Detox

Detoxification, the process, real or perceived, of removing toxins from the body.
Drug detoxification, processes to reduce or relieve withdrawal symptoms in drug addicted individuals.

Often the first step in a drug rehab program, drug detoxification could include any number of intervention strategies aimed at ridding users of addictive substances. Whatever detox process is used, the goal is to lessen the drugs’ physical effects on users. Detox itself isn’t designed to target the other complex aspects of addiction, including psychological, social and behavioral health. Detox is often paired with other therapies to address these issues. Most detox programs begin by evaluating the patient to see if the drug is present in the body and whether there are other medical or psychological issues to address.

In some cases, stabilizing the patient requires medication to ease the physical and mental symptoms so common with many drugs. Rapid detox programs are available to help patients recover quickly. Some are able to accomplish detoxification in a way that allows users to essentially skip the withdrawal phase. Once detox is complete, patients are urged to enroll in some type of aftercare program to help them achieve and maintain sustained sobriety.