The purpose of drug detox is to address the physical side of an addiction/dependence. It prepares patients to address the psychological aspects of their addiction, as part of a comprehensive addiction rehab program.
Getting and staying sober is very challenging, but with the right support network and tools, it’s completely attainable.
WHY IS DETOX NECESSARY?
Drug detox is a crucial first step in addiction treatment. It’s the process by which drugs are removed from the body, to ensure that we’re physically stable and ready to start therapy.

After using or abusing drugs for an extended period of time, our body and brain become accustomed to having a certain level those drugs present. We function normally when they are in our system, and we feel out of balance (sick) when they are decreased or removed.
The purpose of detox is to completely cleanse our body of drugs and their toxins, so that we can return to functioning normally without them. Once we’re physically stable, can we move on to the next step - addressing the psychological aspect of our addiction in a rehabilitation program.
CONTACT USAs our body tries to readjust to functioning without drugs, we can experience a number of unpleasant physical and emotional side effects referred to as drug withdrawal.
DRUG WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS AND TIMELINE
Withdrawal from drugs is different for everyone. The exact withdrawal time will depend on two main factors - The particular substance/s the person is using, and the degree of their dependence on those substances. For some people, withdrawal will last only a few days, while for others with extreme cases, it could be as long as a few months.
In general, the more addictive a drug is , the harder it is to quit due to intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
CHOOSE A DRUG TYPE TO SEE SYMPTOMS AND TIMELINES
HEROIN & PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS
Nausea
Abdominal Pain
Sweating
Insomnia
Anxiety
Heroin withdrawal feels like a terrible case of the flu. The worst pain and discomfort lasts a week about as long as a bad flu with withdrawal symptoms peaking during the second or third day.
Symptoms Start: 6 to 12 hours after last heroin dose
Symptoms Peak: 2 to 3 days after last dose
Symptoms Last: About 1 week
FENTANYL
Yawning
Sweating
Exhaustion
Anxiety
Pupil Dilation
Fentanyl withdrawal is similar to withdrawal from other opioid drugs. However, since there are different types of fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms and their duration depend on what type was used. Although physical symptoms subside within a week, emotional symptoms like depression, anxiety, and cravings can persist for longer.
Symptoms Start: A few hours after last use
Symptoms Peak: 1-2 days after last use
Symptoms Last: About 5-10 days after last use
COCAINE
Exhaustion
Lower sexual drive
Depression
Muscle Pain
Tremors
Unlike other drugs which cause intense physical withdrawal symptoms, cocaine detox results in mostly psychological symptoms. When someone stops using cocaine, they experience sadness, irritability, mood swings, and a decrease in energy commonly referred to as a “crash.” Long-term cocaine abusers are at heightened risk of experiencing severe depression after stopping.
Symptoms Start: About an hour after last use
Symptoms Peak: 7-10 days after last use
Symptoms Last: 2-10 weeks after last use
METH
Anxiety
Insomnia
Depression
Decreased appetite
Aches & Pains
When meth begins to wear off, users experience what’s known as a ‘comedown’. Although there are a few similarities between a comedown and withdrawal, comedowns are closer to a bad hangover from alcohol. Meth comedown symptoms are mainly psychological and emotional with several associated physical symptoms.
Symptoms Start: 24 hours after last dose
Symptoms Peak: 7-10 days after last dose
Symptoms Last: About 14-20 days
ALCOHOL
Anxiety
Insomnia
Seizures
Upset Stomach
Nausea
Depending on a person’s level of physical dependence on alcohol, the severity of alcohol withdrawal can vary for person to person. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms generally occur in 3 stages – mild, moderate, and severe. Severe alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening, and should be medically monitored for symptom development.
Symptoms Start: 6-12 hours after last drink
Symptoms Peak: About 72 hours after last drink
Symptoms Last: About one week after last drink
Professional care from a specialized alcohol detox facility is highly recommended as withdrawal can be extremely dangerous.

MEDICALLY-MONITORED DETOX PROGRAMS
Both the type of detox program and the level of intensity needed for effective drug withdrawal management will depend on the severity of the addiction. However, most professional medically-monitored detox programs will include:

- A through medical assessment to determine your overall health
- A safe & supportive environment supervised by addiction recovery specialists
- Round-the-clock monitoring by medical professionals
- Detox medications may be administered to help alleviate severe symptoms
- Dietary changes & nutritional supplements provided
- Receive medical clearance to begin the rehabilitation process
Need more information about detox options?
CALL US | (888) 672-2120DRUG REHAB PROGRAM
Once detox is complete, you’ll transition into our Alcohol Rehab program. We take a holistic approach to rehabilitation, helping you to strengthen your mind, body, and spirit with a well-rounded balance of evidence-based treatments.

- Address underlying psychological conditions and past traumas
- Learn how to identify and avoid high-risk situations, triggers, and relapses
- Develop a new lifestyle that doesn’t depend on alcohol use
- Receive treatment at our facility and continue living at home or in one of our Recovery Houses.
- Maintain your work, school, and family commitments while receiving treatment
NOTE: The optimal number of treatment days per week and hours per day required will be determined by our clinicians based on your unique needs.
WE ACCEPT MOST MAJOR INSURANCE PLANS
YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER MAY COVER 100% OF TREATMENT
Call us to verify if your Insurance Provider will cover your treatment
(888) 672-2120Get in touch with us!
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