Tequesta, Florida, United States
Futures of Recovery Healthcare specializes in treating adults 30 years and older suffering from substance use, mental health disorders, and co-occurring disorde...
$29,500 - $82,500
Learn / What You Need to Know About Detox

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Detoxing from alcohol or other substances is often the first step in addiction treatment. In fact, many people have their first-ever encounter with the treatment system through detox. And as with any first step, this stage of recovery can profoundly impact the rest of your journey.
As you plan for treatment, you may find yourself asking the following questions:
Do I even need to detox?
Where do I detox?
Where can I get help planning my detox?
That’s why we’ve created this guide to drug and alcohol detox, which covers the following need-to-know information:
We’ll start with examining the purpose of detox and how it fits into your recovery journey.
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines detox for substance abuse treatment1 as “a set of interventions aimed at managing acute intoxication and withdrawal.”
During detox, your body withdraws from alcohol or drugs. For this reason, some medical bodies like the American Society of Addiction Management (ASAM) have actually replaced the term “detoxification” with “withdrawal management.” Alcohol withdrawal can potentially be life-threatening2, so we can’t discuss detox without stressing the importance of safety. It’s safest to detox under medical supervision, with the support of specialized, experienced professionals.
It’s also important to note that while detox is often the first step towards sobriety, it’s not a lasting solution to changing addictive behaviors.
According to SAMHSA’s Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment manual, “Detoxification, in and of itself, does not constitute complete substance abuse treatment.” Additionally, it stresses that proper treatment involves “ongoing therapeutic services ultimately intended to promote recovery for substance abuse patients.”
Followed by a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at sustainable sobriety, safe detox can serve as a crucial first step towards lasting recovery.
Discover residential rehab detox programs and private detox centers at various price ranges, locations, and for different conditions by browsing our collection of luxury rehabs with detox here.
Whether or not you need detox depends on the history of your substance use, including the length, level of use, and type of substance used.
Receiving an evaluation from a medical professional is recommended, especially if using benzodiazepines or alcohol as withdrawal from these substances can be life-threatening. You can ask your primary care doctor or psychiatrist to connect you to the right resources. Rehabs also offer over-the-phone detox assessments as part of the intake process, then a more in-depth evaluation with a clinician.
“The detox process typically starts when a loved one, or the person who needs to come in, calls. We talk to them, get some basic information, then complete an over-the-phone assessment for about 20 or 30 minutes. We ask them a series of questions: their basic history, medical history, and their substance use,” says Heather Charlet, Director of Admissions at Gallus Medical Detox Centers.
As a rule of thumb, if you notice signs of substance or alcohol abuse as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), you may want to consider getting an evaluation for detox. Some signs of substance abuse include:
Because of the physiological effects of frequent exposure to substances3, it’s always recommended to consult with a medical professional before attempting to detox.
When you consult with a medical practitioner, they’ll determine your safest detox option by performing assessments such as:
Most residential rehabs require you to be substance-free for a certain number of days before coming in. You can find out if detox is recommended for you during your initial assessment during the admissions process.
Your substance use history will affect the withdrawal experience, how long you can expect to detox, and whether or not you’ll need medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Here’s what you can expect from detox:
A few hours after you stop using, your body begins to adjust to substances leaving your system. This adjustment process can lead to the development of withdrawal symptoms. It might sound daunting, but keep in mind that the purpose of a supervised detox is to minimize the severity of these symptoms and ensure you’re safely clearing your body of substances.
Substance withdrawal occurs in stages4, which are categorized as early, peak, and late stages.
Early Stage
Depending on the substance, this occurs 6 to 12, or up to 30 hours after you’ve stopped using. Milder symptoms like anxiety and irritability will start to show.
Peak Stage
This stage occurs 24 to 48 hours after you’ve stopped drinking, or 72 hours for opiates. Symptoms are at their worst and can include tremors, chills and vomiting. Relapse is most likely at this stage, so having a strong support system and medical supervision is advised.
Late Stage
The body is getting used to the absence of substances and withdrawal symptoms begin tailing off. If you’ve been on a medical detox, medication can be tapered down.
On average, detox takes 3 to 7 days. Opiates and benzodiazepines are known to take the longest to withdraw from and it can take up to 14 days for withdrawal symptoms to peak.
In more serious cases, your doctor might recommend medication-assisted treatment5: medication combined with counseling and behavioral therapy.
Withdrawal effects vary by substance, with some posing more dangerous side effects than others. We explore detoxing from different substances below.
Detoxing From Alcohol
Alcohol detox poses a high risk with potential for severe withdrawal side effects like delirium tremens (DT), a life-threatening side effect of alcohol withdrawal6 that can cause seizures. Delirium tremens symptoms usually show up 2 to 3 days after someone last ingested alcohol.
Detoxing From Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines detox carries a high risk with potential for severe withdrawal side effects. Unsupervised withdrawal from benzodiazepines can result in lethal side effects7, including seizures.
Detoxing From Opiates
Australia’s National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre published that opiate withdrawal can be lethal.8
Detoxing From Cocaine
Cocaine withdrawal is known to be more psychological than physical.
You have several options for detox, so it helps to know what each entails.
After a medical evaluation, your doctor will suggest the best course of treatment. Usually, family and friends aren’t allowed to visit during substance abuse detoxes. However, clinical staff are there to soothe your symptoms and offer round-the-clock support. They should also keep you informed of the status of your progress.
When you contact an inpatient rehab, you’ll complete an over-the-phone assessment during the intake process. This is usually followed by an in-depth evaluation with a clinician, during which they’ll recommend a detox plan. Some on-site detox centers offer counseling during detox to ease you through its discomforts. And when you’re finished detoxing, you’ll have a smoother transition into treatment.
Many rehabs don’t have in-house detox facilities, but will refer you to a detox center and help you with transfers and other necessary logistics. Admissions staff at private centers can provide an assessment and answer your questions about cost, what to expect in treatment, and your estimated length of stay. Private detox centers are fully equipped to handle everything related to detox, and some may specialize in certain types of cases.
“If a patient is a longer term user or a higher level user of a substance, detoxing can be very difficult and has a significant mortality risk to it. When you have patients taking multiple substances, you have to be prepared in order to deal with those side effects. Residential treatment centers don’t have that level of expertise. So we’re equipped to take the patients that they can’t handle,” says Douglass Weiss, President & Chief Customer Officer of Gallus Detox Centers.
If you have a strong support system at home and your condition doesn’t require hospitalization, you may be able to opt for outpatient detox10. Similarly to the other options, you’ll go through an initial assessment and outline your detox plan with a health professional. You’ll then visit a hospital or clinic daily (weekdays only), either during the day or evening. Outpatient detox programs usually range from 3 to 14 days, with sessions that run from 15 to 30 minutes. However, if your detox program includes a day hospital program11, your sessions may last several hours. Keep in mind that outpatient detox is only done under the supervision of a medical professional working at the treatment facility you’ve signed up with.
This arrangement works for people who want to keep up with work or family responsibilities while getting the addiction treatment they need.

Ad
Tequesta, Florida, United States
Futures of Recovery Healthcare specializes in treating adults 30 years and older suffering from substance use, mental health disorders, and co-occurring disorde...
$29,500 - $82,500

Ad
Vail Valley, Colorado, United States
All Points North Lodge is a comprehensive wellness and personal development campus specializing in addiction, trauma, and mental health.
$49,000-$200,000

Ad
Malibu & Los Angeles, California
Oro House provides compassionate treatment focused on connection and a full continuum of services. Voted California's Best Addiction Treatment Center of 2021 by...
$30,000-90,000/month

Ad
Canton, Massachusetts, United States
Located on 6 acres of greenery, Bedrock Recovery Center is a hotel-style rehab providing trauma-informed and evidence-based treatment plans for adults.

Ad
San Clemente, California, United States
Located in sunny Southern California, Chapters Capistrano provides holistic, evidence-based treatment for substance abuse and addiction.
$39,500 (Insurance Accepted)

Ad
Los Angeles, California, United States
Nestled in the private hills of Los Angeles, Hollywood Hills Recovery is a boutique substance abuse treatment center offering holistic care.
$30,000+/month (Insurance Accepted)

Ad
Houston, Texas, United States
J. Flowers Health Institute provides personalized, concierge care, for busy professionals, adolescents and young adults, and highly complex individuals.
$49,500 - $129,000

Ad
Raymond, Illinois, United States
Located in the countryside, Lincoln Recovery takes an evidence-based approach to treatment, offering onsite detox, individualized programming and luxurious priv...
$25,000 - $35,000

Ad
Dana Point, California, United States
Monarch Shores offers luxury housing with beautiful ocean views and individualized addiction treatment in Southern California.
$34,500

Ad
Malibu, California, United States
A 5-star Yelp-rated Luxury Treatment Center in Malibu, offering a majestic ocean view, 1-1 doctorate-level therapy sessions, and private ensuite rooms.
$90,000 (Insurance Accepted)

Ad
Tucson, Arizona, United States
Using an innovative treatment program called The Sierra Model, Sierra Tucson has been rated one of the region’s top-ranking hospitals by U.S. News.
$20,000-$45,000

Ad
Newport Beach, California, United States
With multiple facilities strategically located on magnificent Newport Beach, Sierra by the Sea provides gender-specific, primary and long-term treatment.
$16,500-$33,000

Ad
Ashby, Massachusetts, United States
A 70-acre secluded retreat offering tailored treatment plans, evidence-based therapies, and a family-like atmosphere in the Massachusetts woodlands.
$22,000 - $31,000 (Insurance Accepted)

Ad
Florida, USA
Tikvah Lake Recovery is an extremely personalized executive treatment center for those who seek the ultimate in treatment, privacy, and luxurious comfort.
$60,000–$85,000 per month

Ad
Hollywood, Florida, United States
A multi-structured program that offers gender-specific residential housing and personal treatment plans.
$30,000-$60,000 (Insurance Accepted)
For many people, detoxing is a crucial part of the recovery journey. Given the importance of this step, it’s best to be equipped with accurate, up-to-date information surrounding it. The good news is, our understanding of detox from substance abuse has grown tremendously. Today, a number of different detox programs are available across the globe and it’s easier than ever to find one that fits your needs. And the more you understand about how detox works and what options are available to you, the more equipped you’ll be to find a solution.
See our collection of luxury rehabs offering detox here.
Return to Blog Home

By

By
Detoxing from alcohol or other substances is often the first step in addiction treatment. In fact, many people have their first-ever encounter with the treatment system through detox. And as with any first step, this stage of recovery can profoundly impact the rest of your journey.
As you plan for treatment, you may find yourself asking the following questions:
Do I even need to detox?
Where do I detox?
Where can I get help planning my detox?
That’s why we’ve created this guide to drug and alcohol detox, which covers the following need-to-know information:
We’ll start with examining the purpose of detox and how it fits into your recovery journey.
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines detox for substance abuse treatment1 as “a set of interventions aimed at managing acute intoxication and withdrawal.”
During detox, your body withdraws from alcohol or drugs. For this reason, some medical bodies like the American Society of Addiction Management (ASAM) have actually replaced the term “detoxification” with “withdrawal management.” Alcohol withdrawal can potentially be life-threatening2, so we can’t discuss detox without stressing the importance of safety. It’s safest to detox under medical supervision, with the support of specialized, experienced professionals.
It’s also important to note that while detox is often the first step towards sobriety, it’s not a lasting solution to changing addictive behaviors.
According to SAMHSA’s Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment manual, “Detoxification, in and of itself, does not constitute complete substance abuse treatment.” Additionally, it stresses that proper treatment involves “ongoing therapeutic services ultimately intended to promote recovery for substance abuse patients.”
Followed by a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at sustainable sobriety, safe detox can serve as a crucial first step towards lasting recovery.
Discover residential rehab detox programs and private detox centers at various price ranges, locations, and for different conditions by browsing our collection of luxury rehabs with detox here.
Whether or not you need detox depends on the history of your substance use, including the length, level of use, and type of substance used.
Receiving an evaluation from a medical professional is recommended, especially if using benzodiazepines or alcohol as withdrawal from these substances can be life-threatening. You can ask your primary care doctor or psychiatrist to connect you to the right resources. Rehabs also offer over-the-phone detox assessments as part of the intake process, then a more in-depth evaluation with a clinician.
“The detox process typically starts when a loved one, or the person who needs to come in, calls. We talk to them, get some basic information, then complete an over-the-phone assessment for about 20 or 30 minutes. We ask them a series of questions: their basic history, medical history, and their substance use,” says Heather Charlet, Director of Admissions at Gallus Medical Detox Centers.
As a rule of thumb, if you notice signs of substance or alcohol abuse as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), you may want to consider getting an evaluation for detox. Some signs of substance abuse include:
Because of the physiological effects of frequent exposure to substances3, it’s always recommended to consult with a medical professional before attempting to detox.
When you consult with a medical practitioner, they’ll determine your safest detox option by performing assessments such as:
Most residential rehabs require you to be substance-free for a certain number of days before coming in. You can find out if detox is recommended for you during your initial assessment during the admissions process.
Your substance use history will affect the withdrawal experience, how long you can expect to detox, and whether or not you’ll need medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Here’s what you can expect from detox:
A few hours after you stop using, your body begins to adjust to substances leaving your system. This adjustment process can lead to the development of withdrawal symptoms. It might sound daunting, but keep in mind that the purpose of a supervised detox is to minimize the severity of these symptoms and ensure you’re safely clearing your body of substances.
Substance withdrawal occurs in stages4, which are categorized as early, peak, and late stages.
Early Stage
Depending on the substance, this occurs 6 to 12, or up to 30 hours after you’ve stopped using. Milder symptoms like anxiety and irritability will start to show.
Peak Stage
This stage occurs 24 to 48 hours after you’ve stopped drinking, or 72 hours for opiates. Symptoms are at their worst and can include tremors, chills and vomiting. Relapse is most likely at this stage, so having a strong support system and medical supervision is advised.
Late Stage
The body is getting used to the absence of substances and withdrawal symptoms begin tailing off. If you’ve been on a medical detox, medication can be tapered down.
On average, detox takes 3 to 7 days. Opiates and benzodiazepines are known to take the longest to withdraw from and it can take up to 14 days for withdrawal symptoms to peak.
In more serious cases, your doctor might recommend medication-assisted treatment5: medication combined with counseling and behavioral therapy.
Withdrawal effects vary by substance, with some posing more dangerous side effects than others. We explore detoxing from different substances below.
Detoxing From Alcohol
Alcohol detox poses a high risk with potential for severe withdrawal side effects like delirium tremens (DT), a life-threatening side effect of alcohol withdrawal6 that can cause seizures. Delirium tremens symptoms usually show up 2 to 3 days after someone last ingested alcohol.
Detoxing From Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines detox carries a high risk with potential for severe withdrawal side effects. Unsupervised withdrawal from benzodiazepines can result in lethal side effects7, including seizures.
Detoxing From Opiates
Australia’s National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre published that opiate withdrawal can be lethal.8
Detoxing From Cocaine
Cocaine withdrawal is known to be more psychological than physical.
You have several options for detox, so it helps to know what each entails.
After a medical evaluation, your doctor will suggest the best course of treatment. Usually, family and friends aren’t allowed to visit during substance abuse detoxes. However, clinical staff are there to soothe your symptoms and offer round-the-clock support. They should also keep you informed of the status of your progress.
When you contact an inpatient rehab, you’ll complete an over-the-phone assessment during the intake process. This is usually followed by an in-depth evaluation with a clinician, during which they’ll recommend a detox plan. Some on-site detox centers offer counseling during detox to ease you through its discomforts. And when you’re finished detoxing, you’ll have a smoother transition into treatment.
Many rehabs don’t have in-house detox facilities, but will refer you to a detox center and help you with transfers and other necessary logistics. Admissions staff at private centers can provide an assessment and answer your questions about cost, what to expect in treatment, and your estimated length of stay. Private detox centers are fully equipped to handle everything related to detox, and some may specialize in certain types of cases.
“If a patient is a longer term user or a higher level user of a substance, detoxing can be very difficult and has a significant mortality risk to it. When you have patients taking multiple substances, you have to be prepared in order to deal with those side effects. Residential treatment centers don’t have that level of expertise. So we’re equipped to take the patients that they can’t handle,” says Douglass Weiss, President & Chief Customer Officer of Gallus Detox Centers.
If you have a strong support system at home and your condition doesn’t require hospitalization, you may be able to opt for outpatient detox10. Similarly to the other options, you’ll go through an initial assessment and outline your detox plan with a health professional. You’ll then visit a hospital or clinic daily (weekdays only), either during the day or evening. Outpatient detox programs usually range from 3 to 14 days, with sessions that run from 15 to 30 minutes. However, if your detox program includes a day hospital program11, your sessions may last several hours. Keep in mind that outpatient detox is only done under the supervision of a medical professional working at the treatment facility you’ve signed up with.
This arrangement works for people who want to keep up with work or family responsibilities while getting the addiction treatment they need.

Ad
Tequesta, Florida, United States
Futures of Recovery Healthcare specializes in treating adults 30 years and older suffering from substance use, mental health disorders, and co-occurring disorde...
$29,500 - $82,500

Ad
Vail Valley, Colorado, United States
All Points North Lodge is a comprehensive wellness and personal development campus specializing in addiction, trauma, and mental health.
$49,000-$200,000

Ad
Malibu & Los Angeles, California
Oro House provides compassionate treatment focused on connection and a full continuum of services. Voted California's Best Addiction Treatment Center of 2021 by...
$30,000-90,000/month

Ad
Canton, Massachusetts, United States
Located on 6 acres of greenery, Bedrock Recovery Center is a hotel-style rehab providing trauma-informed and evidence-based treatment plans for adults.

Ad
San Clemente, California, United States
Located in sunny Southern California, Chapters Capistrano provides holistic, evidence-based treatment for substance abuse and addiction.
$39,500 (Insurance Accepted)

Ad
Los Angeles, California, United States
Nestled in the private hills of Los Angeles, Hollywood Hills Recovery is a boutique substance abuse treatment center offering holistic care.
$30,000+/month (Insurance Accepted)

Ad
Houston, Texas, United States
J. Flowers Health Institute provides personalized, concierge care, for busy professionals, adolescents and young adults, and highly complex individuals.
$49,500 - $129,000

Ad
Raymond, Illinois, United States
Located in the countryside, Lincoln Recovery takes an evidence-based approach to treatment, offering onsite detox, individualized programming and luxurious priv...
$25,000 - $35,000

Ad
Dana Point, California, United States
Monarch Shores offers luxury housing with beautiful ocean views and individualized addiction treatment in Southern California.
$34,500

Ad
Malibu, California, United States
A 5-star Yelp-rated Luxury Treatment Center in Malibu, offering a majestic ocean view, 1-1 doctorate-level therapy sessions, and private ensuite rooms.
$90,000 (Insurance Accepted)

Ad
Tucson, Arizona, United States
Using an innovative treatment program called The Sierra Model, Sierra Tucson has been rated one of the region’s top-ranking hospitals by U.S. News.
$20,000-$45,000

Ad
Newport Beach, California, United States
With multiple facilities strategically located on magnificent Newport Beach, Sierra by the Sea provides gender-specific, primary and long-term treatment.
$16,500-$33,000

Ad
Ashby, Massachusetts, United States
A 70-acre secluded retreat offering tailored treatment plans, evidence-based therapies, and a family-like atmosphere in the Massachusetts woodlands.
$22,000 - $31,000 (Insurance Accepted)

Ad
Florida, USA
Tikvah Lake Recovery is an extremely personalized executive treatment center for those who seek the ultimate in treatment, privacy, and luxurious comfort.
$60,000–$85,000 per month

Ad
Hollywood, Florida, United States
A multi-structured program that offers gender-specific residential housing and personal treatment plans.
$30,000-$60,000 (Insurance Accepted)
For many people, detoxing is a crucial part of the recovery journey. Given the importance of this step, it’s best to be equipped with accurate, up-to-date information surrounding it. The good news is, our understanding of detox from substance abuse has grown tremendously. Today, a number of different detox programs are available across the globe and it’s easier than ever to find one that fits your needs. And the more you understand about how detox works and what options are available to you, the more equipped you’ll be to find a solution.
See our collection of luxury rehabs offering detox here.
Return to Blog Home

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