Detoxification/Stabilization

Otherwise known as detox, this level of care is a medically monitored program to safely withdrawal a person from alcohol and other addictive chemicals. Seabrook House provides 24-hour physician and nursing care. This program includes a comprehensive medical examination and Nursing Intake, with monitoring of a patient's physiologic and psychological withdrawal. Appropriate interventions are facilitated and this component includes administration of medication, mental status examinations, addiction education, relapse prevention and motivational counseling.

Detoxification is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of a drug while managing the symptoms of withdrawal. It is often the first step in a drug treatment program and should be followed by treatment with a behavioral-based therapy and/or a medication, if available. Detox alone with no follow-up is not treatment.

What is Withdrawal?
How Long Does it Last?

Withdrawal is the variety of symptoms that occur after use of some drugs are reduced or stopped. Length of withdrawal and symptoms vary with the type of drug. For example, physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal may include: restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes. These physical symptoms may last for several days, but the general depression, or dysphoria (opposite of euphoria) that often accompanies heroin withdrawal may last for weeks. In many cases withdrawal can be easily treated with medications to ease the symptoms, but treating withdrawal is not the same as treating addiction.