Inpatient detoxification is vital when a person is withdrawing from substance use because withdrawal can be dangerous. In an inpatient detoxification setting in Mead clients can be closely checked for withdrawal symptoms that could cause health complications or even death in more serious instances. Someone with alcoholism for instance will need to be closely monitored and probably administered specific medications that would prevent delirium tremens and seizures. Benzodiazepine withdrawal is another type of drug that could cause very similar symptoms, and medical professionals in an inpatient detox facility can ensure their safety.
There isn't an exact practice for each client in detoxification, because of the unique differences that each individual presents when entering the detoxification facility. An individual who is otherwise in good health may undergo detox for 4 or 5 days and be released without much intervention, while a different person may require intensive care and medical intervention for 7 to 10 days or more. Medical safety is of the utmost concern, and also a transition to a rehabilitation facility for patients who should to take part in an actual substance abuse recovery facility once detox is finished. Most detoxification facilities work with drug rehab facilities to make this transition possible, due to the fact that detox is only the first step in an overall rehabilitation plan for people in recovery.