What is the alcohol or drug addiction detox process?

Detox: When a patient withdraws he has uncomfortable symptoms, withdrawing from benzodiazepines or alcohol, can have seizures, and gets dts , can die. Medications are used to reduce the withdrawal symptoms, and to reduce the risk of seizures and death. Addicted individuals who have less severe withdrawal symptoms are more likely to finish treatment and have a lesser rate of relapse.

Slow withdrawal: You are placed on medication with similar sedative like process to each and withdrawn in a stepwise fashion. Much quicker in the case of alcohol, couple weeks vs. At times months with opioids.

Support & Meds: Depending on the type of substance and the severity of the addiction there are medical and non-medical detox methods. Alcohol detox is done by substitution with a benzodiazepine (ie librium) and gradually tapered over time. Opiate detox is done by substitution with methadone. This is also slowly tapered. Tobacco detox is often done by using nicotine taper. Detox requires a good support system.