Detoxification treatment stops and removes drugs that are causing damage to your physical, psychological, and social well-being. Medically, detoxification refers to the abstention of drugs or alcohol until the bloodstream is free of toxins.

Detoxing from drugs and alcohol requires a cessation of whatever substance is being consumed; however, suddenly stopping abused drugs can cause irreversible physical and mental harm or even death. Doctors board-certified in addiction medicine can easily manage the process of detoxification and can carefully and safely monitor any possible complications that may arise.

It depends on the drug. Physical withdrawal symptoms for most abused drugs are roughly 7-14 days. The psychological symptoms of withdrawal, such as anxiety and cravings, can last much longer, from months to even years, in some cases. The longevity of withdrawal symptoms is different for each drug, including:

Short-Acting Opioids — Short-acting opioids, such as heroin and certain prescription pain-relievers, cause withdrawal symptoms that typically begin 8-24 hours after last use and last an average of 4-10 days.
Longer-Acting Opioids — For longer-acting opioids, such as methadone, it may take 2-4 days for withdrawal symptoms to begin, with symptoms that will likely fade within a period of 10 days.
Benzodiazepines — Withdrawal from benzodiazepines, including Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Clonazepam, and Ativan, typically starts within 1-4 days after the last use, with symptoms that peak in severity in the first 2 weeks. Prolonged withdrawal can last months—or even years—without treatment in some cases.
Alcohol — The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can appear as early as several hours after the last drink and typically peak over the course of 24-48 hours. The risk of seizures may remain high for anywhere from 12 hours to 48 hours afterward, with certain other risks remaining a concern for as long as 3 days after the last drink, such as delirium tremens (DTs).

Yes! Most drug use issues can be done under a doctor’s supervision at home on an outpatient basis. Outpatient treatment allows full recovery by not only detoxing but also preventing relapse while you learn to psychologically restore yourself and regain your social functioning.

When they first come to us, most of our patients are terrified of detoxification and the management of severe withdrawal symptoms that they have experienced on their own. At Psychiatry Unplugged, our job is to keep you as comfortable as possible during this medical process. Most of our patients experience little to no physical withdrawal symptoms. We also manage symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and depression to prevent further drug abuse and relapse. To us detox is easy, and preventing relapse is our mission.

For safe and effective detox treatment, come to Psychiatry Unplugged today. Our physicians are board-certified in addiction medicine and can help you on the road to recovery. Call us today to book an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located in Los Angeles, CA, and Glendale, CA. We serve patients from Los Angeles CA, Glendale CA, Beverly Hills, CA, Santa Monica, CA, Hollywood CA, Burbank CA, and Pasadena CA. We look forward to serving you!