Drug Detox Information

The goal of a drug detox is to rid the body of toxins produced by illicit drugs and monitor dangerous withdrawal symptoms that occur when addicts abruptly stop taking drugs. It is important for drug detox to be administered by medical and detox professionals to ensure the safety of the individual and the complete elimination of the drug(s) from the body.

Inpatient and Outpatient Detox Options

There are numerous options for addicts seeking a medically supervised detox. Drug detox centers provide patients with medication to minimize the effects of withdrawal symptoms and maintain physical and emotional safety. Inpatient and outpatient detox centers are available. Inpatient detox treatment center provide 24-hour care for the individual. Inpatient treatment centers are residential environments that usually require patients to stay for a minimum of 30 days. Detox usually lasts between 3 to 14 days depending on the individual's drug of choice. Outpatient treatment programs have similar detox programs. However, they do not provide the patient with 24-hour care. Outpatient detox facilities are beneficial for those who have been addicted to drugs for a shorter and less severe amount of time.

Rapid Detox

Rapid detox and rapid opiate detox is beneficial to whose suffering from opioid addictions such as heroin and OxyContin. Rapid detox involves administering an opioid antagonist drug to neutralize withdrawal effects while the patient is under general anesthesia. This form of detox should only be used in a clinical setting with support of detox and medical professionals. Rapid detox is relatively painless for people suffering from opioid addiction. While rapid detox can be effective, it should only be used after a clinical consultation.