What Is Detox?

Detox is detoxification of the internal system of the body. This is usually resorted to when a patient undergoing treatment in a rehabilitation center. The internal systems of the patient have been subjected to severe maltreatment by the drugs used by the patient and it is possible there may be lot of harmful ingredients produced in the system. The main purpose of detoxification is to reduce the effects of withdrawal that will start showing when the medication given starts functioning.  Withdrawal symptoms are dangerous both physically and psychologically.  The detox treatment is usually given in hospital, where the patient is treated as an inpatient. Medication under qualified personnel and constant monitoring are done to reduce symptoms of withdrawal.

The medication depends on the drug for which the patient is receiving treatment and also the effect it has produced. As an example alcoholics might get medication for anti anxiety, BP, palpitations, seizures etc.  These medications are also helpful in preventing any seizures come in when the detoxification is being done. Some of these medications are also useful in helping the patients to get cured on a long term basis. It sounds strange that some narcotics are treated with less potent narcotics.  Apart from physical attention psychological problems have also to be attended to. This has two aspects for those with less severe addiction problems the treatment can be given as an outpatient, with mild medication and psychiatric help.  For more severe cases admission into the hospital and treatment as an inpatient becomes necessary.

Psychological help can be got from rehabilitation centers, either as an inpatient or outpatient, depending on the level of addiction.  More than anything else when a person goes home after a period of rehabilitation, he should find the atmosphere prevalent very welcome and supportive. This will help in stabilizing the treatment and making the curing process permanent.