Detox is an important first step for someone who has a drug addiction or problem with alcohol. It removes all traces of the substance from the body. This can prevent relapse when the person begins to use drugs or drink again. It also reduces the risk of complications from relapsing. This process can take days or weeks, depending on the substance. During detox, the body goes through physical withdrawal symptoms. These can be unpleasant and require medical help. These include shaking, sweating, tremors, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, cravings, a rapid heart rate, and seizures.

Inpatient drug or alcohol detox offers a high level of medical supervision and can be more comfortable than an outpatient program. Inpatient settings can also prevent a person from having access to alcohol or other drugs and offer separation from the environment that contributes to substance-using behaviors. However, inpatient treatment can be more expensive than outpatient detox and may encourage dependency on hospital staff.

Outpatient drug or alcohol detox can be more affordable than inpatient treatment, and it can allow a person to continue his or her work and school routine. Outpatient detox programs are available in a variety of settings, including clinics and doctor's offices. Some are designed as intensive outpatient programs, which meet for several hours a day, three or more times per week. Others are designed as partial hospitalization programs, which provide care for 20 or more hours a week. Some outpatient detox programs also offer social and recreational activities.

It can be difficult to quit drinking or using drugs without professional help, but the benefits of sobriety are worth it. A detox program can provide the support and medical help necessary to make it through withdrawal. A trained professional can help people figure out why they relapsed and develop a plan to avoid it in the future.

Research indicates that outpatient detox is just as effective as inpatient detox for most patients. However, little research has been done on the effects of inpatient versus outpatient detox on long-term treatment outcomes.

For patients with serious withdrawal symptoms or a history of life-threatening alcohol use disorder, an inpatient detox program is appropriate. Inpatient settings are usually in hospitals or treatment facilities, and they offer 24-hour nursing care. Patients receive medications that reduce withdrawal symptoms, such as benzodiazepines (chlordiazepoxide and diazepoxide) or anticonvulsants. Inpatient detox also includes observation and monitoring for signs of complications, such as severe vomiting or seizures.