Most addicts and alcoholics need some sort of managed detox program in order to get the drugs and alcohol safely out of their system so they can go through treatment with a clear mind and body. Getting yourself physically off the substances you are using is an important first step, but often cannot and should not be done alone. In a supervised setting, you will go through a detox from whatever you have been taking. Your vital signs are monitored and you are taken care of in terms of pain and discomfort, so you have very little to worry about while in treatment besides getting sober.