When an addict quits using the addictive substance, the body rebels and the addict goes through a variety of physical and mental withdrawal symptoms as it detoxifies. These symptoms range from a relatively mild hangover to major incidents including seizures, which can, in sever cases, result in death.
Detox is short for this detoxification process, which, in general, means to rid the body of a toxic substance. When dealing with addiction, the toxic substances are the drugs of choice. In general there are two types of detox: non-medical and medical.

• Social Model/social model detoxification requires no medication, allows the client to withdraw from abused chemicals in a quiet, caring, homelike environment. Usually a 5-7 day process with 24-hour supervision.



• Medical Model/medical model detoxification includes medication and medical personnel monitoring. Usually a 5-14 day process with 24-hour supervision.



• Rapid Detox is available.
  

Types of Drug Detox

Detoxification from drugs and/or alcohol is an obvious first step in the Recovery Process. It is a frightening proposition for some, but at CTC we encourage those withdrawing from chemicals that they are doing the right thing. If it is hard, it is also courageous. It is necessary in reclaiming a life stolen by chemicals.

At CTC, we find that a “no fault” therapeutic philosophy is very effective with detox clients striving to find their best. Nobody decides to become chemically addicted. Drug addiction/alcoholism is a disease, not a moral issue. There are no “right or wrong” lectures. Detoxification demands compassion from others and goes a long ways to show a person new to the recovery process that he/she is not a bad person trying to get good, but a sick person trying to get well. During the detox phase our motto is: “Let’s get through this—a new life is waiting for you!”

Any responsible treatment program takes detoxification seriously. CTC interviews each client individually, compiles a complete drug history, with stress on the current or last chemical usage spree.

SOCIAL MODEL DETOX

A residential social model detox usually requires no medication or medical personnel. Clients are monitored by a 24-hour staff. Process takes usually 5-10 days. Food and rest should be abundant. Some drug and alcohol education, but minimal. Some detox centers provide for members of 12-step programs, to visit and share their experiences with their own detox and recovery experiences.

MEDICAL MODEL DETOX

Anyone in generally poor health, and those with existing medical conditions, those expecting severe withdrawal symptoms(detox history of seizures, delirium tremens, grand mal seizures) should be referred to a medical model detox. Medical model detox is usually located in a hospital setting. Patients are screened by medical personnel, and monitored closely by hospital staff. This process may require medications.

RAPID DETOX

Rapid detox is a process where special medications facilitate the cleansing of opiates from the patient’s opiate receptors. It is a medical procedure where a patient undergoes anesthesia in an intensive care unit, is closely monitored by physicians and hospital staff and this procedure usually takes just hours. The patient then is prescribed medications for up to a year to eliminate physical cravings.