What is detoxification, or “detox”?
	What is withdrawal? How long does it last?

What is detoxification, or “detox”?

Detoxification is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of a drug while managing the symptoms of withdrawal. It is often the first step in a drug treatment program and should be followed by treatment with a behavioral-based therapy and/or a medication, if available. Detox with no follow-up is not treatment.

More often than not, men and women enter treatment while still under the influence of drugs and or alcohol, or with drugs in their systems. In order to initiate the addiction treatment process, individuals must be "weened" of the substances they have been addicted or dependent upon in a medical setting under medical supervision. Detox under these controlled circumstances not only lesses the uncomfortable withdrawal effects of terminating the long term abuse or dependency on drugs, it also ensures that the withdrawal process is a safe one.

Withdrawal is the variety of symptoms that occur after use of some addictive drugs is reduced or stopped. Length of withdrawal and symptoms vary with the type of drug. For example, physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal may include: restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes. These physical symptoms may last for several days, but the general depression, or dysphoria (opposite of euphoria), that often accompanies heroin withdrawal may last for weeks. In many cases withdrawal can be easily treated with medications to ease the symptoms, but treating withdrawal is not the same as treating addiction.

See Related Articles:
Alcohol Detoxification
About Alcohol Rehab
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Ten Warning Signs of Alcoholism
Symptoms of Alcoholism
Sober Living Homes
Effects of Alcoholism

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