Inpatient detoxification is recommended when someone is withdrawing from drugs or alcohol due to the fact that withdrawal can be dangerous. In an inpatient detoxification setting in Macy clients are closely monitored for symptoms of drug or alcohol withdrawal that may bring about health risks or even death in more severe cases. Someone suffering with alcoholism for instance would need to be observed closely and probably given specific prescription drugs that works to prevent seizures and delirium tremens. Prescription benzodiazepine withdrawal is another type of drug that may bring about very similar symptoms, and doctors and medical staff in the inpatient detox facility can ensure their safety.
There isn't an exact practice for each client in detoxification, because of the unique differences that each patient presents when entering detox. A person who is basically physically and mentally healthy may go through detox for 4 or 5 days and be discharged without much intervention, while a different person may require intensive oversight and medical intervention for 7 to 10 days or more. Health safety is of the greatest concern, and also a transition to treatment for clients who need to attend an actual drug and alcohol rehabilitation center once detox is complete. Most detox facilities work with drug treatment facilities to make this transition possible, due to the fact that detoxification is only the first step in an overall treatment plan for people in recovery.