A drug detox is in principal to help individuals to overcome the physical aspects drug abuse. Detox is a drug rehab program designed to stabilise individuals who have abused mood-altering substances to toxic levels. Going "cold-turkey" drugs in people who have used such substances on a regular basis can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. Since withdrawal can result in potentially life-threatening medical complications, around the clock supervision by medical staff is recommended. The detox program can include medically managed drug reduction and harm reduction programs such as methadone maintenance. This method of detox is only recommended within a residential setting with the assistance of a nurse and physician. Notwithstanding this, the nature and severity of the withdrawal symptoms vary greatly depending on the particular drug or drugs that were being used as well as the frequency of use. These days there are few people who use one drug exclusively which can lead to further complications.
At The Referral Network, we would only ever refer a client to a centre where there is a professional understanding of the interaction of various methods, as well as staff who are professionally trained in other aspects of addiction. This would generally include a Psychiatrist, a medical doctor who is clinical trained in mental health, these professionals may treat psychiatric disorders relating to addiction and also counselling staff to help with the underlying reasons for drug related abuse.
A Detox program should ultimately cover all aspects of an individual's withdrawal and cleansing from drugs. The removal of all drug impurities is a key goal in detox. Without this process, drug residues can remain in a body and cause cravings for years even after drug use has come to an end. A vital step in a successful drug detox as well as drug rehabilitation is flushing out any accumulated toxic residues so that the individual no longer experiences unpleasant effects from their drug of choice.