What is Detox?

The detoxification of drugs and alcohol is a method of treatment for those who have developed a physical dependency on either drugs or alcohol to the point where cessation would cause serious complications during a period that is called withdrawal. A rehab will provide care under medical supervision during this withdrawal period to help stabilize patients and treat the unbearable symptoms. A detox can also be used for a drug that has created psychological dependencies by providing a structured environment.

Is Supervision Necessary?

For most addictions, it is absolutely critical to have an inpatient setting and to avoid self-detox. For example, withdrawal symptoms from drugs like alcohol or heroin can be deadly if attempted alone without medical supervision. During detox, patients will be monitored for complications about to emerge.

When admitted to an inpatient facility, counselors will work with the person to create a treatment plan depending on the general health of the patient, the kind of addiction he faces, and a number of other factors. This plan will then be used to help the patient adjust to the cessation of the addiction and cope with symptoms that can be dangerous.

Typically, detox occurs in a secure inpatient treatment where patients are not permitted to have access with the outside world. They are monitored every hour of the day by medical staff and trained personnel. Some may also be given counseling as a part of treatment, but this is not always beneficial during the initial period of treatment as the patient may be unaware of his own surroundings.

When it comes to treating an addiction, going to an inpatient clinic is the first step. When the patient is capable enough and medically stable after experiencing the withdrawal process, then other treatments like counseling could be explored. Some facilities provide an inpatient setting and offers both detox and counseling under one roof while others may also provide aftercare services for patients who are now comfortable enough to leave the clinic.

How Long Does Detox Last?

 

It's very important to remember that addiction can only be managed, never cured. For example, once someone becomes an alcoholic, he always will be one, but he can choose to always avoid alcohol thanks to substance abuse treatment. There are various plans available for those who have completed detox, and what works for some may not work well for others; however, it's always possible to explore other options.

Depending on the number of resources available, the level of cooperation of the addict and how long the addiction went on, the process of detoxing can considerably vary in length. Detoxing can be as short as three days as the introductory procedure, but the programs that follows will require a lifetime commitment in order to successfully remain free from the addiction. The general rule to follow is that it takes "as long as it takes," which will vary depending on each individual situation. One addict might recover in 30 days while others might need to stay at an inpatient clinic for over a year.

The fastest kind of rehab will only last as long as the body needs to fully flush out the drug from its system. In a medical setting, the addict will detoxify his body while medical professionals can assist with symptoms and overseeing the patient. With alcohol addictions, this just takes a couple of days, but drugs like methamphetamine and heroin will need a week. Typically, detoxing is just step one of a major life plan.

 

Different Inpatient Facilities

 

Short-term programs typically will provide treatment to a patient for a predetermined amount of time. In this setting, the addict will commit to remaining at the inpatient center for one, two or three months, after which period of time, he will be discharged from the facility.

During the time spent at the facility, he will learn about how to manage stress, how addiction affects relationships and other aspects of the situation. Some of these programs are typically covered by insurance but will generally only last about a month, though this can vary depending on how long the patient requires. Typically, an addict can see the greatest success when he has had enough time to address any mental illness, addiction, housing issues, or employment issues.

There is also an option for long-term inpatient housing in a semi-structured environment for a longer period of time than a typical residency, such as about nine months or even a full year. This is a good choice for those who have gotten into legal trouble due to the addiction or are in danger of becoming homeless or cannot maintain a job due to the addiction.