When a person undergoing drug rehab stops using drugs, it takes time for the drugs to exit the body. Some drugs, like alcohol and opiates can cause physical dependence, meaning that the person will go through a period of physical withdrawal when the drug supply stops. This withdrawal time is referred to as Detoxification.

Many mood and mind altering drugs require a medical detoxification before admission into a drug treatment program. A non-medical detox, sometimes referred to as cold-turkey, can result in seizures, hallucinations, temporary psychosis, and in some severe cases, death. Detoxification usually takes place at a special facility, under the supervision of medical personnel, or in a hospital.

Delirium tremens is a condition that results from cold-turkey withdrawal from chronic alcohol abuse. Ten percent of all people who go into full delirium tremens, or D.T.’s, die. Withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, (i.e. Valium, Xanax, etc.) and barbiturates, (i.e. Seconal, Tuinal, etc.), can result in seizures and in some cases death. Other drugs, while less medically dangerous to detox from, are extremely uncomfortable and do require a detox. These include opiate drugs, such as heroin, Oxycontin, Vicodin, etc.

Most people dependent on these drugs will never get off of them if they are not medically detoxified in a secure, comfortable setting. We recognize this and we place these people in an appropriate addiction facility.

Recovery First, Inc. has a working relationship with the best medical detoxification centers in the country. Clients requiring detoxification will spend a relatively short amount of time in a detox center prior to admission at Recovery First. They will then travel directly to our facility. In order to provide each client with the maximum chance to remain clean and sober, there is no down time between facilities.