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Alcohol & Drug Detox Process: How to Find Detox Centers Near Me

What Is Detoxification?

Drug and alcohol detox centers are recommended as part of a comprehensive, individualized addiction recovery plan. Detox is an important first step in recovery, and substance abuse detoxification services help individuals safely eliminate drugs and alcohol from their bodies.

The physical withdrawal symptoms associated with drug and alcohol misuse vary by substance and can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Due to these potential risks, individuals should understand what happens during the alcohol and drug detoxification process and what to expect.1

You may be wondering, ‘What is detox like?’ This article will answer the following questions:

  • What is medical detox?
  • How does the medical detox process work?
  • What are the different types of detox?
  • What should I expect during the detox procedure?
  • How can I find alcohol or drug detox facilities near me?

What Is Medical Detoxification?

You may be wondering, ‘How does medical detox work?’ Drug and alcohol detoxification (or “detox”) is the process of ridding your body of all addictive substances so that your brain and body can slowly heal as you begin your journey to recovery and lasting sobriety. Medical detox programs are designed to help you through the withdrawal process in a safe and supervised setting to reduce any physical symptoms when withdrawing from alcohol or drugs.1

What Are Withdrawal Symptoms?

Withdrawal symptoms can occur when an individual is dependent on drugs or alcohol and either stops or reduces their drinking habits or drug use.2 The onset, duration, and types of withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance being used.1 A few common physical withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced with different substances include:1

  • Headaches.
  • Gastrointestinal upset.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Hot flashes.

Where Does Alcohol or Drug Detoxification Take Place?

Drug and alcohol detoxification can occur in different settings and at varying treatment intensity levels, depending on a person’s needs. Individuals should undergo a formal assessment to receive the appropriate level of care during detox.1

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the success rate for detoxification partially depends on whether a person continues to an addiction treatment program once they complete the initial detox phase.

Detox is the initial part of a continuum of care for substance use disorders and is typically followed by further long-term addiction treatment.1 Long-term addiction treatment teaches healthy coping skills and relapse prevention skills and typically provides psychotherapy and medications to set a strong foundation for lifelong recovery.

The Process of Detoxification for Commonly Misused Drugs

Learn more about the process of detoxification for specific substances:

What Is the Drug and Alcohol Detox Process Like?

The drug and alcohol detox process can vary based on individual needs and the substance of misuse but involves the following three steps:1

  • Evaluation: A full assessment of a person’s past and current medical and psychological conditions and social history. This step also involves testing a person for the presence of addictive substances. This information is used to determine the appropriate level of care that the individual will need.
  • Stabilization: This involves managing acute intoxication and alcohol or drug withdrawal in a safe and supervised detox setting. Medications are often administered during this phase to help alleviate any physical withdrawal symptoms.1 Treatment professionals will also help you understand what to expect during the alcohol and drug addiction detox process and other treatments during this stage.
  • Preparation for further treatment: Treatment professionals will encourage continued treatment to support successful recovery outcomes.

How Long Does Drug Detox Take?

The length of drug or alcohol detox can vary depending on the individual and the substance they are detoxing from. The initial phase of addiction detox is focused on ridding the body of substances, but some withdrawal symptoms can last for a few days, while others can last for months or longer.5 Each individual will need to be assessed to determine the proper length of time for detox and continuing addiction treatment.

Many factors can affect the length of withdrawal. These can include:1

  • Substance of misuse.
  • Duration of use.
  • Route of administration (snorting, smoking, injecting, etc.).
  • The severity of the addiction.
  • Family history of addiction.
  • Level of willingness to change.
  • Current level of family/social support.
  • Presence of co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions.
  • Risk of developing severe withdrawal symptoms.
  • History of previous relapses.
  • History of previous withdrawals.

The risk of uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms is possible for many substances of misuse. Therefore, it is important to have immediate access to medical staff who can help manage symptoms and administer medications if necessary. Due to these potential risks, it’s not advised to undergo alcohol or drug detox at home and without medical supervision.

Types of Alcohol and Drug Detox Programs

Drug detoxification programs can take place in a variety of types of treatment settings that involve different levels of care. Your initial assessment will guide treatment staff in determining your best level of care for drug addiction detox treatment.1

Medically-Monitored Inpatient Detoxification

Medically monitored inpatient detoxification programs are a beneficial level of care for people who are currently intoxicated or have a high risk of severe withdrawal.3 Medically supervised inpatient detox programs provide 24/7 medical care, monitoring, and access to life-saving devices. This is considered the highest level of care and takes place in a hospital setting. The goals of treatment at inpatient detoxification centers include the following:3

Clinically Managed Residential Detox

Clinically managed residential detox takes place in residential facilities where individuals are monitored 24/7 by clinical staff. They provide several services that may include behavioral therapy and 24-hour living support and structure.

Medications are often administered in these settings to help ease withdrawal effects. However, acutely ill patients who are at risk of life-threatening withdrawals are often admitted to medically monitored inpatient detoxification. The goal of residential detox is to help ease withdrawal effects by providing supervision, observation, and support.1, 3

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)/Partial Hospitalization (PHP) Detox Programs

Intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization are two different levels of care that provide detox programs in outpatient facilities to people who do not need to be supervised 24/7. Both levels of care can provide psychotherapy and medication management. A person can live at home and travel to an outpatient detox facility regularly. They will likely need to be onsite for several hours per day or multiple times a week, depending on their level of care.3

This setting may be appropriate for those with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. If more severe symptoms arise, you can be placed in a hospital or another setting that offers a higher level of care.

Partial hospitalization is a higher level of care compared to intensive outpatient treatment. PHP requires more treatment hours each week (on average, 20 hours per week), whereas IOP treatment provides approximately 9 hours of treatment each week.

Intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization offer alcohol and drug detox programs, which are staffed by physicians who provide medical monitoring and nurses who offer care throughout the day. Addiction counselors and clinicians can offer additional interventions if necessary.1

Which Substances Require Medical Detox?

Different substances of misuse are associated with specific withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the substance, withdrawal symptoms can range from minimal to life-threatening. As previously stated, drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms are physical and mental symptoms that can occur when a person who is dependent on a substance suddenly stops or reduces their substance use.2

Based on principles of safety and humanitarian concerns, SAMHSA advises medically-assisted detox for the following substances:1

  • Alcohol.
  • Sedative-hypnotics (such as benzodiazepines).
  • Opioids (which include heroin or prescription narcotics/painkillers).

What Are the Side Effects of Detoxification?

Detox can cause different side effects depending on the substance of misuse. Withdrawal from certain substances, such as alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines (sedative-hypnotics), is known for causing more severe and potentially dangerous side effects. Substances like opioids and cocaine can cause unpleasant but not typically life-threatening symptoms. Providing medications in a supervised clinical setting can help alleviate these side effects.4

Some of the more common detox side effects include:1

  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Anxiety.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Depression.
  • Runny nose.
  • Sweating.
  • Abdominal cramps.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Tremors.

Alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal can be potentially life-threatening and cause the following side effects:1

  • Hallucinations.
  • Seizures.
  • Delirium tremens: this is a group of severe symptoms that can include delirium, severe confusion, and autonomic hyperactivity. This can result in life-threatening effects on your nervous system such as raised heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Is Alcohol or Drug Detox at Home Safe?

Due to the potential hazards that may occur during withdrawal from certain substances, it’s best to undergo alcohol or drug detox with professional support and supervision in medical detox centers.1 If you try to detox at home on your own, you may be putting yourself in a potentially risky situation without having immediate access to medical care.

Receive 24/7 text support at your convenience with American Addiction Centers. Our team is well-prepared to advise on all things treatment and help you find the care you need. We’ve helped thousands recover from addiction and we can help you too. You can contact AAC for free at for help locating the best detox programs near you.

What Are the Dangers of Rapid or Ultra-Rapid Detoxification?

People often want to speed up the detox process for drugs and make it as short and easy as possible. While there are rapid and ultra-rapid detox programs advertised, there is no evidence to support their benefit, and they can be potentially dangerous.6

While a speedy detox might sound appealing, research has shown that there are many potential symptoms and dangers associated with rapid or ultra-rapid drug or alcohol detox which are usually not found in traditional methods of detoxification.7

Remember that detox in itself does not equal addiction treatment, but it is the first component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Once you have completed detox, it’s advisable to transition to a rehab center that will help support your long-term recovery.

How to Find Alcohol or Drug Detox Near Me

Seeking medical detox is one of the most advisable ways to ensure your safety and comfort as you start the path to recovery. You may be wondering, ‘Where can I find free medical detox near me?’ or ‘Are there detox hospitals near me?’ Some of the factors to look for in a reputable drug or alcohol detox program include:1, 9

  • An individualized addiction detox plan that takes into account all of your unique and specific needs.
  • An approach that is sensitive to the needs of people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
  • An adequate length of detoxification.
  • Offering medication if necessary to help a person stay comfortable throughout the withdrawal process.
  • Addressing symptoms of any co-occurring medical or psychiatric illnesses.
  • Having credentialed or licensed staff who are compassionate and experienced.
  • Having the appropriate state or federal licensure, which is especially important if you require certain medications for opioid withdrawal.
  • Having the resources to connect you with appropriate treatment programs once you have completed addiction detox.

If you’re ready to find treatment for polysubstance misuse or addiction, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. With facilities across the country, AAC offers various levels of evidence-based care to suit your needs. Contact us at 24/7, or check your insurance benefits now and reach out for more information later. Our compassionate admissions navigators are here to answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and help you begin the admissions process once you’re ready.

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