The goal of drug detox is to rid the body of toxins accumulated by drug use. The first step is drug withdrawal. The definition of withdrawal is “Discontinuation of the use of an addictive substance, and the physiological and mental readjustment that accompanies such discontinuation.” Once an individual has discontinued using drugs, physical and behavioral withdrawal symptoms may follow.
The nature and severity of the withdrawal symptoms vary greatly depending on the particular drug or drugs that were being used as well as the frequency of use. These days there are few people who use one drug exclusively. It is very common to see individuals in drug detox that use alcohol and cocaine or alcohol and prescription medications for example. Detox is a process that applies to any individual who is addicted to drugs. It helps diminish the uncomfortable symptoms of drug withdrawal.
Detox is performed in many different ways depending on where you decide to receive addiction treatment. Most drug detox centers simply provide treatment to avoid physical withdrawal to alcohol and other drugs. Ideally, a trained detox facility will incorporate counseling and therapy during detox to help with the psychological distress that the individual may experience as well.
It should cover all aspects of the individual’s withdrawal and purification from drugs. The removal of drug residuals is a key goal in drug detox. Without this process, drug residues can remain in ones body and cause cravings for years after drug use has ceased. A vital step in a successful drug detox as well as drug rehabilitation is flushing out these accumulated toxic residues so that the individual no longer experiences unwanted adverse effects from the drugs they have taken.
At our addiction rehab center in PA, each patient is monitored for withdrawal symptoms and is provided with medical assistance if needed. If a patient is experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms he or she will stay at this unit until a physician releases them. Upon completion of the detoxification phase, the patient will directly enter primary treatment.
