When you’re ready to recover from alcohol addiction, detox is an important first step. Most people detox from alcohol in a week or less. During that process, you’ll likely experience withdrawal symptoms. These can be uncomfortable or even life-threatening—but they’re temporary. And in a medical detox program, your care team will keep you safe from any serious side effects. Proper treatment can set you up for success when you move on to the next phase of recovery.
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Everyone’s alcohol withdrawal symptoms are a little different. Your experience will depend on a few factors, including how long and how much you’ve been drinking. About 50% of people with alcohol addiction1 have withdrawal symptoms when they start recovery. Within that group, 3-5% have severe symptoms that could be fatal. The first symptoms of withdrawal2 usually appear about 8 hours after your last drink:
Alcohol cravings
Irritability
Anxiety
Insomnia
Nightmares
Tremors
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Even mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable. Perhaps as a result, withdrawal symptoms can lead to relapse.3 Medically assisted detox provides a more comfortable withdrawal experience. You may still have symptoms, but your care team will help you manage them. Most programs include non-addictive medications, talk therapy, and some complementary treatments.
Delirium Tremens
Withdrawal from severe alcohol addiction sometimes leads to delirium tremens4 (DTs, also referred to as DT), also called alcohol withdrawal delirium. While it’s not very common, this tends to affect people with chronically excessive drinking habits. This condition presents with a few key symptoms:
Hallucinations
Confusion
Elevated blood pressure
Elevated body temperature
Agitation or aggressive behavior
Seizures
Without proper treatment, these symptoms can be fatal. Certain people are more at risk for DTs than others. If you have multiple addictions, abnormal liver function, a history of DTs, or a history of seizures, this condition is more likely. Certain short-term health issues can also increase your risk, like dehydration and low potassium levels.
Medical detox is extremely important for anyone with a risk of DTs—even a low one. In these programs, you’ll work with a team of doctors, nurses, and other experts. They can manage your symptoms with medication and offer round-the-clock care in case of emergency.
PAWS is often triggered by stress. Because PAWS can cause relapse,6 it’s important to have a treatment plan in place. With the right approach, you can manage your symptoms and continue to focus on recovery.
Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal
Most symptoms of alcohol withdrawal7 appear during the first few days after your last drink. However, the precise timeline for alcohol withdrawal is different for everyone. Depending on the severity of your addiction, your symptoms may be mild or more intense.
6-12 Hours
Withdrawal symptoms normally start within 6-8 hours after your last drink. You might have a headache or start sweating. You may also feel nauseous or nervous. For people with a long history of heavy drinking, it’s possible to have a seizure in the first 6-12 hours of withdrawal.
12-24 Hours
Mild symptoms continue to build in the first 24 hours of withdrawal. You might have tremors, particularly in your hands. Some people experience insomnia. For those with more severe withdrawal symptoms, hallucinations may start to occur in the first 24 hours. These can be visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations.
24-48 Hours
If you have only mild withdrawal symptoms, they may peak 24-48 hours after you stop drinking. From then on, symptoms like headaches, tremors, rapid heart rate, and nausea could decrease.
People with more severe symptoms might have seizures 48 hours into the detox process.
48-96 Hours
If your symptoms are more severe, they may also last longer. For some people, peak withdrawal occurs within 72 hours of quitting alcohol. After that point, you’ll probably start to feel better.
Other people are at risk for developing delirium tremens on the 3rd day of withdrawal, starting around 72 hours into detox. You might not know in advance whether this is a risk for you. This is why it’s so important to get proper care during alcohol detox. Your team can stand by during this crucial time, ready to help you if new symptoms develop.
96 Hours and Beyond
Most people start to feel completely better around day 4 or 5 of detox. At this point, your body stops compensating for the lack of alcohol in your system. You’ll reach a new equilibrium as tremors, nausea, anxiety, and other symptoms subside. Most people complete withdrawal sometime between days 5-7.
If you experience delirium tremens, you may need more time to detox. Delirium tremens symptoms usually last 7 days, and sometimes longer.
Treatments for Alcohol Withdrawal
You’ve got a few options for alcohol withdrawal treatment, including hospitals, medical detox centers, and rehab. Most detox programs follow similar treatment plans, though some provide more therapeutic support than others.
Treatment typically begins with a thorough physical exam. Doctors will ask about any pre-existing conditions that might impact your withdrawal experience. From there, you’ll begin detox.
Over the first few days, your medical team will monitor you closely. They might provide medication if you need it. If you don’t show any signs of withdrawal symptoms after 48-72 hours, you might be released to outpatient care or residential rehab. If you’re detoxing in rehab, you might progress to the next stage of treatment.
For some people, the fear of alcohol withdrawal symptoms10 is a barrier to treatment. Medical detox programs can keep you safe and as comfortable as possible while you detox.
How Long Will It Take to Detox from Alcohol?
How long alcohol stays in your system is unique for everyone. In most cases, acute withdrawal symptoms end after 5-7 days. You can go through this process in an onsite or offsite detox program. Most care plans include medical treatment, non-addictive prescriptions, and psychotherapy.
Onsite Detox
Some inpatient rehabs offer onsite detox. This approach lets you move seamlessly from initial detox into longer-term treatment. You can get medical and therapeutic support in the same place, instead of moving to a new center in the middle of treatment.
For example, at Noosa Confidential in Australia, clients stay in a waterfront retreat with 24-hour access to staff. Here, you’ll work with the same clinicians throughout detox and residential treatment.11 This consistency makes it easier to build trust with your care team.
Off-site Detox
In a program with offsite detox, you’ll go through withdrawal in a separate facility before you start inpatient care. For people with more severe withdrawal symptoms, more complex medical treatment might be necessary. With offsite detox, you can still transition smoothly into rehab when you’re ready.
The Beekeeper House in Thailand is an inpatient rehab with an offsite detox program. They work with their partner facility, The Warm, to determine the best plan of action for your detox.12 Many patients go through detox at The Warm before they start residential treatment. If you have more complex medical needs, you can transfer to their partner hospital in Chiang Mai before returning for rehab.
New Jersey’s Enlightened Solutions also has offsite detox as part of their flexible detox options.13 You can detox in their inpatient rehab, at one of their partner facilities, or an independent detox center before you start longer-term treatment.
Will Health Insurance Cover the Cost of Alcohol Detox?
Many detox centers accept insurance, including Medicaid. The cost of detox varies depending on the facility and the level of care you receive. Check with your insurance provider in advance to see what you plan will cover. Your treatment program’s admissions team can also offer guidance. There are options for everyone, even if you don’t have insurance. If you’re interested, you can learn more about alcohol detox and inpatient rehab programs that accept insurance.
Detox is an essential step in the healing process. Medical detox programs can help you start recovery as safely as possible. When you’re ready to start addiction treatment, you can find a rehab that offers alcohol detox.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Detox
How long does alcohol detox last?
The duration of alcohol detox varies for each person. In general, most people complete alcohol detox within a week or less.
What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors like the duration and amount of alcohol you consumed. About 50% of people with alcohol addiction experience withdrawal symptoms when starting recovery, with 3-5% facing severe symptoms that can be life-threatening. Common early withdrawal symptoms (which start about 8 hours after the last drink) include intense cravings, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, nightmares, tremors, headaches, and nausea/vomiting. Even mild symptoms can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of relapse. Medically assisted detox programs provide a safer and more comfortable experience.
What are delirium tremens (DTs), and who is at risk?
Delirium tremens (DTs) can happen during withdrawal from severe alcohol addiction, although it’s relatively uncommon and typically affects people with chronic excessive drinking habits. DT symptoms include hallucinations, confusion, elevated blood pressure, elevated body temperature, agitation or aggressive behavior, and seizures. Without proper treatment, DTs can be fatal. Certain factors increase the risk of developing DTs, including multiple addictions, abnormal liver function, a previous history of DTs or seizures, and short-term health issues like dehydration and low potassium levels.
It’s hard to know what to expect from drug and alcohol detox. Some people need 24/7 medical attention. Others focus more on emotional recovery. But one thing’s true across the board: starting treatment in a beautiful place can make healing a little easier. That’s why so many people choose to attend detox centers in Florida.
Sun in All Seasons
Florida’s tropical and subtropical climate boasts warm weather year round. So if your health permits, you might be able to spend time outside during detox. But the weather can make a difference even if you need to stay in your room. Data shows that just looking at a beautiful view can help you heal.1
Thanks to the state’s 825 miles of coastline, Florida rehabs cater to people who love the beach. And even if you’re not ready to go off-site during detox, that culture has a direct impact on treatment. For instance, most centers have outdoor pools and patios where you can relax and enjoy the sunshine. With these amenities, you can stay as comfortable as possible in any stage of recovery.
Experts at Chapel Hill Medical Detox in West Palm Beach say clients who attend “medically assisted detox are more likely to stay in treatment longer.”
What Happens During Detox?
Detox is often the first step in addiction treatment. And it can be overwhelming. You’ll probably experience both physical and emotional symptoms during withdrawal:2
Restlessness
Mood swings
Irritability
Depression
Changes to appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Sleep disturbances
These symptoms are different for everyone. And they can be more severe if you have other health issues, or if you’re healing from certain addictions. It’s especially important to get expert medical care during detox from alcohol,3opioids,4 or benzodiazepines.5 Without proper treatment, withdrawal from these substances can be life-threatening.
In a reputable detox program, your care team might include some or all of these specialists:
These experts provide care during inpatient detox. They can also help you plan for what comes next.
Types of Treatment in Florida’s Detox Centers
Detox is more than a medical process. It’s also a time to prepare yourself for long-term addiction recovery. You can set yourself up for success in a program that shares your values. And Florida’s luxury detox centers support patients with a wide variety of recovery goals.
Gulf Breeze Recovery in Gulf Breeze combines top-notch medical care with holistic detox treatments.
Medical Detox
According to the team at Chapel Hill Medical Detox in West Palm Beach, clients who attend “medically assisted detox are more likely to stay in treatment longer.”6 With this approach, doctors and nurses will support you through early recovery. You might taper off drug use instead of stopping cold turkey, or take non-addictive medications to help you stay comfortable. And when you’re ready, you’ll probably start seeing a talk therapist or other counselor.
Programs like these are a good fit for people who need close supervision during detox. Inpatient medical detox provides round-the-clock care, keeping you safe as you adjust to life without drug use. But it’s not the only way to begin addiction treatment.
Outpatient Detox
Sometimes, it can be better to detox in the comfort of your own home. This might be important for celebrity clients who need strict confidentiality, or people with pressing family commitments. If you’re physically healthy and you have a strong support network, you can consider outpatient detox.
In most of these programs, you’ll live independently but attend daily appointments on-site. Clients get medical and psychiatric care, and may connect with each other in group therapy. If this sounds like a good fit for you, make sure you talk to your doctor before starting treatment. While outpatient detox can make recovery more accessible, it’s not a safe option for everyone.
Holistic Treatment
Medical treatment is an essential part of detox—but it isn’t everything. Centers like Gulf Breeze Recovery combine top-notch medical care with holistic detox treatments. For example, you might get a massage between talk therapy sessions. Or you could learn to manage cravings with mindfulness techniques. This integrated approach helps you get to the root cause of your addiction, so you can heal from the inside out.
Agape Detox Center in Port St. Lucie evaluates each client’s lifestyle, health history, and risk factors for addiction to create a unique plan of care.
Individualized Care
The healing process is different for everyone. That’s true in every stage of recovery, from withdrawal to aftercare. So some of Florida’s rehabs tailor the detox process to suit each client’s needs.
The team at Agape Detox Center, for example, takes a “targeted, whole-health approach” to recovery. They evaluate each client’s lifestyle, health history, and risk factors for addiction. That information helps them design your unique plan of care. That plan will likely include talk therapy, medical treatment, and nutritional support. In bespoke treatment, you’ll learn more about your own needs. And with that knowledge, you can go on to build a life you love.
Comprehensive Recovery
Compared to residential rehab, detox doesn’t last very long.7 For most types of addiction, withdrawal symptoms subside in a few days to a week. But that’s not the end of addiction recovery.
Many detox programs require you to have a long-term treatment plan before you even arrive. Usually, that means enrolling in a residential rehab program. So when you complete detox, you can go directly to your next treatment center (in Florida or elsewhere).
Some Florida rehabs make this process much easier. Providers like Immersion Recovery Center offer both detox and residential recovery. You can still detox in one program and go to rehab in another, but you don’t have to. Instead of moving, you can focus on the transition that matters most: your healing process.
Comprehensive Care in the Sunshine State
In many places, detoxing from drugs or alcohol can be isolating. That doesn’t have to be true in the Sunshine State. These bespoke programs could be a great fit if you love warm weather—even if you plan to enjoy it through your bedroom window.
If you’re hesitant about calling an addiction treatment center for the first time, you’re not alone. We understand how it can feel like another hurdle to clear on your way to getting reliable residential care.
But whether you’re seeking treatment for yourself or for a loved one, and whether you’ve researched inpatient rehab centers for weeks or not at all, that initial phone call is the first step to actively getting help. Plus, talking to an admissions specialist will help you determine if a particular treatment facility is the right fit for you.
Knowing what to expect when you get on the phone with a rehab center can give you the confidence you need to make that first call. Keep reading to learn more about inquiring at a residential treatment center.
Who Answers the Phone?
When you call a rehab center, you’ll talk to an intake or admissions specialist. Sometimes a receptionist will answer first and redirect your call.
It’s important to know that, in general, a rehab’s admissions staff performs the same functions as a sales team. Their job is to sell their rehab center’s treatment to potential clients. Yes, they want you to get the help you need, but typically they want you to get that help through their program. This is especially true if you call a hotline that’s trying to refer you to a rehab center for a fee.
Residential rehab admissions staff are usually trained to help people going through various mental, emotional, and physical struggles when they call. And all rehab staff should have ethical standards for interacting with potential clients and helping them get the treatment they need.
Still, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive unbiased information when calling a treatment center. Knowing which questions to ask, and what questions to be prepared to answer, will empower you to get the facts you need and to determine for yourself if the rehab you’re calling is really the right one for you.
What Happens When You Call?
Usually, the admissions specialist will begin the call with a series of questions to learn more about you, your medical and substance use history, and your current condition. This series of questions is often referred to as an “initial assessment,” and is quite standard between different facilities. Initial assessments usually occur via telephone. But you can also do it in-person if you visit a rehab center to see their facilities.
Note: This initial admissions assessment is different from your check-in assessment, which is a much more in-depth evaluation performed by licensed mental health professionals and medical staff when you arrive at an inpatient facility for your stay.
The purpose of the rehab intake assessment1 is for the center to determine what level of care you need and any logistics that need to be arranged for your treatment. As the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes, this assessment helps “pinpoint places where there are—or may be—concerns.”
Having an in-depth conversation about your background and concerns also allows the rehab to determine which standard length of stay is appropriate for you and if their core program needs to be adjusted to meet any of your specific needs. For example, if you’re struggling with sex addiction and not a substance use disorder, you might be scheduled to join Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous meetings instead of Narcotics Anonymous meetings during your stay.
During your intake assessment you’ll also have the chance to ask any additional questions you have, like details about the center’s facilities or specific therapies offered. And remember—everything discussed during this phone call is to help you decide if the rehab center is the best match for you.
Basic Questions Inpatient Rehab Centers May Ask
When you call a rehab, the questions you’re asked may vary slightly from center to center. This is because each addiction treatment center’s intake questions1 “depend on the types of clients treated and the kinds of services offered,” as explained in a SAMHSA report on Treatment Improvement Protocol.
No matter who you call, you’ll probably be asked to share most of the same general information. This includes your basic demographics and background, your medical and family history, and your substance use history.
According to another SAMHSA report on Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons with Co-Occurring Disorders, you should also be prepared to discuss any “medical issues (including physical disability and sexually transmitted diseases), cultural issues, gender-specific and sexual orientation issues, and legal issues,” which will further aid the treatment matching and planning process.2Rehabs may ask you questions about the following topics:
Basic demographics and background
How old are you?
Where are you from?
What is your racial and ethnic identity?
What is your gender and sexual identity?
What, if any, is your religious background?
Do you actively follow any religious practices?
Medical history
Do you have any current or past physical health conditions (like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.)?
When were you diagnosed and how old were you?
What treatments did you receive?
What were your treatment results?
Did you, or do you currently, experience any complications during treatment?
Do you have any current or past mental health conditions (like depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.)?
When were you diagnosed and how old were you?
What treatments did you receive?
What were your treatment results?
Did you, or do you currently, experience any complications during treatment?
Have you had any major or minor surgeries?
Did you, or do you currently, experience any complications due to these surgeries?
What are your current and past prescription medications?
Have you ever had any negative reactions to medications?
Family history
Do/did any of your parents have problems with alcohol or other drug use?
Does your partner have a problem with alcohol or drug use?
Do any of your second- or third-degree family members have a history of substance or alcohol use disorders?
Do your relatives have any other notable physical or psychological conditions?
Substance use history
What substances do you currently use?
What substances have you used in the past, but are no longer using?
How long have you been using substances and/or alcohol?
Do you have any co-occurring conditions or dual diagnoses?
Are you, or have you ever taken any prescription medications to treat substance or alcohol use disorder?
Have you ever had any negative reactions to medications?
Even if you don’t have the answers to all these questions, or some of them are difficult to discuss, understanding your complete personal and family history is the starting point of addiction treatment.1“The assessment examines a client’s life in far more detail so that accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment placement, problem lists, and treatment goals can be made,” explains the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment in a SAMHSA report. “Usually, a clinical assessment delves into a client’s current experiences and her physical, psychological, and sociocultural history to determine specific treatment needs.”
After discussing your general background and history, you’ll have the chance to ask any of your questions about rehab in general and about that facility’s staff, policies, and programs in particular.
What to Ask a Residential Rehab Center
Before your first phone call with any rehab center, it’s a good idea to write up a list of questions you want to ask. In addition to helping you feel even more prepared, this ensures you’ll get all of the information you need to make an educated decision about your treatment.
You may have more questions than those listed below, but these are a good starting point to help you make the most out of your call.
Learning More About Residential Rehab—The Basics
How much does treatment cost?
“How much is this going to cost me?” is the first question on most people’s minds when they call a rehab center. Knowing the costs of treatment upfront will allow you to financially prepare for inpatient rehab, which in turn can give you the mental clarity to fully focus on your recovery while you’re in treatment.
In the United States, the Affordable Care Act requires most insurance policies to cover up to a certain level of treatment. Heather Charlet, Director of Admissions at Gallus Detox Center in Colorado, explains that coverage “depends on each individual’s policy and what their out-of-network benefits are. We run a verification of benefits for every patient that has insurance to see what we’re able to cover.”
“We also have self-pay rates that are guaranteed, regardless of what they may need during their stay. They don’t get back bills when they’re with us: the cost is the cost.”
Many people seeking treatment want to get the help they need as soon as possible. Because of the extensive number of treatment centers available, waitlists are generally not common in the U.S. But in Europe and Australia, where relatively fewer luxury rehabs are sought after by those wanting top-quality treatment, having to wait to check into treatment can be a real concern.
Because addiction is by nature an urgent issue, whether a center has a waitlist or not may determine if you can, or want to, attend treatment at that facility. Knowing this information right away can save some time in making your decision.
Tell me more about your center’s treatment philosophies and modalities.
The path to recovery is an incredibly personal journey: What works for one person may or may not work for another. That’s why so many different methods are used to treat substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
Faith-based, 12-Step, non-12-Step, and holistic rehabs are examples of rehab treatment approaches that underpin entire programs and may appeal to different types of people. Meanwhile, treatment modalities, or therapies, can range from conventional, such as talk therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to complementary therapies like art therapy and adventure therapy, to name a few.
The best treatment options for you will depend on your past treatment experiences, your substance use history, and even your personal interests. Maybe you already know what kinds of treatment methods you’re interested in trying or continuing. Or perhaps having a variety of modalities is important so you can try something new or discover your preferences.
Learn this information so you can reflect on whether the center’s overall approach resonates with you, whether you’re interested in doing any of the particular therapies, and to decide if the treatment philosophies align with your personal beliefs.
How qualified is your staff?
Knowing who will be helping you throughout your time in treatment is just as important as knowing what modalities are used. These staff-related questions will help you get a clearer picture of the people overseeing your treatment:
What kind of professionals will I be interacting with on a day-to-day basis?
Who will be on my treatment team?
What are their qualifications?
Learning More About Residential Rehab—The Details of Your Stay
What types of clientele does your program serve? Do you offer the specific specialized services I need?
These two questions are important for several reasons:
Some rehab centers are tailored to the particular needs of specific clientele. There are luxury rehabs that cater to executives and wouldn’t be appropriate for teens, for example.
If you identify with ethnic or sexual minority groups you may require specific resources to address your minority experiences. For example, a transgender person may have trauma around their lived experiences and would likely need an LGBTQ+ affirming environment to safely process this during treatment.
There may be other specialized services that you know you need for a successful treatment experience, such as co-occurring disorder treatment or trauma-informed care.
Whether or not these apply to you, asking this question helps you make sure the rehab center can adequately serve you. In addition to having resources to address certain experiences, the main value of being in a program with similar clientele is that this can create an atmosphere of collective safety and comfort that allows you to do vulnerable therapy and group work.
Do you offer on-site detox?
Some people require detox before they begin inpatient treatment. And some residential rehab centers, like Cypress Lakes Lodge and Camino Recovery, are equipped with the facilities and medical staff necessary to offer detox services on-site. Alternatively, other centers may offer detox off-site through partnerships with local medical facilities.
There are different settings for detox treatment and varying levels of care,3 which is why you should discuss if the rehab center can provide you with the appropriate detox program. If needed, detox is an essential step in beginning treatment. In a report on detoxification, SAMHSA describes that “this phase of treatment frequently requires a greater intensity of services initially to establish participation in treatment activities and […] increase the patient’s readiness for and commitment to substance abuse treatment.”
Please remember that when done incorrectly or on your own, detox can be potentially harmful to both your physical and mental health. Because of this, it’s important to consult with your physician or a qualified medical professional when making any decisions about detox.
What does the initial check-in assessment include?
Most addiction treatment centers will carry out additional in-person physical and psychological assessments when you first arrive. The more extensive these check-in assessments are, the better, because this information is used to determine your treatment program.
“What we find a lot of times is people come to us with multiple comorbidities, very complex situations, so we use an intensive assessment center to fill out our continuum of care,” says Jerry Vaccaro, President of All Points North Lodge. “We firmly believe there has to be multiple options for people who require treatment, so they can plug in where their needs are.”
How many clinical hours does your program include?
A key indicator of a rehab center’s value is how many individual therapy sessions you’ll actually receive per week. The more time you get to spend with your counselors and therapists, the more help you’re directly receiving. Some treatment programs consist mainly of group therapy sessions, while others include more one-on-one time with practitioners. Asking about program details like this upfront can help you avoid unpleasant surprises when you arrive.
What are the center’s policies and expectations with regards to contacting loved ones? To what extent am I allowed to use my laptop or cell phone?
Relationships with your partner, family, and friends are an essential part of your life and recovery. Don’t let fear of not knowing whether you’ll be able to maintain your relationships with your partner and/or family be the roadblock that stops you from getting help.
If relationships are an important factor for you, ask the center what their outside device or communications policies are:
To what extent is my family going to be brought into treatment?
Do you have a family program? If so, what does this look like?
Will my partner/family be able to visit?
Am I going to be able to maintain my relationships while I’m in treatment?
Will I be able to video call or chat with my loved ones?
Will I be allowed to use my personal device for these calls?
Learning More About Residential Rehab—Important Facts About Aftercare
Is it possible for me to extend my stay if necessary?
Most inpatient rehab programs have set lengths of stay that typically range from 30 to 90 days. Your admissions specialist can help you determine what length of stay is appropriate for you. Still, you never know what’s going to happen and if you’ll feel fully prepared to check out once you’ve reached the benchmark time spent in treatment. And while most centers are happy to allow clients to extend their stay, if yours is waitlisted, this may present an issue. It’s helpful to know whether your center allows their clients to continue receiving residential treatment if required.
What kind of continuing care, if any, is provided?
Most people require ongoing support and care after their stay at a residential rehab. “What happens after treatment is probably the most important question about treatment, because that’s what people go back to after they leave from treatment,” says Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus in Zurich, Switzerland. “The whole concept of aftercare is maybe even more important than the treatment itself.”
Certain components of continuing care, such as ongoing therapy and a strong support network, are essential to relapse prevention. But aftercare options vary greatly between rehab centers. Some centers may not offer continuing care, or may offer these services at an additional cost. So make sure you find out as much information as possible about your rehab’s aftercare program.
Ask the Questions That Matter to You
Asking all of the questions above is a great way to suss out whether a residential rehab center feels like a good fit. These questions may lead to more questions that are specific to your personal needs. For example, if you know you’re going away for a month to receive treatment, maybe you already know you’re going to need specific accommodations or allowances. Or if you have certain issues to address while you’re in treatment, you need to make sure the center can adequately help you. Don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you have! Only you can decide if a center is going to be able to meet your needs and offer everything you’re looking for during your stay.
What Happens Next?
Once your initial assessment is over and all of your questions have been answered, you’ll likely receive treatment and length of stay recommendations from your admissions specialist. At this point, you can also schedule a visit to tour the facility, if it’s feasible for you, before you make any final decisions.
Your admissions specialist will then review the results of your intake assessment with you. This may happen later, over the phone, or even once you’ve checked in to the facility. It’s extremely beneficial to know your results, because “personalized feedback on the risks associated with [your] own use of a particular substance and how [your] consumption pattern compares to norms—especially for [your] own cultural and gender groups—is a powerful way to develop a sense of discrepancy that can motivate change,” according to a SAMHSA report on Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Abuse Treatment.
Lastly, if the facility isn’t the best fit for you, or if you decide it’s not possible at this time for you to physically attend residential rehab, you can ask for additional recommendations. The admissions team might connect you with other resources depending on their level of expertise. Ideally, they would be able to point you in the right direction.
“In my role as admissions coordinator, I help families find treatment for their loved ones,” clarifies Quinn Tremblay, Admissions Coordinator at McLean Fernside. “I guide them through the process, since a lot of families are new to addiction treatment. Sometimes this includes getting them to insurance-based programs, or even helping them get services through their community or state.”
Once you’ve chosen the rehab center that’s the best fit for you and doesn’t have a wait period (or if it does, has a wait period of less than 4 weeks), the admissions team will also help you organize the logistics. This may look like your intake specialist giving you practical, specific advice or taking action on your behalf, like helping you request time off of work for treatment and arranging your travel to the center.
A rehab admissions specialist should be able to assist you with anything on your to-do list prior to check-in:
No matter where you’re at in the process of seeking help, it’s okay to not have all of the answers. The first phone call to a residential rehab is a key first step towards getting the help you need. Before you pick up the phone, be the most prepared you can be with up-to-date, accurate information about residential rehab so you can confidently make an educated choice about which center is the best one for your unique wants and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calling a Rehab Center
What happens when you call a drug rehab?
An intake specialist will ask a series of questions to learn more about you. This helps them determine the level of care you need and other treatment details. It’s also a chance for you to find out more about the center.
What questions should I ask when choosing a drug rehab?
These questions can help you make the most out of your call:
An intake or admissions specialist picks up. Sometimes a receptionist will answer and redirect your call. All rehab staff should follow ethical standards when interacting with potential clients.
Detoxing from alcohol or other substances is often the first step in addiction treatment. In fact, many people have their first-ever encounter with the treatment system through detox. And as with any first step, this stage of recovery can profoundly impact the rest of your journey.
As you plan for treatment, you may find yourself asking these questions:
Do I even need to detox?
Where do I detox?
Where can I get help planning my detox?
That’s why we’ve created this guide to drug and alcohol detox, which covers the need-to-know information.
We’ll start by examining the purpose of detox and how it fits into your recovery journey.
What’s the Purpose of Detox?
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines detox for substance abuse treatment1 as “a set of interventions aimed at managing acute intoxication and withdrawal.”
During detox, your body withdraws from alcohol or drugs. For this reason, some medical bodies like the American Society of Addiction Management (ASAM) have actually replaced the term “detoxification” with “withdrawal management.” Alcohol withdrawal can potentially be life-threatening,2 so we can’t discuss detox without stressing the importance of safety. It’s safest to detox under medical supervision, with the support of specialized, experienced professionals.
It’s also important to note that while detox is often the first step towards sobriety, it’s not a lasting solution to changing addictive behaviors.
According to SAMHSA’s Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment manual, “Detoxification, in and of itself, does not constitute complete substance abuse treatment.” Additionally, it stresses that proper treatment involves “ongoing therapeutic services ultimately intended to promote recovery for substance abuse patients.”
Followed by a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at sustainable sobriety, safe detox can serve as a crucial first step towards lasting recovery.
Whether or not you need detox depends on the history of your substance use, including the length, level of use, and type of substance used.
Receiving an evaluation from a medical professional is recommended, especially if using benzodiazepines or alcohol as withdrawal from these substances can be life-threatening. You can ask your primary care doctor or psychiatrist to connect you to the right resources. Rehabs also offer over-the-phone detox assessments as part of the intake process, then a more in-depth evaluation with a clinician.
“The detox process typically starts when a loved one, or the person who needs to come in, calls. We talk to them, get some basic information, then complete an over-the-phone assessment for about 20 or 30 minutes. We ask them a series of questions: their basic history, medical history, and their substance use.”
As a rule of thumb, if you notice signs of substance or alcohol abuse as outlined in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), you may want to consider getting an evaluation for detox. Some signs of substance abuse include:
Cravings to use substances
Inability to cut down or stop substance use
Taking more substances than you plan to
Using substances for longer than intended
Continuing to use substances even when it puts you in danger or otherwise negatively affects your life
When you consult with a medical practitioner, they’ll determine your safest detox option by performing assessments such as:
A body exam to check for symptoms like rapid heart rate and shaky hands
Blood and urine tests
Toxicology screening
Do You Need to Detox Before Rehab?
Most residential rehabs require you to be substance-free for a certain number of days before coming in. You can find out if detox is recommended for you during your initial assessment during the admissions process.
What Can You Expect From Detox?
Your substance use history will affect the withdrawal experience, how long you can expect to detox, and whether or not you’ll need medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
A few hours after you stop using, your body begins to adjust to substances leaving your system. This adjustment process can lead to the development of withdrawal symptoms. It might sound daunting, but keep in mind that the purpose of a supervised detox is to minimize the severity of these symptoms and ensure you’re safely clearing your body of substances.
Depending on the substance, this occurs 6 to 12, or up to 30 hours after you’ve stopped using. Milder symptoms like anxiety and irritability will start to show.
Peak Stage
This stage occurs 24 to 48 hours after you’ve stopped drinking, or 72 hours for opiates. Symptoms are at their worst and can include tremors, chills and vomiting. Relapse is most likely at this stage, so having a strong support system and medical supervision is advised.
Late Stage
The body is getting used to the absence of substances and withdrawal symptoms begin tailing off. If you’ve been on a medical detox, medication can be tapered down.
On average, detox takes 3 to 7 days. Opiates and benzodiazepines are known to take the longest to withdraw from and it can take up to 14 days for withdrawal symptoms to peak.
In more serious cases, your doctor might recommend medication-assisted treatment:5 medication combined with counseling and behavioral therapy.
Detoxing From Different Substance Addictions
Withdrawal effects vary by substance, with some posing more dangerous side effects than others. We explore detoxing from different substances below.
Detoxing From Alcohol
Alcohol detox poses a high risk with potential for severe withdrawal side effects like delirium tremens (DT), a life-threatening side effect of alcohol withdrawal6 that can cause seizures. Delirium tremens symptoms usually show up 2 to 3 days after someone last ingested alcohol.
Symptoms include anxiety, nausea, tremors and other psychological and physical symptoms.
Symptoms include muscle pain, anxiety, rapid heart rate and other psychological and physical effects.
The opiate detox time frame is up to 7 days. Those who are detoxing can develop post-acute withdrawal symptoms9 lasting weeks, months or even years.
Detoxing From Cocaine
Cocaine withdrawal is known to be more psychological than physical.
Symptoms include agitation, anxiety, depression and other effects on mood.
The time frame for cocaine detox is up to 7 days.
How Do Different Facilities Handle Detox?
You have several options for detox, so it helps to know what each entails.
Substance Abuse Detox at Hospitals
After a medical evaluation, your doctor will suggest the best course of treatment. Usually, family and friends aren’t allowed to visit during substance abuse detoxes. However, clinical staff are there to soothe your symptoms and offer round-the-clock support. They should also keep you informed of the status of your progress.
Detoxing at a Residential Rehab Facility
When you contact an inpatient rehab, you’ll complete an over-the-phone assessment during the intake process. This is usually followed by an in-depth evaluation with a clinician, during which they’ll recommend a detox plan. Some on-site detox centers offer counseling during detox to ease you through its discomforts. And when you’re finished detoxing, you’ll have a smoother transition into treatment.
What to Expect at a Private Detox Center
Many rehabs don’t have in-house detox facilities, but will refer you to a detox center and help you with transfers and other necessary logistics. Admissions staff at private centers can provide an assessment and answer your questions about cost, what to expect in treatment, and your estimated length of stay. Private detox centers are fully equipped to handle everything related to detox, and some may specialize in certain types of cases.
Douglass Weiss, President & Chief Customer Officer of Gallus Detox Centers, discusses these special cases:
“If a patient is a longer term user or a higher level user of a substance, detoxing can be very difficult and has a significant mortality risk to it. When you have patients taking multiple substances, you have to be prepared in order to deal with those side effects. Residential treatment centers don’t have that level of expertise. So we’re equipped to take the patients that they can’t handle.”
How Detox Is Handled at Home (Outpatient Detox)
If you have a strong support system at home and your condition doesn’t require hospitalization, you may be able to opt for outpatient detox.10 Similarly to the other options, you’ll go through an initial assessment and outline your detox plan with a health professional. You’ll then visit a hospital or clinic daily (weekdays only), either during the day or evening. Outpatient detox programs usually range from 3 to 14 days, with sessions that run from 15 to 30 minutes. However, if your detox program includes a day hospital program,11 your sessions may last several hours. Keep in mind that outpatient detox is only done under the supervision of a medical professional working at the treatment facility you’ve signed up with.
This arrangement works for people who want to keep up with work or family responsibilities while getting the addiction treatment they need.
Understanding Your Detox Options
For many people, detoxing is a crucial part of the recovery journey. Given the importance of this step, it’s best to be equipped with accurate, up-to-date information surrounding it. The good news is, our understanding of detox from substance abuse has grown tremendously. Today, a number of different detox programs are available across the globe and it’s easier than ever to find one that fits your needs. And the more you understand about how detox works and what options are available to you, the more equipped you’ll be to find a solution.
Detox is the process of removing drugs or alcohol from the body. It’s often the first step in addiction treatment, and it can be a challenging process. However, detox is an important part of the recovery process, and doing so under proper care can help to reduce the risk of relapse.
What are the risks of detoxing at home?
There are many risks associated with detoxing at home. Some of the most common risks include seizures, severe withdrawal symptoms, and relapse.
What are the benefits of detoxing in a medical setting?
Detoxing in a medical setting can improve your safety, comfort, and chances of success as medical professionals monitor you for any complications and provide treatment if needed.It’s also more likely to be successful than detoxing at home, as your care team gives you the support you need to stay sober and can help your develop a plan for long-term recovery.
