Addictions to both prescription and illegal drugs are a growing concern in this country. Between 2004 and 2006, admissions to detox centers for prescription drugs rose more than 40%. A SAMHSA study says that 20% of people between 18 and 25 needed drug or alcohol treatment within the last year. In 2007, the last year for which data is available, almost 4 million people asked for help with a substance addiction. With the rapid influx of people seeking treatment, detox and rehab centers are struggling to keep up.

There are many choices for the addict that’s looking to get clean, and detoxification is an important part of treatment for almost every addiction. There are three basic phases in detoxification:

Medical detox – the patient is under constant medical supervision in order to monitor withdrawal symptoms and prevent immediate relapse. This part can take a few days.

Physical detox consists of the patient’s body being taught how to live without the drug. There are many different ways to do this, and each detox center has its own methods.

Emotional detox- the addict will get counseling to heal their mind and spirit. As they progress through detoxification, they will need emotional, moral, and physical support to compensate for the removal of the drug from their lives. As the person learns that there is life after drug use, they will complete their detox treatment.

Illegal drugs like methamphetamines, heroin and cocaine aren’t the only addictive substances on Earth. Many prescription medicines cause serious effects and are extremely habit-forming. Almost every addictive drug leaves a residue in the body, which builds up over time. Alcohol and drug detox centers aim to remove that toxic residue from the body, preparing the person for treatment. Almost twenty percent of addicts will need detox treatment to help minimize their painful withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal from any addictive substance can be difficult and debilitating. Symptoms can include excessive sweating, faster heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, hallucinations, and panic attacks. For most addicts, it can take a few days to complete a detox center treatment. Detox should always be medically supervised, because the intense withdrawal symptoms will drive many to use again. Very few that attempt to detox on their own are successful in their efforts to quit using drugs.

Most detox centers use other drugs to manage withdrawal symptoms, and close monitoring is necessary to make sure the user doesn’t become addicted all over again. Residential facilities often include a detox program, and most publicly-run centers concentrate on detoxification. Often, an addict will complete treatment in a detox center, and will be sent to outpatient treatment and counseling.

No matter what kind of detoxification is needed, it’s something you need to talk about with your physician. If you think that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, seek an evaluation as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to assess your addiction, and recommend a detox center that will meet your needs.

Drug Enforcement Agnecy (DEA) – http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/index.htm
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) – http://www.samhsa.gov/
National Institue of Health (NIH) – http://www.nih.gov/