Medically reviewed by Dr. David Kashan, MD - Chief Medical Director
Stopping an alcohol addiction or drug abuse is challenging and potentially dangerous. When someone is in the vicious cycle of addiction, their brain and body become dependent on the substance they are using. When they try to stop, they often do not know how to function. During this time, the brain and body work around the clock to try and rebound back to life without drugs but will face many intense withdrawal symptoms. A medical drug and alcohol detox program can help manage these symptoms and provide a safe transition into sobriety.
Medical drug and alcohol detox is one of the cornerstones of the addiction treatment programs at every Evoke Wellness center. We understand how easily addiction can take over your life or the life of someone you love and how hard it can be to get sober. We also know that recovery is possible.
Our addiction treatment centers are the country’s premier medical detox and residential treatment facilities. Whether you’re struggling to overcome a drug or alcohol addiction, you’ll find hope and help during a time in which it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Find a medical drug and alcohol detox program near you today by calling 866.571.4942; our admissions counselors are available 24/7 to help you.
What is Medical Detox for Addiction?
Medical detox for addiction is a supervised process that helps individuals safely withdraw from addictive substances, like drugs or alcohol. During detox, medical professionals monitor and support the person, often providing medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. This process minimizes the physical and psychological discomfort associated with withdrawal and helps prevent potentially dangerous complications, such as seizures or heart issues. Medical detox is typically the first step in a comprehensive addiction treatment plan, providing a stable foundation for ongoing therapy and recovery.
The Dangers of Quitting Cold-Turkey
Quitting substances “cold turkey”—suddenly stopping without gradual reduction or medical support—can be dangerous and, in some cases, life-threatening. When the body becomes physically dependent on substances like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, abrupt cessation can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, increasing the risk of medical complications. A medically supervised detox is often recommended to manage these risks safely.
Common withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating and chills
- Intense cravings
- Muscle pain and tremors
- Anxiety, irritability, and depression
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Seizures (particularly with alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal)
Why is Detoxing from Home Dangerous?
Detoxing from drugs or alcohol at home can be dangerous due to the unpredictability and severity of withdrawal symptoms; these may include dehydration, seizures, hallucinations, or even heart complications. Without medical supervision, individuals are at higher risk of complications that can escalate quickly. This is especially true as it relates to substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids. Home detox also lacks the medications and medical monitoring that can alleviate symptoms and manage health risks. For these reasons, a medically supervised detox is typically recommended for safety and to help individuals manage withdrawal in a controlled, supportive environment.
If you're ready to start your journey to recovery, we're here to help.
Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the abused substance, how long someone has been using it, and other factors. In general, there are three categories of withdrawal symptoms:
- Physical withdrawal symptoms – These are the most common and include nausea, vomiting, shaking, sweating, abdominal pain, and more.
- Psychological withdrawal symptoms – Mental symptoms can be just as difficult as physical symptoms and include anxiety, depression, irritability, and insomnia.
- Behavioral withdrawal symptoms – These may manifest as changes in behavior, such as aggression or isolation.
Medical detoxification is one of the first steps in overcoming addiction. It’s a process in which the body readjusts after stopping drugs or alcohol. This can be done through various methods, but tapering off use under medical supervision is the most common. Detoxing without professional help can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Withdrawal symptoms can be intense and challenging to manage on your own. That’s why it’s important to detox under the care of a medical professional who can help you through the process and make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.
Why are Medical Detox Facilities Important?
Medical detox centers provide a safe and comfortable environment for you to detox from drugs or alcohol. These centers are staffed with medical professionals who can help manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. Detoxing in a medical setting, like an acute detox center, also provides access to other addiction treatment services, such as therapy and counseling. These programs can help you stay on track with your recovery after you leave the detox center.
Find a Medical Detox Program Near Me
Medical detox is often the first step in any substance abuse treatment program; it’s an imperative part of the rehab process. Whether you’re looking for a structured environment close to where you live, or seeking individualized treatment options, Evoke Wellness offers the utmost in professional care. If you’d like to learn more, you can call us at 866.571.4942.
- Evoke Wellness: 3600 Red Rd, Miramar, FL 33025
Addiction Statistics in the United States
“Drug Use Statistics – Demographics and Data on Drug Abuse.” Addiction Help, 2 Mar. 2023, www.addictionhelp.com/drugs/statistics/.
National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. “NCDAS: Substance Abuse and Addiction Statistics [2020].” National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2020, www.drugabusestatistics.org/
Maust, Donovan T., et al. “Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse among Adults in the United States.” Psychiatric Services, vol. 70, no. 2, Feb. 2019, pp. 97–106, https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201800321
miller, jessica. “Cocaine Addiction Statistics Addiction Help.” Addiction Help, 8 Mar. 2024, www.addictionhelp.com/cocaine/statistics/.
“Drug and Alcohol Detox: The First Step to Sobriety – Addiction Center.” AddictionCenter, 2017, www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/drug-and-alcohol-detox/.
Miller, Jessica. “Addiction Recovery Statistics.” Addiction Help, 6 Mar. 2023, www.addictionhelp.com/recovery/statistics/.
Taking the first step toward recovery isn’t easy, but we’re here to help. When you start a medical drug and alcohol detox program, you’ll have the support of a team that cares about your progress and well-being. Recovery is possible; it’s easier with help.
Call 866.429.2960 today to speak with one of our admissions counselors. We are available 24/7, so you can get the help you need when you need it.
Is Medical Detox Expensive?
Medical detox for addiction can be costly, but the expense varies significantly depending on factors like the type of facility, length of treatment, and level of care required. Inpatient detox programs, where individuals receive 24/7 medical support, tend to be more expensive than outpatient programs, which allow patients to return home each day. Some insurance plans cover part or all of the costs of detox, and many treatment centers offer sliding scales or financing options to make care more accessible. While medical detox can be a financial commitment, it provides crucial, often life-saving support that can lead to a successful recovery.
Is Medical Detox Covered by Insurance?
Many health insurance plans cover medical detox for addiction, recognizing it as an essential first step in treatment. Coverage can vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific plan, with some policies covering only a portion of the cost or specific types of treatment (like inpatient or outpatient detox). Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans are required to offer some level of mental health and substance use disorder treatment; this includes detox services. However, it’s important for individuals to check with their provider for details on coverage, co-pays, and any out-of-pocket costs to fully understand their benefits.
At Evoke Wellness, we want to ensure that those suffering from addiction get the treatment they need. For those experiencing severe withdrawal, affordability for detox is imperative. We accept a wide variety of insurance. You can verify your insurance coverage below.
Evoke Wellness Offers Medical Detox
Evoke Wellness has medical detox programs that can help you or someone you love detox from drugs or alcohol in a safe and comfortable environment. Our centers are staffed with medical professionals who can help manage withdrawal symptoms and provide other addiction treatment services.
We also offer a variety of residential treatment programs that can help you continue your recovery after you leave the detox center. These programs provide a structured environment where you can live and recover with the help of therapy, counseling, and other treatment services.
If you're ready to start your journey to recovery, we're here to help.
Receive the Utmost in Professional Medical Detox Today
Taking the first step toward recovery isn’t easy, but we’re here to help. When you start a medical drug and alcohol detox program, you’ll have the support of a team that cares about your progress and well-being. Recovery is possible; it’s easier with help. Call 866.571.4942 today to speak with one of our admissions counselors. We are available 24/7, so you can get the help you need when you need it.
Our team can help you determine if your addiction treatment at Evoke Wellness could be at little to no-cost to you. Complete the form below or contact us today to complete your insurance verification.
