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Medical Detoxification
Safe, medically supervised alcohol withdrawal in a controlled environment
Medical detoxification is the process of safely clearing alcohol from your body under professional medical supervision. During detox, trained medical staff monitor your vital signs 24/7 and provide medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, making the process safer and more comfortable.
Important: Detox is only the first step in recovery - it addresses physical dependence but doesn't treat the underlying addiction. Most people need to continue with inpatient or outpatient treatment after completing detox.
- Average: 3-10 days
- Mild cases: 3-5 days
- Severe cases: 7-10+ days
- Duration depends on drinking history and withdrawal severity
$500 - $1,500
Per day
Total cost typically $1,500 - $10,000 for full detox program. Most insurance plans cover medical detox as it's considered medically necessary.
Symptoms begin within hours after last drink
- •Anxiety and nervousness
- •Sweating
- •Nausea and vomiting
- •Headache
- •Insomnia
- •Tremors (shakes)
Symptoms intensify and additional symptoms may appear
- •Increased heart rate
- •Increased blood pressure
- •Confusion
- •Hallucinations (visual, auditory, tactile)
- •Severe sweating
- •Increased tremors
Risk of seizures peaks during this period
- •Seizures (can be life-threatening)
- •Severe confusion
- •Vivid hallucinations
- •High fever
- •Severe agitation
Most dangerous phase - medical emergency if DTs occur
- •Severe confusion and disorientation
- •Severe hallucinations
- •Profuse sweating
- •Racing heart
- •Dangerously high blood pressure
- •Fever
Acute withdrawal symptoms typically subside
- •Gradual improvement of symptoms
- •Some anxiety and insomnia may persist
- •Physical symptoms decrease
- •Mood stabilizes
- Heavy, Long-Term Drinking
Years of daily heavy alcohol consumption
- Previous Severe Withdrawal
History of seizures, DTs, or severe symptoms during past quit attempts
- High Daily Consumption
Drinking very large amounts daily (e.g., more than a bottle of liquor per day)
- Physical Dependence
Experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop
- Co-occurring Medical Conditions
Heart disease, liver problems, or other health issues
- Failed Self-Detox Attempts
Tried to quit on your own but couldn't manage symptoms
Admission & Assessment
Complete medical evaluation including vital signs, blood tests, and assessment of withdrawal risk.
24/7 Medical Monitoring
Nurses and doctors monitor your vital signs, symptoms, and overall condition around the clock.
Medication Management
Medications administered to prevent seizures, reduce symptoms, and keep you comfortable.
Nutrition & Hydration
IV fluids if needed, nutritional support, and vitamin supplementation (especially thiamine).
Comfortable Environment
Quiet, calm setting with dim lighting to reduce stimulation during withdrawal.
Emotional Support
Staff provide reassurance and support throughout the process.
Transition Planning
Discharge planning to connect you with ongoing treatment (inpatient or outpatient).
Benzodiazepines (Ativan, Librium, Valium)
Prevent seizures, reduce anxiety, and manage most withdrawal symptoms. Most common detox medications.
Anti-Seizure Medications
Additional protection against seizures in high-risk individuals.
Blood Pressure Medications
Control elevated blood pressure and heart rate during withdrawal.
Anti-Nausea Medications
Reduce nausea, vomiting, and improve comfort.
Vitamins (especially Thiamine/B1)
Prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and address nutritional deficiencies common in heavy drinkers.
Sleep Aids
Help with insomnia during and after acute withdrawal.