Detox Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Detox facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. For a patient in severe alcohol withdrawal with a CIWA-Ar of 20, which route of benzodiazepine administration is preferred? → Intravenous for rapid onset and reliable absorption
2. What is a common detox safety protocol for patients at high fall risk during withdrawal? → Frequent neuro checks, bed alarms, and assisted ambulation
3. Which stimulant withdrawal symptom is medically managed with close monitoring but rarely life-threatening? → Hypersomnia, depression, and intense cravings
4. The SBIRT model used in detox and primary care settings stands for: → Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment
5. Which screening tool is commonly used to identify alcohol use disorder in a detox intake assessment? → CAGE questionnaire
6. What does the CONTINUUM OF CARE in addiction treatment represent? → A coordinated sequence of treatment services from detox through long-term recovery support
7. What is the primary purpose of aftercare planning in a detox program? → To connect patients with ongoing treatment and support to prevent relapse after discharge
8. The lymphatic system contributes to detox by doing what? → Carrying waste and immune cells away from tissues
9. What is 'naloxone' commonly used for? → Reversing opioid overdoses
10. Which lifestyle factor most directly impairs the liver's ability to detoxify? → Excessive alcohol consumption
11. Which vitamin is given during alcohol detox to prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy? → Thiamine (B1)
12. What does CIWA-Ar stand for in alcohol detox assessment? → Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, Revised
13. Antioxidants assist detoxification primarily by doing what? → Neutralizing free radicals produced during Phase I
14. Stimulant withdrawal (cocaine/methamphetamine) is primarily characterized by which symptom? → Profound fatigue, hypersomnia, and depression (the 'crash')
15. Why must benzodiazepine detox be done gradually rather than abruptly? → Sudden cessation can trigger seizures
16. Why must urine drug screens be performed at admission to a medical detox program? → To identify all substances present so withdrawal risks from each can be safely managed
17. What does 'dual diagnosis' mean? → Having both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder
18. A patient in opioid detox discloses suicidal ideation. What is the FIRST priority action? → Immediately conduct a suicide risk assessment and implement a safety plan
19. Which factor most strongly predicts successful engagement with aftercare following detox? → Strong social support system and connection to community resources
20. What is the timeline for peak benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms from short-acting agents like lorazepam? → 1–4 days after last dose
21. Which medication is used to manage symptoms like sweating, rapid heart rate, and anxiety during opioid withdrawal? → Clonidine
22. The term 'PAWS' stands for what? → Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
23. What distinguishes 'social detox' from 'medical detox'? → Social detox provides non-medical support without medications
24. Which setting is most appropriate for detoxifying a patient with severe withdrawal risk? → Inpatient medical facility
25. Which class of medications is most commonly used in US hospitals for alcohol withdrawal management? → Benzodiazepines
26. What is 'physical dependence'? → The body adapts so that stopping causes withdrawal
27. This endogenous antioxidant is known to be supported by silymarin, NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), and alpha-lipoic acid (a tripeptide). → Glutathione
28. Phase II liver detoxification is best described as which type of process? → Conjugation that makes toxins water-soluble
29. Which nutrient group from cruciferous vegetables supports liver detox enzymes? → Glucosinolates / sulforaphane
30. Detoxification procedures should be accompanied by other therapeutic methods in poisoning instances. → True