Are There Different Detox Approaches?

There are a number of methods for helping drug addicts detoxify. The most common process involves administration of medications to make the patient comfortable, then to treat the symptoms experienced during the acute period of the body’s reaction to the absence of the abused drug. The amount of medication is gradually reduced over the duration of the detox process.

Another approach is to administer sedatives that render the patient unconscious for the length of time needed for the body to detoxify. Those who offer this procedure usually referred to it as “Rapid Detox” or “Detox While You Sleep.”

An Internet search for information on “Drug Detox” brings up thousands of results, including some that raise serious doubts as to their effectiveness in treating chronic drug abusers. Among the results were sites offering:

• Detox Diet
• Acupuncture Detox
• Herbal Detox

All make claims to various success rates, even offering testimonials from satisfied patients. As with any serious medical issue, advertisements and claims are no substitute for the relevant experience and training of a medical professional. We won’t go so far as to say that any of these approaches won’t work; we simply suggest the age-old wisdom of the adage, “caveat emptor” (let the buyer beware).

Is Detox Dangerous?

Without medical supervision, detox can be deadly. The body’s systems react violently to sudden changes (the absence of a substance for which it had developed a tolerance), and seizures, heart failure or respiratory distress can cause sudden death.

This is one reason why we offer the information on this website: to demystify the topic of detox, and encourage those who may need it to speak with a doctor or other health care provider. While no medical treatment can be 100% risk-free, the odds of death or other serious complications during medical detox are extremely low—and incalculably better than toughing it out alone or “cold turkey.”

Is Detox A Cure?

NO.

Detox is only the first step in the process of treatment for drug addiction. The moment after a patient concludes the detox process, he or she is simply an addict who hasn’t used drugs in a given period of time.

Once detoxification is completed, the body’s physical need for the drug is broken, but the psychological aspects of addiction are still just as strong.

Effective drug addiction treatment is a longer process that must address both the physical and psychological components of the cravings that drive the addiction. In recovery, the addict will deal with behavioral problems, environmental triggers, and social circumstances that previously resulted in drug use.

After completing treatment, the ex-addict will have developed a better understanding of drug addiction, and will have learned strategies and skills to avoid relapse.