Detox is short for “Detoxification”. This term describes a process by which toxins – often drugs – are removed from the body. Those seeking relief from substance abuse will often require a detox period in order that they may be able to concentrate on their recovery process better rather than withdrawal symptoms. Typically, detox is used for the most addictive and deadly drugs out there while the patient is under medical supervision. Sometimes therapy and counseling are bundled with the detoxification process at a detox center to help the patient cope with the physical withdrawal symptoms.

There are a variety of factors that can influence the duration and intensity of the detoxification process. Among them are the drug or drugs that were abused, the length of time they were abused, and the physical constitution of the patient himself or herself. Physiologically everyone is different and their body processes and expels substances in different ways and at different rates, especially if there are physiological disorders that need to be taken into account.