Detoxification (detox) is the first step in an addictions treatment program for drug or alcohol abuse. It is usually conducted under medical supervision in an inpatient detox center. The aim of detox is to remove the toxins left in the body by drug and alcohol abuse so that the patient can start a rehabilitation program with a clear mind and healthy body. Detox is of critical importance to women entering a drug rehab center in South Africa and forms part of a comprehensive treatment program.

South Africa has many residential detox facilities that offer clinically tested detox treatment. Following detox a comprehensive addictions treatment program that address all the facets of a woman's substance abuse problem will be implemented. This will address psychiatric, emotional, physical, and psychological needs in a sensible and holistic manner. A thorough assessment is performed upon admission to an inpatient detox clinic that will allow all the members of the multi-disciplinary team to plan their treatment approach.

A lot of women come to drug rehab centers in South Africa desperately afraid of losing their family. Ironically they see admission to a short term drug rehab center in South Africa as abandoning their responsibilities at home - living life as an active addict can't possibly be seen as responsible. Surely getting addiction treatment to find recovery is the most responsible thing a woman can do?

Some women baulk at being admitted to a drug rehab center in South Africa because they fear that the facilities may be judgemental towards or unable to cope with pregnant women. They require that a drug and alcohol detox center and the rehabilitation facility cater to their unique psychological and nutritional needs. Women who have a co-occurring problem like depression or anxiety need a specialised and caring drug detox facility.

Drug detox can be roughly broken down into three phases:

1) The medical detox phase usually lasts a few days and involves the early "physical withdrawal" from the substance that the body has become dependent on. It should be supervised by a medical doctor to reduce the likelihood of complications.

2) The physical detox phase begins once all the drugs and alcohol have been expelled from the system. Patients are still very fragile when they are in this phase and benefit from proper nutrition and adequate rest.

3) In the emotional detox phase the client is helped to overcome the psychological impact of stopping using drugs or drinking. Skillful counseling in a drug rehab center will help the patient to examine the underlying reasons for the addiction and develop new life skills to help make healthy decisions.

Whenever necessary drug rehab centers in South Africa provide medical supervision to help ease withdrawal symptoms. You can be assured of receiving caring and appropriate medical attention at all times. The staff who oversee your detoxification will be involved in helping the multidisciplinary team develop a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan to maximize the effectiveness of your treatment.

Many drug rehab centers in South Africa offer single gender therapy groups to allow women a space in which to discuss their concerns. These are facilitated by specialized therapists who are experienced in dealing with women in rehabilitation facilities. Along with these groups women can look forward to enjoying yoga and other relaxing activities while in a drug rehab center in South Africa.