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Drug Rehab

How important are saunas in a drug rehab?

Answered by Dr. David Sack, MD

Question

How important is it to get into rehab that uses saunas as a way to really sweat out all of the drug metabolites. Some programs seem to use them extensively and others very minimally or not at all. Is this a necessary part of a treatment program?

Most drugs of abuse are metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys in urine or by the liver in bile.  There is no evidence that perspiration, which is presumably the mechanism by which a sauna would work, contributes significantly to this process or achieves results that would not otherwise be achieved through normal processes.  With saunas there is also the risk of medical complications through electrolyte loss and imbalance, dehydration and hyperthermia.  Given the lack of scientific evidence to support detoxification through this method, I would not recommend it as a first choice for treatment.


About the Expert

Dr. David Sack

MD

Cerritos, United States of America

Specialties

Compulsive Disorders, OCD, Addiction or Substance Abuse, Mood Disorders, Psychosis, Personality Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders, Depression

License

my_license #G40347