Detoxification is the first process towards drug rehabilitation. It is a phase that can take from one day up to 14 days. It depends on the substance used by the addict as well as the length and quantity of the drug or alcohol used by the addict. The detox phase of drug rehabilitation is never enough if the psychological aspects have not been address such as returning to the same environment, drug addicted friends and any other environmental aspect that will trigger back the drug addiction.

Detox centers is the process of getting the person off the immediate effects of the drugs, medication or alcohol. Drug detox is not intended to bring the person off of the long term effects of the substance. What needs to be achieved with a good detox center is to get the person out of physical pain, manage the drug withdrawal symptoms, to restore a standard sleeping schedule and proper eating habits.

There are some instances when someone would need a medical detox. Drugs such as benzodiazepine, anti depressant, alcohol and other medication needs medical detox. There are also a few street drugs where addicts would need a medical detox such as certain opiates.