What Is Detox and How Long Should It Take?

What Is Detox?

Detox is the very first step of recovery once someone enters treatment. When you have been abusing a substance for a period of time, your brain becomes chemically re-wired to depend on this substance. When the substance is no longer in your body, withdrawal symptoms begin. This is also known as being “dope sick” or “hungover,” and a quick way to get rid of those withdrawal symptoms is to provide the body with the substance again. However, instead of providing the body with the substance, detox works to comfortably wean the client off the substance and rewire the brain to no longer require it.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Depending on the substance, withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Sweating
  • Excessive yawning
  • Watery eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Muscle aches
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Depression
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion

Types of Detox

Inpatient Detox

This is the safest way to detox, as it includes 24/7 medical supervision. At Cliffside Malibu, our on-staff addictionologist oversees your care and administers medications to make detox as comfortable as possible.

Common detox medications include:

  • Suboxone
  • Probuphine
  • Naloxone
  • Disulfiram

Outpatient Detox

Best for those with mild addiction, this option involves regular clinic visits and medication, such as methadone. It may be paired with outpatient treatment and regular check-ins.

Cold Turkey Detox

This method involves quitting the substance without any medications, though medical supervision may be provided. It is not recommended due to the high level of discomfort and risk involved.

Short-Term Detox

This includes tapering off the substance and using medications to ease symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, or muscle pain. It’s often a few days in length.

Long-Term Detox

Used for substances like opioids, this approach involves longer periods of tapering with medication assistance such as Suboxone or methadone.

How Long Does Detox Take?

Detox duration depends on the substance, duration, and severity of use. Typical timelines include:

  • Alcohol: 3–5 days (up to a week for those with DTs)
  • Opioids: 7 days
  • Heroin: 7 days
  • Methadone: 2 weeks
  • Suboxone: 4 weeks

The Dangers of Detoxing Alone

Many people attempt to detox at home to avoid disrupting daily responsibilities. However, this can be risky and even fatal. Detoxing without medical support is especially dangerous for individuals with co-occurring disorders or severe substance dependence.

For example, alcohol detox can cause delirium tremens (DTs), which requires emergency care. Symptoms of DTs include:

  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Agitation
  • Deep sleep lasting a day or more

Without support, individuals are more likely to relapse. In contrast, medically managed detox allows patients to start therapy sooner and build a solid foundation for long-term sobriety.

About Cliffside Malibu

Detox is often the most feared step in treatment, but at Cliffside Malibu, our compassionate staff works to make this process as comfortable and effective as possible. We offer a full continuum of care, starting with a personalized detox plan based on each patient’s unique history and needs.

Our Transtheoretical Model

Each patient is matched with one of the five stages of the Transtheoretical Model:

  • Precontemplation
  • Contemplation
  • Preparation
  • Action
  • Maintenance

Our team builds individualized treatment strategies that evolve as the patient progresses through these stages.

Our Full Continuum of Care

  • Medically supervised detox
  • Residential treatment
  • Day treatment
  • Outpatient services

All services are designed for those with substance use or alcohol addiction, delivered in a safe and structured environment.

For more information, visit cliffsidemalibu.com.