Drug & Alcohol Detox Centers

Drug and alcohol detox centers focus on helping addicts safely and humanely withdraw from their drugs of choice. For most substance abusers, detox is the first step in a longer term recovery program. Detox, however, may take from several hours to 3 - 14 days for completion. Detox facilities are usually located in inpatient settings inside of hospitals or residential treatment centers. A few detox programs are standalone facilities, which contract out to other facilities.

Drug & Alcohol Detox Programs Change Lives

Detox centers use three main models for withdrawal from substance abuse, though many alternative models exist as well. The three main models for drug and alcohol detox are the social, medical and rapid detox models.

The social detox model is for those with moderate drug and alcohol dependency problems that do not have a long-history of chemical dependency issues and are medically able and willing to go through detoxification without the use prescribed detox drugs. The social model may or may not be medically supervised and emphasis is upon being in a supportive environment with other like-minded individuals who are struggling with the same issues and offering support.

The medical model of detoxification is for those with severe substance abuse issues, or those who are in poor health or have other existing medical conditions, who need medical intervention and prescribed medications to aid in the detoxification process. Medical detox is completed under the close care of a physician and supporting medical staff. Medical detox is necessary for those with severe alcoholism in order to combat the withdrawal effects of seizure, Delirium Tremors (DT's) and autonomic hyperactivity.

Addiction Detox

Medical detox is also required for many of those with addictions to both illegal drugs and prescribed medications. Medications can be given individuals that will aid in the pain and discomfort of withdrawal. Medication can also aid in the ridding of toxins from the body and help with some of the withdrawal effects such as tremors, vomiting, severe body pain and sometimes hallucinations. For some with opiate addictions, medications such as Methadone, levo-alphaacetylmethadol (LAAM) or Naltrexone (which may also be inserted under the skin for release over time) may be used in detox and in ongoing treatment.

The rapid detox model, which has been in existence about 10 years now, is for some substance abusers with opiate addictions, who need special medications to cleanse the client's opiate receptors. Rapid detox may be completed in just 5 -8 hours while under general anesthesia inside an intensive care unit, under the supervision of a physician and anesthesiologist. Follow-up medication is also given to help break the opiate addiction. Medication such as Subutex (the sublingual form of buprenorphine/buprenex) or Naltrexone may be used at rapid detox facilities.

Some other non-traditional detox programs may include bio-physical treatment, nutritional detox and faith-based detox programs. Bio-physical treatment may include sauna, exercise and vitamins as part of the program. The nutritional detox program uses megavitamin therapy, nutritional supplements and diet to achieve results. Faith-base programs resemble the social model, but with emphasis on specific religious beliefs.

Ideally, Detox centers should provide counseling along with the detoxification services to help those substance abusers with the psychological and emotional distress that usually accompanies withdrawal. Follow-up treatment in a short-term, long-term or outpatient rehab center is also highly recommended in order to assure recovery over the long haul.