Inpatient detoxification is recommended when someone is withdrawing from substance use due to the fact that there may be risks involved. While in an inpatient detoxification facility in Rush clients are closely observed for symptoms of drug or alcohol withdrawal which may bring about health complications or even death in more severe instances. an individual with alcoholism for instance would need to be observed closely and possibly given specific prescription medications that would prevent seizures and delirium tremens. Prescription benzodiazepine withdrawal is another example that may cause very similar symptoms, and nurses and doctors in the inpatient detox center will ensure their safety.
There isn't an exact practice for each individual in detoxification, because of the unique health differences that each individual presents when entering detox. A person who is otherwise in good health may be in detox for 4 or 5 days and be discharged without much intervention, while another patient may need comprehensive care and medical intervention for 7 to 10 days or more. Medical safety is of the greatest concern, and also a transition to treatment for individuals who need to go to an actual drug and alcohol treatment center once detox is complete. Many detox facilities work with drug rehab programs to make this transition possible, due to the fact that detoxification is merely the first step in a much more comprehensive treatment plan for people in recovery.