Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on August 31, 2020.
Most people who go through recovery receive detoxification (detox) as their first step. Your addiction treatment plan will depend on the type of addiction you have and your personal circumstances, but the majority of treatments begin with detox. Detox aims to relieve the physical effects of addiction (withdrawal) so you can work on the emotional and psychological symptoms.
By understanding what happens during detox, you can feel better prepared for your recovery journey ahead.
Detox refers to the range of medical interventions meant to manage withdrawal symptoms and intoxication. During the detox process, your treatment provider will minimize your withdrawal symptoms while your body adjusts to lower substance levels. When you get detox at an addiction treatment center, your care team will strive to make your experience as safe and comfortable as possible.
Since detox covers a wide range of treatment services, it works differently depending on your symptoms and situation. Your experience might include one or more of these processes:
The symptoms that you will experience during detox depend on the severity of your symptoms, the type of addiction you have and how long you've been using the substance. They may include:
Your detox program's length will also vary based on the type of addiction you have and your symptom severity. While some people will go through detox for a few days, the process can take weeks for others. In the case of opioid addiction, medication-assisted treatment continues as the person goes through the next steps of treatment.
Ongoing medical and psychological care can help you stay in recovery after detox. Once detox manages the initial physical symptoms, it's up to you to continue recovery in support groups, therapy or another supportive service. Your detox provider can recommend the next course of action and help you find a treatment center that fits your needs.
At Diamond House Detox, we offer residential detox services in a comfortable environment to ease the first major step in recovery. If you need detox in Northern California, call us at 800-205-6107 or contact us online at any time.
