One will often hear “I’m going to detox” or “he needs detox”, but what do we mean by drug detox in Vancouver? In fact, the true term is “detoxification,” which, in essence, means to remove toxins from the body: de-toxing.
Some people detox to rid the body of toxins that build up over time and are thought to cause health problems. The term used for this process is either detox or “cleanse.”
Over time, the term has been associated with a period of “drying out “ from drugs or alcohol. As it is known in the addiction field, it is a time when the person stops consuming the harmful toxins they abuse.
By toxins, we, of course, mean illicit drugs, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, and any other mind-altering substances.
Alcohol and Drug Detox in Your Region
There is a wide range of detox centers available for residents of Vancouver. Knowing which one is best suited to your situation may require knowing the resources offered. You can find resources in the public sector by following this link. In the lower mainland, you can call 1 800-663-1441
How Detox Works in the Public Sector in Vancouver
Normally, you start with a referral from a physician or substance abuse clinician in the field. Most facilities will also accept referrals from a case worker, an addiction counsellor, or a doctor. A person can also self-refer to this treatment service. There are resources like walk-in clinics; these normally have set hours and are based on “first come, first serve.”
Once accepted to take part in the detox program after a clinician assessment, the person is given the rules to follow and orientation. In a drug detox in Vancouver, a person may be administered some medication to ease the withdrawal symptoms that will surface. Generally, there is no counselling during detox; however, there is some encouragement, support, and coaxing.
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Detox of a More Serious Nature
In some cases, a person can struggle with a more serious substance abuse issue. For example, an individual who consumes a lot of alcohol, or someone with a longstanding opioid abuse, or again a person with a poly-substance abuse or benzos.
Any one of these scenarios can produce life-threatening consequences while detoxing and should be done with medical supervision. So, for a person’s safety, medical detox should be provided. Also, sometimes, a person’s withdrawal symptoms are too severe and would warrant medical detox.
Medical Alcohol and Drug Detox Vancouver
Apart from heavy alcohol, opioid, benzo, or poly-substance abuse, a person can require medical detox if they have an existing medical condition that could complicate withdrawal.
Resources for this type of service are usually provided by hospitals or specialized private clinics. During withdrawal, medical staff do a constant monitoring of the individual’s physical state. It ensures that heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory system and other physical aspects are kept in normal range throughout the process.
The length of time can vary with each person. It often depends on what substance the individual withdraws from and their tolerance to the symptoms. Opioids can take longer, but on average, the time is one to two weeks.
Cost for Detox in Vancouver
There is no cost for the majority of drug detox in Vancouver, specifically in the public access services. Most provinces, including BC, will cover the cost through their health care system. One could pay a small fee for a private room or more personalized care.
If you feel public access is not a service for you (or the person you want to help), another option exists. You could consider private detox centers; they have well-trained medical staff and are well-equipped to serve individuals. It can be an alternative choice for you.
Why Use a Private Drug Detox
In the first case, it can occur that an individual will be more prone to accept detox if the setting suits them. For example, a person used to a certain environment may feel more at ease in an environment that is similar to their own. Some people with an addiction live in nice environments; they have a home, a business and a family. The individual will be more comfortable detoxing in a setting that is familiar to them.
In the second case, a person may need immediate attention and cannot wait for a bed to be available in the public sector. In a private detox treatment, admission can be made on the same day. Dependent on the facility, a person can have their private room and a higher standard of comfort. Their treatment will be personalised to their needs based on a clinician’s assessment or a doctor’s recommendations.
Cost of a Private Alcohol and Drug Detox in Vancouver
In seeking private detox in Vancouver, one will usually find a complete addiction treatment program. Most addiction rehab programs offer a rehabilitation program that includes the detox phase. Although some centers do offer detox exclusively, they specialize in that recovery step and offer one-week and two-week detox stays. The price starts at around $5000 for one week.
The cost increases with the length of stay and the care level required. For example, the price can be higher if the person has a pre-existing medical condition and requires additional medical attention.
It is noteworthy to state that a wide range of facilities will accept insurance coverage. In such case, you should verify with your insurance provider, as not all policies cover this type of service. It is always best to sign up for the full addiction treatment service. The person can then receive their detox and ensure a more stable sobriety with the rehab phase of the program.
Drug Detox Vancouver
And Detox on their Own?
The consensus in the field of substance abuse is that one should not attempt to detox on one’s own. Statistically, less than 5% make it. The small percentage of people that do succeed are not heavy and regular abusers or were at the starting stage of addiction. The unsuccessful “detoxer” accumulates additional failure and setbacks and begins to believe there is no hope.
Another factor is that self-detox can be dangerous for your health and well-being. Withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, or medication causes physical and mental instability. Many discomforts can surface and make the person crave even more. Without the assistance of a detox professional or withdrawal specialist at hand, detoxing can be overwhelming.
Seek professional care in a public access or private drug detox in Vancouver. Trained detox professionals know their subject and have several years of experience in this activity. You should use their services to get support and increase your chances of sobriety.
Marc J. Bernard
Author,
Substance Use Disorder & Recovery Professional,
Referral & Consultation Counsellor
