Generally some type   of medical intervention may be needed. For example,  an addict may be administered   methadone or some other drug so that they can safely quit using the drugs they are addicted to.

Some people wonder if they should go to drug detox before enrolling into a drug rehab facility. The answer is not a straight forward one. In fact, it depends. Some drug rehab programs will have drug detox and therefore, when one starts rehab they can begin a detoxification program right away. If a drug abuse rehabilitation center does not have a detox, then it may be a good idea for a person to get clean first.  Below, we take a look at when it is good idea to go to detox prior to rehab and when it might not be wise.

When an individual should seek drug detox prior to entering drug rehab center:

a. If a person is unable to stop drug use on their own: If a person is not able to stop using drugs on their own because they can not handle the withdrawals, then a detox program may be necessary before entering rehab. This is because a person who is continuing to use drugs while in rehabilitation, due to an intense fear of the withdrawal period, will not be able to make any progress. They need to stop using if they want a real shot at recovery.

b. When a person refuses to go to rehab but is in grave danger: Sometimes people will be using so heavily that if they don’t get the drugs out of their system they will die. They may not be ready to go to rehab but if they do not get help or get clean they may die. A family member or friend may be able to convince them to go through detoxification but not rehab. There is a chance that once they sober up, they might be willing to enter a rehabilitation facility.

c. When an individual can not safely stop using cold turkey: There are some individuals that could die if they suddenly and completely stop taking drugs. These persons may need to slowly and gradually be taken off of drugs. Because additional drugs may need to be administered to them so that they can get off of the ones they are addicted to, professional drug detoxification may be necessary before they can begin rehab.

When an individual should not seek drug detox before entering a drug rehab center:

a. If a drug rehab clinic offers drug detox: There are some drug rehab facilities that offer detox. In these cases, a person will be able to enter rehab first and then get the medical help that they need.

b. When they can stop using without medical intervention: Some people will be able to quit and go through the withdrawal period without medical intervention. When this is the case, there will be no need for medical, drug detox. These people can go ahead and enter rehab. If it is determined later that they need detox, then it will be available to them.

There are some individuals whose addictions are so bad, that they would not be able to suddenly stop using without serious risks to their health, including death. As a result, they may need to be monitored 24 hours a day until they are able to safely make it through the detox and withdrawal period. After an individual is able to get through this phase, they may be able to start traditional drug rehab.

Without being able to first detox, a person who is addicted to drugs will not be able to make it through a rehab program.  Until the physical addiction is treated, there is little chance that they will be able handle mental and emotional rehab therapies. A well qualified and experienced drug detox center can help an individual get the help that he or she needs. It is not always necessary to go through this phase alone. There are qualified facilities which can be of tremendous help.

Drug rehabilitation can include detox but generally comes after a person has quit (even if only briefly).  Individuals can enroll in an in-patient facility or get help via an out-patient one. Inpatient involves them living at the facility for a period of time. This may be as short as a few weeks or may stretch into several months. Drug abuse rehab may include individual and group counseling sessions, yoga and/or art classes. There may also be some sort opportunity for physical activity. There will be differences amongst facilities. Depending on where one goes, the treatment philosophy will vary and thus what they offer.

Both drug rehab and drug detox are designed to help individuals get clean. Drug detox helps the addict get the drugs out of their system. These types of facilities will monitor the addict as they are going through the detox or withdrawal phase. This will be a very trying and difficult time. It can be so harrowing in fact, that many people keep using so that they don’t have to experience it. This thwarts their dreams of being able to get off of drugs. Some cases of addiction are so severe that a person can not stop using without serious and even fatal consequences. The use of specialized drugs may be necessary so that they drugs they are addicted to can slowly and safely make their way out of their system.

After a person has gone through detox, they can enter a rehab program. This is because their bodies are now free from drugs and they are better able to concentrate on the mental, spiritual and psychological aspects of getting clean. This can be impossible when one’s body is either strongly craving drugs or when an individual is going through withdrawals.