Drug Treatment: What isDetox?

The primary objective of heroin detoxification is to relieve withdrawal symptoms while patients adjust to a drug-free state. Not in itself a treatment for addiction, detoxification is a useful step only when it leads into long-term treatment that is either drug-free (residential or outpatient) or uses medications as part of the treatment. The best drug treatments are residential programs lasting 3 to 6 months.

Detoxification is designed to support clients during withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs and usually lasts from 3-7 days. Detox clients are monitored by qualified, experienced staff 24 hours a day. Staff physician complete a detailed medical history and health examination for each client, and prescribes any necessary detox medications. During the detoxification period, we make every effort to engage the client in appropriate treatment and make their withdrawal from alcohol and drugs as comfortable as possible.