detoxification

(dē-tŏkˌsə-fĭ-kāˈshən)

1. The process of detoxifying.
2. The state or condition of being detoxified.
3. Physiology The metabolic process by which the toxic qualities of a poison or toxin are reduced by the body.
4. A medically supervised treatment program for alcohol or drug addiction designed to purge the body of intoxicating or addictive substances. Such a program is used as a first step in overcoming physiological or psychological addiction.