subject: What Are the Steps in a Drug Detox Program? [print this page] The first and most integral part to anyone's recovery from substance dependence is drug detox. Detox is a shortened word that actually stands for detoxification. During this period of a person's rehabilitation, they are attempting to rid their body completely of the poisons in them. In many cases of severe addiction, this stage is not pretty and can even lead to death if an addict is not carefully monitored.
While detox is always the first step to recovery, this stage has its own set of guidelines because it can be a very precarious time for the patient. The first stage of detox is making the decision to get help. Once the last bits of drugs are in the addicts system, they will be calm enough to begin detoxification. Most addicts will need to check themselves into a rehabilitation center to complete a detox.
Once the decision has been made and detoxification has begun, the next and worst stage of this process is withdrawal. Withdrawal is a term that is used to describe the different physical and psychological effects that cutting of a drug has on the body. For more severe drugs, people need to be weaned off these substances because the shock of their absence can actually kill someone.
Once the initial withdrawal period is finally over and the patient is of sound mind and body, it is important to remain drug free. This will be hard, especially for long time drug users as residue from drugs gets stored in fat cells. By keeping up with the detox program, people can work to cut down the storage of this material with a healthy diet and exercise.
Also with the detox program, it is important to highlight the different substances that a person is dependent upon. There are different sets of guidelines for people battling heroin addiction than for alcohol, cocaine and other drugs. It is important to be open and honest when checking into one of these facilities so that doctors, nurses, and other support staff can aide a person through their detoxification.
Steps in a drug detox program include making the decision to seek help, withdrawals, counseling, residue removal from the body, and keeping doctors well informed of someone's situation. Each one of these tips will aide someone in their endeavor to getting the most adequate help available. A detox program is the most integral part of the recovery process and must be monitored by professionals in severe cases.
