The detox process purges the patient’s body of addictive substances thereby allowing patients to stabilize their physical and mental health. This is done to ease transitioning into an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. So, what Happens during detox?

The detox process varies significantly between patients depending on the type of drug, duration and severity of the addiction and underlying mental health conditions. Any additional medical problems, drug allergies, facility-specific policies and procedures, patient age, co-occurring mental health conditions, are also taken cognisance of.

In general, medical detox is a three-step process: evaluation, stabilization and preparation for future treatment.

Evaluation usually involves a questionnaire, a physical exam, blood tests and a screening for co-occurring mental health disorders or other medical conditions.

Therapists will determine a person’s psychological state and the strength of a person’s support system during evaluation. From this assessment, the clinical professionals are able to recommend a detoxification level of care and create an individualized treatment plan for patients.

Stabilization is the process where patients discontinue the use of the addictive substance and health professionals help them achieve a medically stable, fully supported, substance-free state. 

Medication may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms for some drugs, including alcohol, tobacco and opioids. The length of withdrawal and severity of symptoms depend on the severity and type of addiction. Stabilization typically lasts between one and three weeks.

The Preparation stage is carried out to foster the patient’s entry into substance abuse treatment.  detox alone is not sufficient for complete recovery as it doesn’t address the psychological and social aspects of substance use. Health professionals educate patients about the importance of beginning therapy, entering a 12-step program or finding some form of long-term treatment to increase their chances of recovery.