Information About Detox

Drug and alcohol detoxification is an integral part of the treatment process at The Canyon. Many who enter the program begin by focusing strictly on their physical symptoms as they get through the difficult detox that often accompanies the cessation of use of opiates, alcohol, marijuana and other drugs. The withdrawal symptoms that define a drug and alcohol detox can be so overwhelming that few who attempt the process alone will be able to withstand the temptation to "cure" their symptoms with a dose of their drug of choice. That's why a medically supervised detox at The Canyon is the best first step to take toward a life without drug and alcohol addiction.

Back to Top

History of Detoxification Services

It wasn't until the 1970s that the mere act of being under the influence of any substance ceased to be treated purely as a crime. Though the American Medical Association (AMA) determined that alcoholism is a disease in 1958, it wasn't until 1971 when the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws adopted the Uniform Alcoholism and Intoxication Treatment Act that the approach to addiction detox and treatment began to change on a meaningful level.

With the realization that alcohol and drug addiction is a medical disease that can be treated, research studies began to appear that helped the medical community determine the most appropriate forms of drug treatment. These studies continue today and with each passing year we learn more and more about what will best serve those as they make a purposeful attempt to rid themselves of drug and alcohol addiction. At The Canyon, we make use of both the medical and social models of detox, providing those who need it with the medication they need to comfortably get through the worst of the physical symptoms and slowly begin the transition into support groups and one-on-one therapy that will help them recover.

Back to Top

The Definition of Drug and Alcohol Detox

Detoxification from drugs and alcohol is one of those things that is defined differently in each of the different fields that make use of it. However, in the field of substance abuse treatment, the Treatment Improvement Protocol 45 published by the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health has the final word. They define detox as "a set of interventions aimed at managing acute intoxication and withdrawal. It denotes a clearing of toxins from the body of the patient who is acutely intoxicated and/or dependent on substances of abuse. Detoxification seeks to minimize the physical harm caused by the abuse of substances."

In layman's terms, detox begins within hours after the last drink or dose of the drug of choice. Physical symptoms begin small and build over the next 36 to 72 hours depending upon the drug of addiction. These symptoms heighten and finally plateau, lingering for weeks or even months. In some cases, depending upon the length of drug addiction, the presence of other medical problems and the amount of the addictive dose, these symptoms can be deadly. It is not advisable to attempt to detox off of any drug or alcohol without medical assistance and supervision.

Back to Top

Drug and Alcohol Detox at The Canyon

Men and women, teenagers and the elderly, those who are pregnant, parents, caregivers, people in every profession who need to detox off of crystal methamphetamine, alcohol, cocaine, opiates including prescription painkillers and heroin, marijuana, club drugs like ecstasy and any combination thereof are welcome at The Canyon. Our detox program is thorough and efficient, extending beyond the initial physical withdrawal symptoms and into the treatment phase of your stay with us. Offerings of yoga, meditation and exercise as well as organic and nutritious cuisine are provided to facilitate a continuous physical healing from the damage done by drugs and alcohol. Even our aftercare focuses on making sure that you implement your new life skills and maintain a happy and healthy body, growing on a spiritual, emotional and physically healthy level long after you return home.

If you have questions about drug and alcohol detox or would like to schedule an appointment with us at The Canyon, contact us today at .

Back to Top