Detoxification, or detox for short, is almost always the first step in the rehabilitation process for many addicts and alcoholics. The goal of drug detox is to rid the body of toxins accumulated by drug use. There are many different forms of detoxification depending on the substance of dependence and the severity of the addiction. Until recently, alcoholics and drug addicts dreaded detoxification because it meant a painful and sometimes life-threatening “cold turkey” withdrawal.  Now, doctors are able to give hospitalized substance abusers carefully chosen medications which can substantially ease withdrawal symptoms.  Thus, when detoxification is done under medical supervision, it’s safer and less traumatic.