What does detoxification in addiction treatment involve?

Detoxification in addiction treatment primarily involves the process of safely removing a substance from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms that arise when an individual stops using that substance. This phase is crucial because many substances can lead to physical dependence, and abrupt discontinuation can cause uncomfortable and potentially harmful withdrawal symptoms.

During detoxification, medical professionals may use various interventions to ease these symptoms and ensure the individual's safety. This process is often the first step in a comprehensive treatment plan, which usually includes further rehabilitation and counseling to address the psychological aspects of addiction.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of detoxification. Long-term hospitalization may occur during treatment but is not a defining characteristic of detoxification itself. Immediate rehabilitation is often a subsequent step after detoxification rather than part of it. Mandatory counseling sessions, while an important component of addiction treatment, occur after detoxification has been completed and are not involved in the detoxification phase.