The goal of medical detoxification, or detox, is to cleanse the body of the toxins that have accumulated from the abuse of alcohol and drugs. It is critical to empty every bit of dangerous substance from the body, and specifically the liver, before effective treatment for the addiction can begin.
Medical
detoxification is usually accomplished within a licensed treatment center. The process is managed by licensed and experienced physicians and other medical environment. The controlled environment provides the opportunity for the patient to receive medication which will manage often uncomfortable and sometimes serious withdrawal symptoms. The ultimate goal of any medical detoxification program is to safely eliminate all traces of drugs and alcohol from the body.
It is important to remember that medical detoxification is not a cure for drug and alcohol addiction. Nor is medical detoxification a substitution for drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
Medical detoxification is necessary to begin the lengthy process of recovery, and is usually a required step before participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program is a possibility.
Medical detoxification is accomplished by close supervision of the patient. Often, medication is used to buffer the effects of the withdrawal from the drug and alcohol use. Medical detoxification programs are ideal because of the round the clock monitoring by physicians, nurses and other medical professionals, and any eventuality is taken into consideration. The time of detoxification is often marked by uncomfortable side effects like nausea, diarrhea and headaches, and all of these can be alleviated by medication and medical attention. The patient can focus on the process of getting rid of every trace of drugs and alcohol from their system.
Once the medical detoxification is completed, the patient makes the transition to the treatment part of their rehabilitation. This next phase is marked by individual and group therapy and sober activities. The entire process may take weeks or months, and recovery is ongoing, but the rewards are priceless.
