There is much debate in the field of addiction medicine regarding the best method for detoxing a person. Some people believe that withdrawing without the use of narcotic medications, such as Suboxone, Subutex and Methadone, lends to better results in the long run.
Non-narcotic detox programs provide emotional and psychological support to the person during the detox process. Medications that are addictive, mood or mind-altering themselves are avoided, however, which often results in greater withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can help some people realize the seriousness of substance abuse and help him or her avoid relapse later on. The idea is if the withdrawal process is uncomfortable enough people will go to greater lengths to avoid returning to using and, thus, detoxing.
Other people feel that a non-narcotic detox is healthier and more natural. This approach rejects pharmaceuticals and embraces healing methods such as yoga, meditation, and other natural, holistic remedies.
Without the complicating factor of narcotics, the natural detox process may take a significantly shorter period to complete. All stays in detox should be followed by a rehab program as detox only addresses the physical aspect of drug and Alcohol addiction.
Below is a list of detox centers that offer a non-narcotic detox program.