Drug Detox Programs

There are a considerable number of drug detox programs that provide treatment and care for those suffering from addiction to a range of substances including opiates, prescription medications, cocaine, crack and methamphetamine.  Drug detox programs typically transition the patient from physical dependence on a drug to a state in which the addict is no longer physically addicted and is prepared for further rehabilitation through counseling, therapy and aftercare.

Inpatient Drug Detox Programs

Inpatient drug detox programs give you around the clock care that you need!

For many patients who suffer from addiction to drugs, inpatient drug detox programs offer the safest and most effective first step toward recovery.  Inpatient drug detox programs place the patient in a confined area where on site care and medical monitoring is provided around-the-clock to ensure the safety and success of the patient.

During inpatient drug detox, the patient is admitted to a facility that often resembles a hospital setting where they can receive medical care and support during the detox phase.  Patients typically spend anywhere from 72 hours to a couple of weeks in drug detox depending largely on the type of addiction the patient suffers from as well as various other factors related to age, physical health, co-occurring conditions and the length of time that they were addicted to the substance.

Inpatient drug detox programs provide the safest, most effective environment for a patient to beat physical dependence on drugs.  These programs are especially recommended for those suffering from addiction to prescription medications, heroin, or opiates which tend to have significantly dangerous withdrawal symptoms that require medical monitoring to ensure the absolute safety of the patient.

Outpatient Drug Detox Programs

During outpatient drug detox, the patient detoxes at home under the on-call guidance of a doctor or similar professional.  Outpatient drug detox does not provide around-the-clock medical monitoring or a safe environment for the detox to take place so it’s important to realize that medical care may not be readily available in the event of an emergency when outpatient detox programs are chosen by the patient.

Patients who are not heavily addicted to a substance, who have a strong support threshold at home and who do not suffer from an extreme physical dependence on drugs can benefit from outpatient detox programs.  During outpatient detox, medical monitoring and support are provided on an as needed basis but most of the detox takes place at home.  These programs are helpful for addictions that are not heavily physical in nature.

Rapid Drug Detox Programs

The term “rapid drug detox” typically means that the patient is placed into an artificial coma that is medically induced to allow for them to physically detox from drugs without actually “feeling” the effects of withdrawal.  While this type of drug detox may sound good because there is no pain or side effects during the comatose state that the patient is in, rapid detox is very expensive, highly dangerous and still in experimental phases which means it is not the best choice.  Like other detox programs, rapid detox programs do not heal the patient 100%, they are only the first step of the addiction treatment process.

Medication Based Drug Detox Programs

Various medications are on the market to help with certain types of drug detox, especially opiate detox such as detoxing from heroin, OxyContin or similar prescription medications.  Medications such as Suboxone or Methadone are widely used to treat the physical cravings and withdrawal symptoms that are associated with detoxing from opiates.  While medication based drug detox programs are safe in many ways, there is the  inherent risk of becoming addicted to the new “drug” or medication that is being used so it’s best to steer away from these detox programs whenever possible.  If medication based drug detox is chosen, be sure that all medication is taken under the direct supervision of a physician who is qualified to handle addiction treatment.