With 79,358 people dying from opioid overdoses in 2023, seeking a medical detox is more important than ever. Still, after years of suffering from alcohol or substance dependence, it may be difficult to discover how to move forward. While many treatment paths are available, it may not be easy to know which is right for you. Medical detox is a process that fosters a safe, controlled recovery environment that’s ideal for those with serious withdrawal symptoms.

Is medical detox the right choice for you? This guide will help you to decide for yourself by reviewing the goals, benefits and process of this specialized treatment.

What Is a Medical Detox?

Medically supervised detox processes are designed to clear patients of drugs and alcohol in a safe, controlled environment. Under the care of experienced professionals, withdrawal symptoms are managed to ensure a high level of safety. Since these symptoms can be painful or even a threat to your health, this type of controlled environment is a necessity.

Not everyone needs medically supervised care in a detox clinic, though it’s often considered the best road to take. Detox rehab ensures a safer recovery with a higher chance of success. By beginning on the right foot, you’ll have a better chance of recovering from addiction.

Which Substances Require a Medical Detox?

We recommend a medical detox if you’re using any of these substances:

• Alcohol
• Prescription drugs
• Heroin
• Opioids

When you undergo a detox for alcohol, opioids and other substances, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, panic attacks, tremors, nausea, diarrhea and memory loss. When left untreated, withdrawal can lead to serious medical conditions, including seizures, dehydration and hallucinations. Medical detoxes offer 24-7 care that eases the symptoms and reduces the risk of an emergency.

Who Can Benefit From a Medical Detox Process?

While medical detox can be good for many people to begin their recovery process, it’s not right for everyone. Generally, a medical detox center is a good choice for those at risk of being physically dependent on alcohol or another substance. Take a look at these risk factors to see if they describe you or someone close to you:

• Has drunk alcohol or used a substance in large amounts and regularly
• Has experienced weaker effects from the same amount of the substance
• Has a long history of using the substance
• Has felt cravings for the substance when it’s not accessible
• Requires greater amounts over time to get the same effect
• Has attempted to quit in the past and failed

If you’re still not sure, reach out to the professionals at Sunlight Recovery to discover if you’re a good candidate for an alcohol, opioid or benzo detox.

The Benefits of a Medical Detox Center

Detoxing at a medical center in Florida, such as Sunlight Recovery, is the best way to ensure the highest degree of safety and care during a difficult recovery process. More than anything else, it provides a structure for patients that holds them accountable to long-term recovery goals. A team of professionals is on-site to help guide you through this complicated situation.

The benefits of medical detox include:

• Safety. The physical and mental well-being of patients is a top concern in a medical detox process. Trained doctors ensure they stay as safe and well cared for as possible.
• Improved recovery chance. Medical facilities offer 24-7 observation and aftercare programs that reduce your risk of relapse.
• Reduced symptoms. Some facilities are able to administer medications that help ease the symptoms of withdrawal that come with detoxification.
• Supervision. No detox center offers a one-size-fits-all process. Sunlight Recovery tailors our programs to each individual.

How Medically Supervised Detox Programs Work

The goal of medical detox is to remove all traces of alcohol or other substances from your body so you can begin recovery with a clean slate. However, this is a difficult process, as bodies that have been exposed to large amounts of substances over an extended period have begun to adapt to them.

One way the body changes is through two neurotransmitters: serotonin and dopamine. Sometimes called feel-good chemicals, they regulate our emotions and are triggered when alcohol or drugs are used. This is where the familiar feelings of euphoria come from. When substances are abused, the body develops a tolerance, and it becomes harder to trigger the neurotransmitters. Over time, you can become so accustomed to the substance that it’s difficult to feel normal without it. This is called dependence.

Medical detox programs help you remove alcohol and drugs from your body while also addressing the physical symptoms that come with dependence and withdrawal. Without medical supervision, withdrawal symptoms can pose a serious health risk.

How Long Does a Drug Detox Take?

Most patients can expect detox rehab to take from 7 to 10 days. However, a number of factors can affect this. They include:

• The severity of withdrawal symptoms
• The quantity of alcohol or drugs consumed
• The patient’s mental and physical functioning

After the initial phase is complete, patients will move on to a rehab program that supports the initial treatment with comprehensive psychotherapy.

Medications Used in Alcohol Detox

Medication may not be prescribed for all detox patients, though it can be a good way to ease symptoms for those who need it most. Here are some of the most common ones used:

• Anxiolytics. These are offered to help ease tension and anxiety in those suffering from withdrawal, allowing them to find psychological comfort during the process.
• Sedatives. The purpose of sedative drugs is to help patients sleep or relax. They must be used in moderation, as many can become addictive themselves.
• Vitamins. It’s important to promote body growth, function and development throughout the recovery process. Simple vitamins are often the best way to do this.

What Does the Treatment Process Look Like?

Typically, a medical detox has three stages. This ensures the substances have fully left your system before you start treatment.

1. Evaluation

The first step is evaluation, which includes a series of screening tests. These are given by a nurse or doctor to ensure accuracy. Their purpose is to gather as much information as possible about your needs so as to deliver the best possible treatment. The tests include medical assessments, drug and alcohol screenings, disorder evaluations and psych assessments.

2. Detoxification

Once the medical team has all the information they need to develop a treatment plan, the detox process begins. During this time, medical professionals will monitor temperature, blood pressure, breathing and heart rate to make sure you’re physically stable. If necessary, medications can be administered to ease withdrawal symptoms. Otherwise, more general care can be administered as necessary.

The detoxification process is complete after all alcohol and other harmful substances have left your body and the withdrawal symptoms have subsided.

3. Future Treatment

Once a doctor has determined that you’re safe to leave medical care, the next stage of your recovery begins. This can vary from person to person, but the goal is to ensure the progress made during detoxification isn’t undone by a relapse. Inpatient or outpatient programs may be recommended, as well as a hospitalization program. Your treatment plan may include group therapy, individual therapy and medication management.

Frequently Asked Questions