One of the first and most important stages of recovery is stopping drug and/or alcohol use. When you do, you'll likely experience withdrawal symptoms that can be uncomfortable, even dangerous. Just the thought can be intimidating. But medical detox is a safe, supportive process to help you manage withdrawals and begin your healing journey on stable footing.

Medical detox is the process of safely clearing substances from the body. It includes 24/7 supervision from a team of medical professionals. The primary goals during this level of care are managing the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal, keeping clients safe and comfortable, and preparing them for the next phase of treatment.

A clinical approach is fundamentally different from trying to detox at home. Quitting "cold turkey" at home can be incredibly difficult, dangerous, and in some cases, life-threatening. Medically supervised detox is a controlled environment where complications can be treated immediately. You may need medical detox if you have a long or heavy history of substance use, have tried to quit on your own and failed, or have co-occurring medical or mental health conditions.

Detox usually includes three distinct phases.

1. Evaluation and Intake

Your journey begins with a thorough, confidential assessment. This is not a test; there's no passing or failing. It's a way for the clinical team to understand your unique needs. Expect to discuss:

• Your substance use history (what you use, how much, and for how long)
• Your physical and mental health history
• Any co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, depression, or chronic pain

You might also get some basic lab work done to get a clear picture of your overall health. This information allows your care team to create a personalized detox plan just for you.

2. Withdrawal management and stabilization

The core of the detox process. As your body begins to clear the substance, you'll likely experience withdrawal symptoms. The medical team is there around the clock to help you manage any discomfort. They'll monitor your vital signs and use established clinical tools, like the CIWA scale for alcohol or the COWS scale for opioids, to assess your symptoms. When appropriate, they may provide non-addictive comfort measures and medications to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible.

3. Transition to continued care

Detox is the first step on your journey. As you become stable, your care team will work with you to create a plan for ongoing treatment. This is a critical phase to prepare you for success after you leave medical detox. Your plan may include transitioning to a residential rehab program, an intensive outpatient program (IOP), or starting medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to support your long-term recovery.

Withdrawal looks different for everyone, but generally, people become more stable in about a week. Symptoms also vary based on the substance used. Here is a general overview of what you might expect.

Alcohol detox

Symptoms often begin within 6–12 hours after the last drink and can include anxiety, tremors, nausea, and insomnia. In severe cases, withdrawal can lead to seizures or delirium tremens (DTs), a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.

Opioid detox

Withdrawal from opioids like heroin or fentanyl can feel like a severe case of the flu, with symptoms including muscle aches, nausea, sweating, and intense cravings. While not typically life-threatening, it is extremely uncomfortable, and medical detox can provide medications to significantly ease the process and reduce the risk of relapse.

Benzodiazepine detox

Detoxing from benzos like Xanax or Valium can be dangerous and should always be done under medical supervision. Abruptly stopping use of these drugs can lead to seizures, so tapering off gradually is recommended.

Stimulant detox

When you stop using stimulants like meth or cocaine, you'll likely experience intense cravings, fatigue, and mood swings. Mood issues can be severe and may include suicidal thoughts, especially for people with co-occurring disorders.

Medication is a key tool for ensuring your safety and comfort during detox. It's not trading one substance for another. Instead, providers use FDA-approved medications to stabilize your body so you can begin the therapeutic work of recovery.

Commonly used medications include:

• For alcohol withdrawal: Benzodiazepines (like Valium or Ativan) can be used to manage anxiety and prevent seizures.
• For opioid withdrawal: Medications like buprenorphine (Suboxone) or methadone can reduce cravings and withdrawal severity. Other comfort medications, like clonidine, can help with physical symptoms.
• For symptom relief: The team can also provide medications to help with related issues like nausea, pain, or difficulty sleeping.

While you'll probably be most concerned with withdrawal symptoms, detox is also an opportunity to begin healing your mind and body. When searching for a place to detox, look for supportive elements to help you through this process.

• Nutrition and hydration: Your body has been through a lot. A healthy diet and proper hydration will help you regain strength and energy.
• Therapy providers: Even during detox, you will have access to counseling. Individual and group sessions provide a space to process your feelings and connect with others who understand what you are going through.
• Sleep support: Withdrawal symptoms can disrupt your sleep. Look for a detox facility that makes it easier to get the rest you need. Sleep hygiene training, regular lights-out, and a peaceful environment go a long way.
• Mental health resources: Addiction often co-occurs with mental health issues such as ADHD or anxiety. A comprehensive detox program should address these underlying issues and provide resources for ongoing support.

Completing detox is a huge accomplishment. After you finish, the door will open to the next phase of your healing. Your care team will be planning a smooth transition from detox into a structured treatment program.

This is where you will build the foundation for lasting sobriety. In residential or outpatient rehab, you will develop coping skills, address the root causes of your addiction, and create a strong relapse prevention plan. Don't worry, you won't have to figure it out alone. Your team will help you with the transition, making sure you have the support you need every step of the way.

It’s normal to be on the fence about entering treatment. Substance use, as damaging as it can be, is a big part of your life before you enter recovery. Even if you're totally ready, you might not know how to leave your responsibilities long enough. If you don't take the time now, though, when will you get the chance?

Whether you are ready to start detox or just have questions, the Sheridan Grove Recovery team is here to help. We accept Health First Colorado (Medicaid) plans and make the process of getting started easy. Get in touch with our team now by calling 303.268.2987 or reaching out online.

While you'll probably be most concerned with withdrawal symptoms, detox is also an opportunity to begin healing your mind and body. When searching for a place to detox, look for supportive elements to help you through this process.

• Nutrition and hydration: Your body has been through a lot. A healthy diet and proper hydration will help you regain strength and energy.
• Therapy providers: Even during detox, you will have access to counseling. Individual and group sessions provide a space to process your feelings and connect with others who understand what you are going through.
• Sleep support: Withdrawal symptoms can disrupt your sleep. Look for a detox facility that makes it easier to get the rest you need. Sleep hygiene training, regular lights-out, and a peaceful environment go a long way.
• Mental health resources: Addiction often co-occurs with mental health issues such as ADHD or anxiety. A comprehensive detox program should address these underlying issues and provide resources for ongoing support.