Private Detox: Benefits, Options, and What to Expect

What you will learn

• A drug detox center is a facility within an addiction treatment setting where medical interventions are used to manage withdrawal symptoms.
• Public detox is available through government programs, but lack of funding can limit the options and staff-to-patient ratios.
• Private detox offers a secluded, private setting with specialized staff and luxurious amenities to keep you comfortable during detox.

Drug and alcohol addiction is a common problem, but many people feel shame about addiction. They don’t share their problems or concerns with friends and family, hide their substance use, and hesitate to reach out for help because of the embarrassment.

Addiction treatment is always confidential, but some people may feel more comfortable and protected with a private detox environment instead of a hospital or public program. Private detox offers additional benefits, including personalized, comprehensive treatment programs. Find out more about private detox, its benefits, and your options.

What Is Detox?

Drug detoxification, or detox, is the natural process of your body clearing a drug from your system. However, in addiction treatment settings, detox refers to a set of interventions like medications and therapies that can manage the symptoms of withdrawal.[1]

“Detox” and “drug rehab” are often used interchangeably, but there’s a key difference between them. A comprehensive addiction treatment program addresses the physical, emotional, and social aspects of addiction in a full continuum of care that may include detox. Medical detox programs are intended to stabilize you medically, minimize withdrawal symptoms, and prevent complications due to withdrawal. This forms a foundation for addiction treatment, but it’s not a full scope of treatment on its own.

Private vs. Public Detox

The goal of any detox program is to help people safely detox from drugs or alcohol. However, there are differences between private detox and public detox programs.

Public detox programs receive funding from the government to provide detox services. Though these programs help with detox and stabilization, they vary significantly in the range of services they can provide and balance a high patient-to-staff ratio.

Some private detox programs, also known as luxury, executive, or celebrity detox, receive funding from their clients to administer detox services. They provide quality personalized care with various services and options at a higher premium.

Why Choose Private Detox?

Privacy and Seclusion

Private detox centers place a high value on privacy. While any medical treatment is confidential and protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule that protects health information, private detox takes it further if you’re concerned about your public image and need an extra layer of privacy.[2]

Given privacy concerns, many private detox centers are in secluded areas with entrances concealed from the street, allowing you to check in and come and go in privacy. These protections are designed to remove worries and distractions so you can focus entirely on your recovery.

Quick Access to Treatment

Withdrawal can take time. Public detox centers can get backlogged with patients, making it more difficult to secure a spot when you need it. Once you decide you want to overcome your addiction, you can likely get into a program much faster with a private facility vs. a public one.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Drug abuse and addiction are individual experiences. While there are standard treatment approaches for detox, it’s important to have a tailored treatment plan that determines the services you will receive based on your medical history, mental health history, substance use, and more.

Expert Staff

Treatment facilities with private detox have expert staff to monitor your health, all with specialties in addiction medicine and mental health. Public facilities may rely on general practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to handle detox.

Comfort and Amenities

Some private detox facilities offer more luxurious amenities than public offerings. These may include swimming pools, gourmet cuisine, private suites, gym facilities, spas and saunas, and more. You may also access holistic therapies alongside your standard, evidence-based treatments, such as equine therapy, yoga, and massage therapy.

What to Expect with Private Detox

Most private detox facilities offer inpatient or outpatient programs, depending on your personal needs and the substance involved. Here are some benefits you can expect from private detox:

• Individual support: You’ll have an immediate professional evaluation to understand whether you need hospital treatment and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Comfortable care: Detox can be challenging and uncomfortable. A private treatment facility will provide medical care and support to make you comfortable. At the same time, the drug clears your system, including using medications prescribed to help with discomfort, pain, or complications during the withdrawal syndrome.
• Professional guidance: Once the detox process is complete, you will likely receive advice and guidance on the next steps and the available drug addiction treatment programs.

How to Choose a Private Detox Program

There are many factors to consider in choosing a private detox program, such as:

• Accreditation and licensing: Ensure recognized organizations accredit the detox facility to ensure it meets the established standards of care and quality.
• State licensing: Verify that the appropriate state or local bodies license the facility. This ensures that the program complies with state regulations and standards for drug detox.
• Staff expertise: Check the credentials of the medical staff, including doctors and nurses, as well as the therapists and counselors. Make sure they’re all licensed and qualified to treat substance use disorders.
• Treatment approaches: Detox should be part of a comprehensive care plan, so choosing a detox program that aligns with your preferred treatment philosophy and methods is best. Review the therapeutic approaches, such as traditional, evidence-based, and holistic treatments, to ensure they fit your unique needs.
• Facility standards: Tour the facility, paying attention to the cleanliness, maintenance, and amenities. You should also note the overall atmosphere and supportiveness, which are successful recovery and wellness factors.
• Cost: Private detox programs may be more expensive than public alternatives. Ensure you understand the costs, payment options, and insurance coverage for your treatment.
• Reviews: Check reviews for any treatment centers you’re considering, paying attention to both positive and negative reviews. No facility is perfect, but the negative reviews can give you some insights into how the facility handles problems and complaints.

Take the First Step

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, detox is an important part of building a strong foundation for recovery. While public programs are easy to access and can be effective, private detox offers discretion, support, and luxurious amenities with evidence-based treatments to keep you comfortable and safe while you go through withdrawal.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more