Detox is defined as “a process or period of time in which one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances.” But while most of us have heard of detox in one way or another (whether it be through diet, addiction treatment, and/or another form), many of us fail to distinguish between the different types. In turn, there are two being social detox and medical detox which contrast one another based on certain factors. 

First and foremost is social detox which “involves careful monitoring of the patient through a residential inpatient setting. The patient is not administered medication, but is assisted through the detox process with counseling and therapy.” As a result, those who are faced with minor and/or less severe withdrawal symptoms may find themselves in this category of detox so that they no longer have to face their addiction on their own.

Second is medical detox which is “detoxification combined with medical care – it often occurs in a hospital setting.” This is oftentimes for those who are experiencing a more severe, harsh, and/or painful withdrawal. For they may need a little bit more assistance through the supervision of a medical professional and/or medical expertise.

In comparison, both protect and/or shelter the person from possible triggers which might tempt, allow, and/or freely give them the opportunity to overdose. The urge to do so is oftentimes even a direct result of the pain that he/she might feel in the early or late stages of withdrawal. That’s why these two categories are so vital in the addict’s journey towards recovery because getting clean is a huge step which allows them to get moving in the right direction. Even so, these two categories may differ from location to location depending on what each rehabilitation facility deems as social detox and medical detox. 

In conclusion, what category of detox each individual undergoes is strictly based on the extent of their addiction. For certain factors such as age, the amount of the toxin that’s been consumed, how long they’ve been using the substance, etc. all play a significant part in the individual’s recovery and form of treatment. However, one thing these two forms of detox have in common is that they both allow the addict’s body to be put the addiction that has held him/her captive for so long behind him/her.