Detoxification is the process of flushing substances from body and managing any resulting withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal management (detox) services provide a range of medical and support services in safe environments that allow for the physical withdrawal from specific drugs and alcohol. Withdrawal management may be achieved through inpatient services, day programs or in-home services.
Dependent on the community in which you live services offered may include:
- Withdrawal management (social detoxification)
- Screening and assessment
- Brief intervention
- Addictions support
Alcohol detox and withdrawal produce a set of physical and mental symptoms that result from alcohol\’s departure from the body, commonly referred to as alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The symptoms often vary in severity: they can be confused for a mild cold or they can prove deadly. This unpredictability makes medical involvement and supervision incredibly important.
Drug detox and withdrawal can arise from both illegal drugs and prescription pain killers, and are rather similar to alcohol detoxification but the symptoms and medical solutions will vary based on several factors:
- The drug or drugs taken
- The duration and extent of drug use
- Any family history of addiction
- General health concerns or absence thereof
- The presence of co-occurring mental health disorders (the coexistence of mental health diagnoses and addiction)
Alcohol and drug detox are the first stages to recovery from substance use disorders. Medical professionals and rehab centers can provide a safe environment for detoxing from alcohol, opioids and other drugs and transition patients into a more engaging treatment experience.
