Two Steps to Successful Drug Detox

There is no question drug abuse is a crisis in the U.S. In 2011, 22.5 million Americans either used an illegal drug or abused a drug within the past month. This works out to 8.7 percent of the population. Many are not aware or in denial of drug abuse, but those who acknowledge a problem seek drug detox centers. These drug detox facilities offer a safe and caring environment to get away from drugs, and into longer term treatment.

The first step drug detox facilities provide are withdrawal support. Drug detox can be painful, and that is why patients should receive medical help. Some drugs, like marijuana, rarely have withdrawal symptoms more severe than intense cravings. Other drugs, like oxycontin detox or alcohol detox treatment, have physical symptoms that need to be managed. A few addictions treated at drug detox facilities, such as heroin, need sustained medical attention during withdrawal.

The second step drug detox facilities attain is successful community reintegration. These drug detox facilities cannot address psychological or social aspects of withdrawal, so longer term addiction treatment is needed. That said, addiction treatment is impossible without the clarity that drug detox facilities provide.