Medical Detox

Which Addictions Need Medical Detox?

Certain substances can cause dangerous or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, which is why we recommend a medically supervised detox.

Addictions that need medical detox treatment and their withdrawal symptoms include:

• Alcohol: Increased heart rate, high blood pressure, tremors, nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations. In severe cases, seizures and delirium tremens (DTs) can occur.
• Benzodiazepines: Symptoms include anxiety, rapid heart rate, hand tremors, trouble sleeping, sweating, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures or hallucinations.
• Opioids: The DSM-5 describes a runny nose, goosebumps, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, sweating, insomnia, and increased heart rate.
• Prescription drugs: Misuse of muscle relaxants, sleeping medications, and gabapentin can cause anxiety, tremors, nausea, sweating, and agitation.
• Stimulants: Withdrawal from cocaine, methamphetamine, or MDMA can cause fatigue, depression, intense cravings, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
• Synthetic drugs: Symptoms include muscle aches, insomnia, chills, enlarged pupils, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sweating, runny nose, and severe cravings.

How Long Do Detox Programs Last?

The length of medical detox depends on several factors, including the type of substance used, how long and frequently it was used, and your individual health. 

Most detox programs last between 5 to 7 days, but some substances, like opioids or benzodiazepines, may require a longer detox period.

Each detox process is unique. Medical professionals will tailor the program to your needs, depending on:

• Type of substance: Alcohol addiction detox usually lasts 2 to 8 days, while opioid detox can last much longer, depending on dependence levels.
• Duration and frequency of use: Long-term or frequent use can extend the detox period due to higher levels of physical dependence.
• Quantity used: Heavier substance use can accelerate tolerance, making detox longer or more intense.
• Individual factors: Factors like body chemistry, metabolism, and genetic makeup can also influence how long detox lasts and how your body responds to treatment.

What Happens After a Medical Detox?

After your medical detox, you’re ready to start your recovery journey. We offer a range of treatment options to support you as you heal from addiction.

At Harmony Treatment and Wellness, our post-detox healthcare includes:

• Day or evening rehab programs: Flexible scheduling allows you to continue work, school, or family responsibilities while receiving treatment.
• Behavioral therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy help address the root causes of addiction.
• Trauma-informed therapy: Focuses on past trauma to ensure a supportive, non-judgmental environment during recovery.
• Complementary therapies: Includes art therapy, music therapy, yoga, meditation, equine therapy, adventure therapy, and bio-feedback therapy to support healing.
• Coping skills and relapse prevention: Teaches stress management and life skills, such as time management and decision-making, to help prevent relapse.
• Case management and vocational services: Provides job training, legal assistance, and connection to community resources for long-term support.
• 12-step and spiritual support groups: Offers peer support, personal growth, and spiritual reflection to encourage emotional healing.
• Mental health treatment: Includes therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management for co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety or depression.
• Medical care: Ongoing medication-assisted treatment from clinicians for any physical health issues during recovery.

How Detox Keeps You Safe During Withdrawal

Medical detox ensures your safety by providing 24/7 monitoring and medical care. Detox programs at accredited detox centers like Harmony Treatment and Wellness offer stabilization services, ensuring you receive both medical and emotional support during withdrawal.

Here’s how detox helps to keep you safe:

• Medical supervision: Doctors and nurses monitor your vital signs and respond to any medical complications, such as seizures or dehydration.
• Medication management: Medications are used to ease withdrawal symptoms like nausea, anxiety, or tremors, reducing the risk of severe complications.
• Preventing dangerous withdrawal symptoms: For substances like alcohol and benzos, detox helps prevent life-threatening symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens.
• Support for co-occurring conditions: Medical detox addresses both addiction and underlying mental health disorders.
• Emotional support: Alongside physical care, detox provides emotional and psychological support, helping you manage stress and anxiety during the process.