Author: Jaclyn Ahearn, LICSW

Are you wondering if you or your loved one might have a substance use disorder? If you’re looking for answers about the next steps in treatment, one of the first things you will need to consider is detox. Let’s take a look at this critical first step in addiction recovery, what it includes, and how to get started. 

What Is Detox?

The first step of addiction treatment is to go to a detox program or center to clear substances from the body. These programs address the initial physical and psychological symptoms associated with stopping drug or alcohol use. 

Addiction is based on the habitual or repeated consumption of a substance, and no longer consuming that substance can cause difficult symptoms. For these reasons, it can be helpful to enter a detox facility to receive emotional support and healthcare services.

Detox centers are staffed with supportive counselors, nurses and other therapeutic staff members who can assist you while in the program and offer therapy to help you recover. 

Medical Detox

Detoxification centers are available for medical detox if you have developed a drug dependence and will experience withdrawal symptoms. Detox centers provide a safe and medically supported first step into recovery. Depending on the particular substance, medications are sometimes available to alleviate some of the physical symptoms of withdrawal. This form of support is called medication-assisted treatment (MAT). 

Non-Medical Detox

Non-medical detoxes are best if you are experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms and do not require medication to assist in the detox process. Non-medical detox is not a safe option if you are withdrawing from benzodiazepines or alcohol due to the risk of seizures and death associated with these types of withdrawal.

These detox programs may emphasize the social and emotional aspects of withdrawal and the changes that come with discontinuing the use of a substance.

Is It Safe to Detox at Home?

Due to the risk of fatality associated with withdrawal from some substances, it is generally not safe to detox at home if you have been using drugs for some time or have an addiction. An addiction specialist or medical provider will be able to determine if it is safe for you to detox at home or outside of a detox center.

Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to speak to a rehab specialist about your options.

For some substances, such as marijuana or certain stimulants, medical detox may not be necessary. Still, the psychological impacts of withdrawal can be significant, which is why many people seek professional support for this first step. 

Many people consider tapering their substance use, or gradually reducing their use, as an alternative to eliminating their use of the drug suddenly. This decision is best made with your providers to ensure a safe withdrawal process. If you use substances like benzodiazepines or opioids, for example, you can often slowly taper on an outpatient basis.

This option may not be desirable, however, since you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms which may be difficult to manage on your own. You may prefer to be in the comfort and safety of an inpatient detox center to ensure a successful and complete detox.

Treatment After Detox

For many people with a substance use disorder, detox is the first step in eliminating the drug from your system, but where to from there? Many treatment options are available and detox programs will be equipped with resources and referrals for the next steps in your recovery journey.

Residential Treatment Programs/Rehabilitation Centers

Residential treatment programs or longer-term rehab centers offer more substantive treatment options if you require a more supportive and lengthy treatment approach.

Living in a treatment center offers you the option to change your physical location and gain support around the clock to set yourself up for long-term recovery from a substance use disorder.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

A PHP is a 5-day-per-week program in which you will attend therapy groups with peers, meet with an individual therapist or case manager, and will likely engage in social activities with program attendees. Programs like this provide a significant amount of structure and social support while still allowing you to live at home. This is considered the most intensive level of outpatient support. You will still live at home while attending treatment, but your time commitment will be maximized.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

IOPs allow you to live at home while attending treatment, which consists of multiple therapy groups and often occurs over the course of weeks. IOPs are another available option for outpatient treatment, while you can remain living at home and attend to other social obligations.

Many different types of IOPs exist, ranging from three to five days per week.

Outpatient Therapy

Outpatient therapy services are most appropriate if you have a stable home environment and can fully abstain from your substance of choice. While working with a therapist over time, you can continue developing skills related to emotional regulation and relapse prevention techniques to aid in your recovery.

Do I Need a Detox Center?

As mentioned earlier, not everyone needs to go to a detox center. There are some drugs that you can quit without the use of medications or the need for medical supervision—you may still experience some withdrawal symptoms, but nothing severe.

If you have an opioid addiction, it’s recommended that you detox in a facility (vs at home) as your withdrawal symptoms can be severe and require medications.

Opioid Addiction and Withdrawal

If you are wondering if you have developed an opioid use disorder, for example, you may want to consider if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Some of the most common symptoms associated with opioid use disorders are as follows:

• Opioids are being consumed more and more over time to achieve the same effect
• Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop using opioids
• The use of opioids in hazardous situations
• Tolerance, or growing less responsive to the drug’s effects over time and requiring more of the drug to get a similar effect
• Continued use of opioids, even though there are consequences, including psychological or physiological distress

Although opioid withdrawal is not fatal, it is considered one of the most uncomfortable and difficult detoxes to experience due to the following symptoms:

• Restless legs
• Severe body aches or overall body discomfort
• Excessive sweating, or sometimes cold sweats
• Gastrointestinal distress or discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• Anxiety or depression symptoms, including irritability

Many of the withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids may also be related to the withdrawal of other substances.

To find a detox center or rehab center, call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to speak to a caring treatment specialist.

Narcotics.com is user supported. We receive a commission fee from purchases made through BetterHelp links. Learn More