What Is a Medically Supported Drug and Alcohol Detox?

Detox is often the first step on the recovery journey. It is the process of removing drugs and alcohol from the body, to return it to a neutral, drug-free state. Consequently, many people experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using substances. Symptoms of withdrawal will vary depending on several factors, including:

Entering an addiction treatment facility to undergo supervised detox is often necessary for many reasons. Getting supervised detox in a treatment facility ensures someone gets the emotional support they need to stay comfortable. In addition to emotional support, they are also supervised for health and safety reasons by caring staff,

We provide a Medically supported detox under our Doctor’s Care. We have 7 nurses on staff to make sure our clients are safe, comfortable, and treated with compassion and respect. 

A period of medically supervised detoxification often marks the first step of treatment and recovery for individuals with alcohol and/or other substance use disorders. Men and Women who have developed various forms of substance dependence require time to clear themselves of any of substances. 

Certain substance withdrawal syndromes can be quite unpleasant and may include symptoms such as nausea, body aches, and anxiety.Some substance withdrawal syndromes are more challenging than others and can sometimes present risks to the individual in recovery. For instance, alcohol withdrawal can give rise to certain symptoms, like body tremors and irritability, but it may also be associated with more serious withdrawal complications such as hallucinations and seizures.

Because of these potential symptoms, our medical staff will monitor our clients to make sure they are safe and comfortable. In addition to supervision and support, certain medications are sometimes used to minimize unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and keep people safer during detox. However, while detox and the management of withdrawal symptoms can help make individuals more comfortable—and, in some cases, keep people from experiencing serious complications—a successful detox alone is not the end goal of treatment. Instead, professional detox services allow for the evaluation and stabilization of a person in need of withdrawal management, while also providing an opportunity to prepare the individual for additional, ongoing treatment efforts that will more comprehensively address their addiction and a range of recovery needs.

Detox Withdrawal Timelines

The drug or alcohol detox timeframe depends on a number of factors and will vary from person to person. There are some general guidelines to be aware of for what to expect during detox. 

Alcohol

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can appear in as little as 8 hours after the last drink but may take as long as 1 to 2 days. For most people, symptoms peak in 2 to 3 days, but may linger for weeks. The most common symptoms are:

For the most severe alcohol addictions, there is a risk of a more serious type of withdrawal called delirium tremens, or DTs. The symptoms for DTs can be more severe, and also include hallucinations, delusions, and even seizures, which can be life-threatening.

Opioid/Heroin

Most people begin to experience opioid withdrawal symptoms in 6 to 24 hours after their last use. Symptoms can include:

The symptoms are usually the most serious for 2 to 4 days after last use, and can also include diarrhea, dehydration, nausea, and vomiting. Withdrawal usually begins to taper off in 5 to 8 days. Mental health side effects like anxiety and depression can linger for longer periods of time, and cravings can be intense and difficult to manage without treatment.

Cocaine/Crack Cocaine

Withdrawal symptoms for those addicted to cocaine or crack cocaine often begin within just a few hours of their last use. The most common symptoms are:

These symptoms usually last for 1 to 3 days. The next several days may see an increase in symptoms, including dehydration, insomnia, nightmares, and extreme drug cravings. Symptoms can last anywhere from 10 days to 4 weeks.

Benzodiazepine

Benzodiazepines can cause withdrawal symptoms within just a few hours of the last dose. Most people will notice symptoms that can include anxiety and problems sleeping. Within the first few days other symptoms may include:

Days 5 to 14 will often include an increase in mental health symptoms, such as worsening depression or anxiety, and insomnia. Many will find their symptoms taper off after 2 weeks. However, people with prolonged benzo addiction may find that the symptoms come back periodically for months after their last use.

Marijuana

For the first day, those going through marijuana withdrawal may experience:

During days 2 to 7, symptoms may also include anxiety, depression, or a lack of motivation. After a week, most people’s symptoms will disappear, though cravings may still be an occasional issue.

What Happens After Detox?

Detox is only the first step in someone’s continuum of care. Following the successful completion of our detox program, patients will be moved to our residential rehab facility. Living at our top-notch rehab will allow them to achieve sobriety in a secure and nurturing environment—away from any outside triggers or potential risk factors. While in our program, our experienced team of professionals will ensure comfort and stability as they lay the foundation for a healthy, sober life. 

Sunrise offers a variety of treatment services, each designed specifically to meet the individual needs of each patient. These can include: