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DictionarydetoxWithdrawal treatment
noun / verb

detox

Treatment to manage withdrawal from an addictive substance.

Medical staff monitor her closely during detox from alcohol.

Etymology
deEnglishremove
+toxGreekpoison

Detox shortens detoxification, combining removal with the word for poison. In addiction treatment, the term applies to managing the period when a substance is stopped and withdrawal occurs.

More examples

  • He detoxes from opioids under a doctor's supervision.
  • The clinic helps patients detox safely before longer-term addiction treatment.
  • His withdrawal symptoms ease after several days in detox.

Forms

detox · detoxes · detoxed · detoxing

detoxification noun — Treatment that manages withdrawal from addictive substances.

Similar words

detoxification
The full term, also used for removing other harmful substances.
rehabilitation
Broader treatment addressing addiction recovery beyond the initial withdrawal period.