Droogkuur

Droogkuur is a Dutch term referring to a period of abstinence from alcohol and/or drugs, typically undertaken as part of addiction treatment or personal recovery. The phrase literally means "dry cure" or "dry spell." In clinical and informal contexts, a droogkuur may be recommended after acute detoxification or as an initial phase of rehabilitation to reduce intake, stabilize physical health, and disrupt habitual use.

The duration and structure of a droogkuur vary depending on the substance involved, the severity of dependence, and the individual treatment plan. During this period, individuals abstain from use and may receive medical monitoring for withdrawal symptoms, as well as psychosocial support such as counseling, motivational interviewing, and care coordination. A droogkuur often serves as a transitional step toward longer-term treatment, which can include inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation, aftercare, and relapse-prevention strategies.

Settings for droogkuurs can include hospital wards, addiction treatment centers, or supervised home environments, with program-specific guidelines regarding nutrition, sleep, activity, and medications. The approach emphasizes safety, detoxification support, and readiness for subsequent phases of recovery, rather than acting as a standalone cure.

Critically, a droogkuur is not a guaranteed or permanent solution for addiction. Long-term recovery typically requires ongoing treatment, support, and lifestyle changes to address underlying factors and reduce relapse risk. See also detoxification, abstinence, addiction treatment, and sobriety.