Detox From Alcohol
When an alcoholic needs to detox from alcohol, he or she should never try to do so without medical supervision. More than any other drug, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are so severe that they can be life threatening. Symptoms can include seizures, hallucinations, and delerium tremens. The only safe place to detox from alcohol is a licensed rehabilitation center. These centers have doctors on staff who can supervise the detox process and provide medication when necessary. They can also administer sedatives to reduce the stress and pain associated with withdrawal. Withdrawal is never pleasant, but at a detox center it is made considerably more comfortable.
Dealing With A Drug Addict
Of course alcohol is not the only substance that individuals can become physically dependant on and require detox. Many of the facilities that provide alcohol detox also provide services for the drug addict to help him or her make it through the withdrawal process in much the same way. The withdrawal symptoms may be different for different drugs, but doctors will supervise and medicate the patient appropriately, helping them through this difficult process. Detox, however, is only the beginning of the recovery process if the addict is serious about recovering from addiction.
Drug Abuse Help
Addicts who are serious about getting drug abuse help attend a rehab program after detox is complete, usually lasting about a month. During this program they will be given therapy and education about the nature of their addiction and will develop tools and skills that will help them return to normal life without drugs or alcohol. After rehab, it is advisable to enroll in a sober living program for some period of time as well, in order to transition smoothly from the protected environment of the rehab into the more dangerous “real world”.