Inpatient detoxification is vital when someone is withdrawing from substance use due to the fact that there may be risks involved. In an inpatient detoxification setting in Etna individuals can be closely watched for symptoms of drug or alcohol withdrawal that could bring about health complications or even death in more severe cases. an individual suffering with alcoholism for instance will need to be watched closely and likely administered specific prescription medications that will prevent delirium tremens and seizures. Prescription benzodiazepine withdrawal is another type of drug that may cause very similar withdrawal symptoms, and medical professionals in an inpatient detoxification facility would minimize health risks.
There is not an exact process for each client in detox, because of the unique health differences that each person presents when arriving to detox. Someone who is otherwise physically and mentally healthy may be in detox for 3 or 4 days and be released without much intervention, while a different patient may need to have intensive supervision and medical intervention for a couple weeks. Safety is of the highest concern, as well as a transition to a rehab program for clients who need to attend an actual drug and alcohol treatment program once detox is finished. Many detoxification facilities collaborate with drug treatment programs to make this transition possible, since detox is only the first step in a much more comprehensive rehabilitation plan for people in recovery.