Some drug users require detoxification on an inpatient or residential setting. These projects offer a range of detoxification packages which may include some level of therapeutic support, either individually or in group-setting. These projects are largely focused towards the needs of alcohol and /or opiate users but are increasingly considering the needs of other types of drug users, such as crack cocaine users. Inpatient detoxification centres may be run within the NHS or by the voluntary or private sectors. They may be run through community-based residential projects or in hospitals. The location may affect the range and diversity of the services available.

The programme is generally between 2-4 weeks and as the focus is to become drug-free medical interventions are the priority. A small number of units allow people on drug treatment programmes to stabilise their use. There tends to be quite a long waiting list due to the fact that demand greatly outweighs supply.