Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

Detox centers are designed to help individuals struggling to overcome an addiction. However, sometimes the thought of checking into a detox facility and undergoing the recovery process can be daunting, which is why knowing what to expect becomes paramount. Understanding the length of a drug detox program, the steps you need to take to get checked in, and what you can expect to feel throughout the process can put the mind at ease and make the individual feel better about receiving the treatment they need. Here is what you or a loved one can expect from a detox program.

When Should You Seek Drug Detox?

Substance abuse comes in different levels, but when the physical and mental withdrawal symptoms begin to affect your job, relationships, physical health, or emotional state, you should seek out professional help to ensure that you stay safe during the detox process. If you’ve tried detoxing on your own and have been unsuccessful, that’s another sign you should look for a medical detox facility.

What Do the First Steps Look Like in a Drug Detox Program?

When you first check into a detox program, you’ll most likely meet the staff that will be guiding you throughout your journey, as well as get familiar with your room and the detox facility. After you’re settled, you’ll speak with an intake director and discuss how the program works. This will be the initial assessment and help your healthcare providers devise a plan that will work for you. Paperwork comes next during the initial steps. It’s crucial for the person checking into the facilities, whether that’s you or a loved one, to be as honest as possible when filling out these necessary forms — you won’t get the most out of the drug detox program if you’re not transparent. You may also speak with a counselor on usage and medical history. The information you provide your counselor during this session will help the facilities create a plan that suits your needs.

Questions You May Be Asked

Below are some of the questions a doctor or counselor may ask you during the initial steps:

A complete medical history.
The last time you used a substance.
Which substance(s) you currently use.
How often you use.
The intensity of your use.
Any allergies you may have, especially medications.

As mentioned previously, you should consider these questions and provide accurate answers to get the best treatment possible. Detox centers work hard to give individuals personalized medical treatment, but they need accurate information for the program to work.

You Should Expect to Experience Withdrawal Symptoms

When your body becomes dependent on a substance, it will be uncomfortable to stop using it during the initial stages of drug detox. Withdrawal symptoms usually start anywhere from 6-24 hours after the last use, depending on how severe the addiction is. Withdrawal symptoms can be different for everybody, but some of the most common include the following:

Anxiety
Depression
Audible and visual hallucinations
In severe cases, one may experience delirium tremens, a life-threatening issue that can make you restless, upset, and confused and cause fever, hallucinations, and seizures.
Insomnia
Shakiness, especially in the hands
Sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Unstable blood pressure and heart rate

Managing these symptoms can be dangerous and seem impossible on your own, but a detox facility has staff trained to help make the detox process as comfortable and safe as possible.

The Types of Drug Detox Programs

This cannot be stressed enough: no one program works for everyone. However, there are two main types of drug detox programs:

Inpatient programs in which you live at a hospital, detox facility, or rehabilitation center during the detox process. You’ll generally get 24/7 care during inpatient detox.
Outpatient programs in which you receive treatment during the day but still live at home. This can range from spending the majority of your day at a detox facility during the day or simply visiting your healthcare professional to get medications.

Inpatient care is typically more expensive, but you’ll receive more services. Outpatient detox is more affordable but should only be used by those who suffer from mild to moderate addiction and withdrawal. If you or your loved one are dealing with a more severe form of substance use and withdrawal, outpatient care won’t be the best option.

How Long Does Inpatient Detox Take?

Drug detox is different for everyone, and the time it takes to successfully complete a program ranges from days to weeks to months. Some factors that can influence the length of time it takes to get through a detox program include the following:

The substance the patient is recovering from
The severity of the withdrawal symptoms
The length and consistency of abuse
The amount of substance recently consumed
The degree of medical assistance required to treat the patient

The less severe the substance abuse is, the quicker you’ll be able to get through a detox program. But there’s no sense in trying to rush through the recovery journey. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to recover; all that matters is that you can overcome your addiction.

What Substances Require Detox?

Some substances can be detoxed without the need for additional medical treatment. However, alcohol and substances like benzo require medically-assisted detox because withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. While symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea associated with withdrawal may seem minor initially, they can quickly become severe dehydration. It’s best to get medical assistance at a detox facility when you begin the detoxification process.

Get the Drug Detox You Need at Ardu Recovery Center

A detox facility is worth looking into if you’re ready to take the initial step in your recovery journey. Ardu Recovery Center in Provo, Utah, offers effective and tailored detox programs to facilitate your recovery. Our drug detox program ensures a safe recovery with 24/7 support to ensure a smooth process. Give us a call at 801-512-0086 or fill out our online form to get started on your recovery journey.

Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.