-body addiction treatment program includes nutrition, gym workouts, and nature hikes around Sacramento to help heal our clients’ hearts, bodies, and minds. We’re here to help you navigate these challenges. Call us today at  916-735-8377

FAQS About Social Model Detox

How many days does it take for your body to detox?

This can depend on a large variety of things such as type of addiction, type of substance, how long the substance has been used, and more. In general, detox can range in time from three days up to 21 days depending on many factors.

What does it feel like to detox?

Each person experiences detoxification in their own way. Some say that it feels painful or stressful at first but at the end, you feel “lighter” or like a weight has lifted. Others do not feel any of the negative withdrawal side effects and thus feel better sooner. The process of detox is deeply personal and depends on a lot of factors, which is why it is important to seek care during detoxification and withdrawal from trained professionals to know what is normal and abnormal to feel.