Requirements

• Numerous different detox programs exist, each adopting a unique style and philosophy. Regardless of the type, every detox program needs to fulfill certain basic criteria. Ideally, it should be properly accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, have licensed doctors and nurses trained in addiction recovery, apply an individual approach to detox in order to meet each patient's needs and equipped to handle the symptoms of withdrawal safely.
  
  

Outpatient Detox Programs

• Outpatient detox programs allow the patient to undergo at least part of the process at home in a comfortable environment and surrounded by family and friends. You don't have to stay there overnight. Rather, you undergo a few hours of treatment and receive medication such as methadone to help you endure the symptoms. Outpatient detox is not for everyone--the drug in question needs to have mild withdrawal symptoms and supervision is required--but in some cases, it may be best for the patient.
  
  

Inpatient Detox Programs

• Inpatient detox programs usually work in conjunction with a larger rehabilitation service. Unlike outpatient detox programs, it provides 24-hour monitoring in a staffed environment, allowing trained professionals to monitor the patient during the detox period. It's often necessary in cases where withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. The patient benefits from being part of a larger rehab service which many patients require in order to stay off the drugs or alcohol.
  
  

Alcohol Detox

• Alcohol detox need to be gauged based on the patient's age, overall health and the regularity with which she has imbibed. Withdrawal symptoms typically include shakiness, sweating, nasusea and vomiting, agitation and violent mood swings. Treatment programs may utilize anticonvulsant medication, benzodiazepines and buprenophrex to keep the symptoms in check. Patients can expect the detox process to last from 72 hours up to a couple of weeks.
  
  

Drug Detox

• Drug detox varies widely depending on the particular type of drugs. Heroin, for example, involves serious withdrawal symptoms including hot and cold flashes, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Cocaine, on the other hand, has much milder physical symptoms, but can entail serious psychological symptoms. In some case, medication can be administered to control the symptoms or, as in the case of methadone, substitute for the drug until it's out of the patient's body. Accordingly, individual approaches are extremely important when seeking a drug detox program in order to ensure that the patient receives the specific treatment he needs.