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Detoxification refers to the process of purging drugs or alcohol from the body as an initial step in treating drug abuse in teens. This is necessary so the teen no longer experiences the drugs effects and can begin to deal with the underlying reasons for turning to drugs. Often this process is simply referred to as detox.
The purpose of detoxification is to bring back normal physical and mental functioning after a period of time in which a teen has been using substances that chemically alter how they feel and act. This is usually the first step in treating a teen for drug abuse or addiction and it can be a difficult process.
Depending on the type of drug a teen is using and for how long, stopping the use of drugs may bring on physical and psychological symptoms as the body adjusts, a process known as withdrawal. Detox is difficult and sometimes dangerous to do alone due to the potential risk of medical and emotional consequences.
Detoxification often begins in a setting in which the teen can be medically and emotionally monitored, such as an inpatient or residential treatment program. This can also provide support and begin the process of full recovery. In teens with a dual diagnosis it's essential to initially detox in order to begin to sort out which symptoms are being caused by the use of substances and which may be symptomatic of an underlying mental health disorder.
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