Drug detox and alcohol detoxification is a process that someone who has been addicted and dependent to alcohol and drugs must go through once they stop using drugs and alcohol abruptly. Individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol can't stop or don't want to stop using these substances simply because they know they've got to detox, which can be very uncomfortable and even painful in some instances. Luckily, treatment professionals in drug treatment programs are skilled and experienced with the drug detox and alcohol detoxification process and ways to make this process as comfortable and safe as possible. You can avoid certain withdrawal symptoms, make them more manageable, or otherwise make sure they are tolerable while they last which is typically only a few days. Folks who proceed through drug detox or alcohol detoxification shouldn't stop at this point, and departing treatment after only achieving this makes all progress this far mute. This is due to the fact that those who only detox and don't receive any further treatment do as well as someone who never participated in any rehabilitation in the first place. Detox isn't rehabilitation, so individuals who undergo drug detox and alcohol detoxification should commit to an extensive plan for treatment addresses every aspect of their drug or alcohol addiction.