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Detoxification (also called “detox”) removes a substance, such as drugs or alcohol, and/or its physical effects from a patient’s body. It is designed to allow the body to quickly cleanse itself of the substance while helping the patient cope with symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal occurs when a patient who is physically dependent on a substance stops taking that substance. Such substances may include alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription medications that are no longer beneficial or are being used for nonprescribed purposes.

Detoxification is just the first step in the comprehensive treatment of patients with substance abuse. It addresses only the physical effects of withdrawal and does not treat the psychological, social or behavioral problems of addiction. Lasting recovery is not usually achieved without additional substance abuse treatments to address these other problems. However, detoxification does prepare the patient to undergo further recovery programs.

Detoxification is safest for the patient when it occurs under medical supervision. Withdrawal from many substances, particularly sedatives and alcohol, can be dangerous or even fatal if not performed under the supervision of a medical professional.