What Is Medical Detox?

Medical detoxification is the process of ridding the body of a harmful substance. It’s usually the first phase of recovery. Those going through detox may be administered medications and provided with different types of therapies during this process to help mitigate unpleasant symptoms during withdrawal. Individuals will work with a clinical staff which can include doctors, nurses, therapists, and psychiatrists.  

Looking at some common questions surrounding medical detox can help individuals decide if this form of treatment is the next best step. 

What Substances Require Medical Detox? 

All substances have withdrawal symptoms and can require different approaches when it comes to detox. Clients who use certain substances may benefit more from a medically assisted detox program.  

Substances that often require medically assisted detox include: 

• Alcohol 

• Prescription opioids, fentanyl, and heroin 

• Benzodiazepines 

Although these substances may require medically assisted detox, other drugs may require a standard detox. Detoxification lays the groundwork for long-term recovery and is a necessary first step towards a lasting recovery. 

What Medications Are Used During Medical Detox? 

Different medications will be used depending on which substance individuals are detoxing from. At The Edge Treatment Center, we employ four other medications to ease our client’s withdrawal symptoms during their detoxification: 

These medications serve a different purpose and will be prescribed to our clients based on their needs. Other medications may be used in tandem to treat our client’s symptoms and conditions. 

What to Expect During a Medically-Assisted Detox 

Detox is the first step towards long-term sobriety. Through the detoxification process, the harmful toxins in the body caused by substance abuse will be removed. The medically assisted detox process supports individuals as they transition through the different stages and achieve a place of emotional and physical stability. 

Stage One: Evaluation 

All clients undergo a medical assessment to determine any alcohol or drugs present in their bodies during stage one. Clients will also be screened for any co-occurring health and psychiatric issues which may need additional support.  

Stage Two: Stabilization 

After clients have received a comprehensive medical assessment, they will enter the stabilization period of the detox process. During this stage, clients will experience withdrawal symptoms of varying degrees. Clients may receive different medications or counseling during this time.  

At The Edge Treatment Center, we provide our clients with various resources and comforts, ensuring they overcome this stage with as little pain as possible. 

Stage Three: Entry Into Long-Term Treatment 

While detox is the first step on the road to long-term recovery, it isn’t a substitute for effective substance abuse treatment. During stage three, clients should prepare to enter a higher level of care. Individuals will work in tandem with a clinical team to develop a plan of action for their long-term treatment.  

How Long Is Medical Detox? 

The length of an individual’s detox will vary from client to client. Different factors can change the length of a client’s detox. These factors include:  

These are only a few factors which contribute to the length of a client’s detoxification process. In general, individuals can expect to be in a detox treatment program anywhere from three to 14 days.  

However, this doesn’t mean clients will stop experiencing symptoms of withdrawal after this period. Some individuals will experience withdrawal symptoms up to months after their detox. Lengthy withdrawal symptoms make it crucial for clients to enter into a long-term treatment program to manage and cope with their symptoms.  

Next Steps 

Medically assisted detox is only the start of long-term sobriety. Detox lays the groundwork and frame for clients to make strides and advancements in their lives. At most detox facilities, clients will work together with a clinical team to develop a plan of action for moving forward.  

Inpatient Care 

Typically, clients enter into inpatient care after detox. During inpatient care, clients will receive 24/7 multidisciplinary treatment that aligns with their needs and goals. At The Edge Treatment Center, we understand every client has different needs and create a treatment plan uniquely designed for them. 

With us, clients partake in a variety of individual and group therapies. Our clients also learn life skills, prevention methods, gain self-esteem, and much more during their time at our outpatient facility. 

We strongly believe the road to recovery should be filled with fun and meaningful relationships. We provide our clients with different experiential treatments such as hiking, rock climbing, ice skating, and more. 

Taking the first steps towards long-term sobriety is an intensely emotional and personal experience. The good news? You don’t have to go through this process alone. Through The Edge Treatment Center, you will be able to overcome your fears, face problems head-on, create meaningful relationships, and most importantly, find the freedom you deserve. 

This process doesn’t have to be painful and is worth fighting for. If you are ready to take the first step towards long-term recovery, call (800) 778-1772.