Medically Supervised Detox Program

Detoxification for drug and alcohol abuse and dependence is often recommended as the first step of addiction treatment.

People suffering from the disease of drug abuse, drug dependence, alcohol abuse, alcoholism, or any form of substance addiction may require detoxification.

As substance abuse progresses into substance dependence the phenomenon of tolerance and withdrawal begin to occur.

Tolerance is generally described as needing more and more of the substance (or another, similar substance) to achieve the same effect. For example, a problem drinker who has begun drinking daily may find that they are drinking much more than they have in the past. another example is the chronic drug user needs so much of the drug to “get high” that they pass out before feeling any pleasurable effect.

Withdrawal is the experience of extreme physical and mental distress when the effects of alcohol or drug use wear off. Symptoms can be so extreme that the person feels compelled to drink or use drugs just to relieve the distress. For example, an alcoholic might begin drinking in the morning and continue through the day just to feel normal, or a drug addict may may have to keep a steady drug supply available at all times.

If chemical dependence has reached this stage, where the person is no longer drinking or using drugs recreationally but is “self-medicating” symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal, detoxification is often required.

Addiction professionals have found that abruptly discontinuing long-term or high-volume drug or alcohol use may be physically dangerous and even life threatening. In such cases detoxification is required to ensure the safety of the patient.

Summit Malibu physicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assess individuals seeking help with substance dependence issues who may need medically supervised detoxification.

If you have additional questions, or if you would like us to provide you with a no-cost, no-commitment, confidential consultation, please contact one of our treatment specialists.

Call us toll free 24 hours 7 days at 888.777.9672 today for a free private consultation.