Addiction Detoxification is the first step in addiction treatment. It is a medically supervised process that removes an individual’s body from the presence of drugs and alcohol. It can take days, weeks, or even months depending on the substance and its use.
People who experience severe withdrawal symptoms can have dangerous or even life-threatening consequences. Attempting to detox on one’s own is not recommended for anyone, as it is very difficult and can lead to relapse. If you have a loved one that needs to quit using drugs or alcohol, it is best to find a professional drug and alcohol rehab center that offers detox. They can provide a safe, controlled environment to help you quit using without experiencing the risky and painful withdrawal symptoms that can occur when trying to detox at home.
Inpatient detox is considered to be the safest and most effective method of detoxing from many substances of abuse, especially those with serious withdrawal side effects. During this treatment, patients reside at a drug detox facility and are constantly monitored by medical professionals to prevent any potential complications from arising. During this time, it is also very important for people to undergo counseling or therapy to help them learn how to cope with negative feelings without turning to drugs or alcohol.
It is normal to experience some withdrawal symptoms when quitting drugs or alcohol. While the medication used in detox may reduce the frequency of these symptoms, they will still occur. It is therefore important to find a detox program that can make you as comfortable as possible and prepare you for the next phase of your recovery.
Whether you choose to detox in an inpatient or outpatient drug and alcohol rehab center, the goal is to break the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction. Both types of programs offer therapy to help you delve into the causes and triggers of your addictive behavior. You will be taught coping skills to manage cravings and develop healthy ways of dealing with stress and negative emotions that do not involve drugs or alcohol.
The primary audiences for this TIP are substance abuse treatment counselors; administrators of detoxification programs and Single State Agency directors; physicians working in the field of addiction and alcohol/drug misuse disorders; nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and psychologists; pharmacists; social workers; mental health clinicians; community organization representatives; police and other law enforcement personnel; homeless shelters and feeding programs; and staff of managed care and insurance carriers. This TIP also is intended to be of interest to community leaders and policymakers who might be interested in funding the provision of drug detoxification services.
This document discusses several models of detoxification, including the "medical model" that uses a team of physician and nursing staff to monitor withdrawal symptoms and administer medications to help people through the process safely; and the "social model," which rejects the use of medication and relies on a supportive nonhospital setting to ease the passage through withdrawal (Sadd and Young 1987). The authors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches.
