What stage of drug treatment involves helping a person adjust physically to the absence of the drug in their body?

The stage of drug treatment that focuses specifically on helping a person adjust physically to the absence of the drug in their body is detoxification. During this phase, individuals undergo a process where they experience withdrawal symptoms as the substance is eliminated from their system. The primary goal of detoxification is to ensure the individual is safe and supported through the uncomfortable and potentially harmful physical symptoms that can arise when a person stops using a substance.

Detoxification is typically the first step in a comprehensive treatment plan and may take place in a medically supervised facility to monitor the individual’s physical health and manage withdrawal symptoms effectively. This phase sets the foundation for further treatment, as it addresses the physical dependency on the substance.

While rehabilitation, counseling, and maintenance are all essential components of substance abuse treatment, they primarily focus on behavioral changes, psychological support, or long-term recovery strategies rather than the immediate physical adjustment that detoxification addresses.