A detox program is the first step in the fight against a drug addiction. If detox isn’t done right, or if it isn’t done all the way, there’s a good chance for the user to go right back to abusing drugs after they leave the rehab center. If you are going through a detox program or if you know someone who is, there are a few things that can be done to maximize the chance at success.

Detox centers offer a variety of programs that help the individual live a normal life after drug addiction, as well as ease withdrawal symptoms. First, the detox program will figure out why the person is addicted to drugs (usually an underlying family or relationship issue, or a traumatic occurrence). Many times, a person will suppress their thoughts and feelings for years, and that repression can lead to the abuse of drugs or alcohol. Detox centers and other programs are there to help people learn to live without drugs.

After the detox program determines the reason behind the addiction, the addict goes through medical detox. This is always medically supervised, to avoid any serious complications and to help the person through the sometimes painful withdrawal symptoms. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks for a severely addicted individual. When the medical detox is done, physical detox will follow.

Every detox program’s method for this step is a bit different. However it’s done, all methods have one major thing in common. Physical detox is intended to continue what was started during the medical detox phase, while cleaning the last residue of the drug from the body. Some centers use certain medications to aid in the cleansing process, and some use natural means. If a person has multiple addictions, a natural approach may be best to ensure that they don’t become addicted to a new drug.

The third phase in the detox program is emotional detox. During this time, the addict will undergo counseling, behavioral modification therapy, and other things that will improve their health and heal their mind, body, and spirit. The person has been under the influence of drugs for so long, that the mind has adapted to the drug’s presence. Steps must be taken to teach the person to live without drugs.

To gradually reintroduce the addict to a normal and drug-free life, they will undergo continuing emotional counseling. This can be done on an individual or a group basis. Many detox programs offer group activities such as cognitive therapy, as well as sports therapy where people learn to cooperate with others. All of these steps are necessary to ensure that the person’s body and mind are completely free from the drugs.

If you or someone you know is addicted to drugs or alcohol, there is help available for you. Your first stop needs to be your doctor’s office, for a thorough medical evaluation. Your doctor will be able to determine what kind of detox program will be able to help you break your drug addiction.

Drug Enforcement Agnecy (DEA) – http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/index.htm
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) – http://www.samhsa.gov/
National Institue of Health (NIH) – http://www.nih.gov/