Detoxification - Alcohol Detox and Drug Detox

Detox (detoxification) from drugs or alcohol can be potentially harmful. Detox from alcohol and/or a drug should be done under medical supervision only. Never try to detox from alcohol or drugs without professional medical assistance, because there are both physical and psychological issues that occur and need to be closely monitored by a trained professional in order for the patients to detox safely. There are countless detox places in the US and around the world, but the best licensed detox facilities and detox centers are known for making patient safety the #1 priority in their detox programs.

What is Detox?

Alcohol detox or drug detox, short for detoxification, is the first (and most important) step in rehabilitation from drug or alcohol abuse or addiction. The term detox refers to the detoxification of the residual toxins left in the human body as a result of taking drug(s) and/or alcohol. Alcohol detox, drug detox or medical detox from a medical perspective is the process of medically managing the body’s physical and psychological withdrawal from alcohol or drug(s) to minimize the possible side effects and help prevent potentially harmful consequences. There are a variety of methods for the actual medical process of alcohol and drug detox.

Why is Detoxification necessary?

Over time, drinking alcohol or using a drug eventually causes a person to become physically dependent on the substance. Suddenly stopping drinking alcohol or using drugs results in what is known as withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms without medical supervision and assistance are potentially very dangerous and should not be attempted without medical supervision. Alcohol detox and drug detox can possibly result in severe consequences, such as a seizure, nausea, hallucinations, high blood pressure and anxiety. These are some of the reasons why professional supervision is always needed during any detoxification to monitor the patient’s safety. The length of time required for detox from alcohol or drugs depends on the process being utilized. In general, alcohol detox, when done in a medical environment, can take anywhere from 3 to 5 days. For drug detox the time can range from 5 to 7 days of medically supervised detox. Examples of substance abuse detox include: heroin detox, methadone detox, crystal meth detox, prescription drugs detox, oxycontin or oxycodone detox, suboxone detox, hydrocodone detox, vicodin detox, opioid detox, benzodiazepines detox. The medical process of detox from alcohol or drugs usually includes administering a variety of substances to relieve the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the potentially harmful consequences. For alcohol detox, these potentially harmful consequences can include delirium tremors (aka the DTs), convulsions, nausea, headaches, shakes and insomnia. The importance of a licensed detox facility cannot be emphasized enough to ensure that the detox goes successfully and, most importantly, safely.

In a March 23, 2009 article from alcoholism.about.com, a Chemical Dependency Specialist warns prospective detox patients that there is no "magic pill" as some would have you believe. With all of the latest fads like rapid detoxification or rapid detox and ultra rapid detox, it is just a matter of time before someone will undoubtedly advertise an "instant detox."

We all now live in a new problematic “instant society” fueled by advertising and the media. We want instant cures for everything from weight loss to learning a foreign language. While the unfortunate consumer may lose nothing more than their money with some of these widely advertised “instant cures”, when it comes to Detox there is the actual risk of very serious illness and possibly death.

Because of the very serious nature and associated risks, we only recommend traditional Detox Centers from our nationwide database for anyone seeking help for their alcohol or drug problems.

Detoxification, Rehabilitation, Treatment

Any patient seeking to recover from alcohol or drug abuse/addiction should begin the recovery process with detox or detoxification, if there are still any alcohol or drugs in the patient’s body before they can successfully move on to rehab and treatment. The reason why the body is physically affected by withdrawal is that the body is craving the drug or alcohol and it’s now being denied the substance. In addition, until a person is both physically and mentally stabilized, they are not adequately prepared to participate in a rehab or treatment program and expect a successful outcome. Most rehabs and treatment centers have their own detox facilities. Those that don't, have affiliations with detox programs. Although there are many licensed detox facilities throughout the United States, our state-of-the-art national database can recommend the top detox facilities that are local to you in your city or state. Simply call our 24hr Toll-Free number below. We are here to help you any time of the day or night. Call now and get the help you need today for you or your loved one.