Detoxing your body from substances like alcohol and drugs can be a complex, individualized process that varies significantly from person to person.
For those considering detox in Denver, the question of how many days it takes to detox your body is often at the forefront.
Detox can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the substance, duration, and intensity of use, as well as individual factors like health conditions and age.
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR) in Denver, our approach to detox focuses on safety, medical supervision, and personalized care, ensuring that each person’s journey to sobriety begins with a strong foundation.
What Is Detox?
Detox is the process of removing harmful substances from the body. During detox, patients often experience withdrawal symptoms as their bodies adjust to functioning without drugs or alcohol. While detox is a critical first step, it doesn’t address the behavioral, psychological, or social aspects of addiction.
At CMAR, we recognize detox as part of a comprehensive recovery plan that includes ongoing therapy and support to foster long-term sobriety.
Factors That Influence Detox Duration
Each individual’s detox timeline varies due to a combination of unique factors. At CMAR, we consider the following when assessing detox needs:
- Substance Type: Different substances take different amounts of time to leave the body. For example, alcohol detox is often shorter than detox for benzodiazepines, which can last weeks.
- Severity and Duration of Use: Long-term, heavy users generally require more time to detox.
- Frequency and Dosage: Higher doses taken frequently can extend the detox timeline.
- Health Conditions, Age, and Gender: Medical conditions, age, and biological factors can all influence the pace of detox and the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Detox Timelines for Common Substances
The detox process and duration depend on the substance involved. Here’s an overview of common detox timelines for substances CMAR treats in Denver.
- Alcohol: Detox from alcohol can take 3-7 days. Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and tremors typically peak within the first 72 hours. Severe cases may involve prolonged withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, mood swings, and insomnia.
- Opioids (Heroin, Prescription Painkillers): Opioid detox takes between 7-10 days. Short-acting opioids, like heroin, may bring intense withdrawal symptoms that peak within the first 3-5 days, while longer-acting opioids, such as methadone, may require extended monitoring and medical support.
- Benzodiazepines: Detox from benzodiazepines can span several weeks, particularly for individuals who have used them long-term. Withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disturbances, often peak around days 5-7 but may persist or recur, requiring careful medical supervision.
- Stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamine): Stimulant detox is generally shorter, lasting about 3-7 days, though intense cravings and fatigue may persist for weeks. Individuals may also experience symptoms of depression and mood swings during the first few weeks after stopping use.
- Marijuana: Although withdrawal from marijuana may be milder than other substances, it can still include symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and appetite changes, typically lasting 7-14 days.
Why Professional Detox Is Essential
Detoxing without professional medical support can be dangerous, especially for individuals with severe addictions or underlying health conditions. At CMAR our professional detox programs provide a safe environment where patients receive round-the-clock support and access to FDA-approved medications that ease withdrawal symptoms.
This medically-assisted approach not only makes the detox process more comfortable but also reduces the risk of relapse by addressing both physical and psychological symptoms.
CMAR’s Approach to Detox in Denver
At CMAR, we prioritize an evidence-based approach to detox that combines medication-assisted treatment (MAT), personalized counseling, and a continuum of care to support patients through every stage of recovery. Here’s what sets CMAR’s detox programs apart:
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): For patients struggling with intense withdrawal symptoms, we offer MAT options, including Suboxone, Vivitrol, and Antabuse, to alleviate discomfort and manage cravings effectively.
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Each patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation to develop a detox plan tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
- Ongoing Support and Therapy: Detox is just the beginning of the recovery process. At CMAR, we offer outpatient programs, including Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), that help patients transition smoothly from detox to long-term recovery.
What to Expect During CMAR’s Detox Process
CMAR’s detox process in Denver is structured to ensure patient safety, comfort, and support. Here’s what patients can expect:
- Initial Assessment: The detox journey begins with an in-depth assessment, where medical professionals evaluate the patient’s physical and mental health, substance use history, and any underlying conditions that may affect the detox timeline.
- Medical Supervision: Throughout detox, patients receive continuous monitoring from CMAR’s dedicated team to manage withdrawal symptoms and adjust treatment as needed. Medications may be administered to help alleviate symptoms and reduce cravings.
- Therapeutic Support: In addition to medical care, patients have access to counseling and peer support groups to address emotional challenges and build resilience during the early days of recovery.
- Transition to Recovery: After detox, patients are encouraged to participate in CMAR’s outpatient programs to continue their recovery journey, gaining valuable tools and resources to achieve lasting sobriety.
Aftercare: What Comes After Detox?
Completing detox is a significant milestone, but it’s only the first step in overcoming addiction. At CMAR in Denver, we believe in a holistic approach to recovery that includes outpatient therapy, counseling, and long-term support.
Patients can choose from a variety of treatment options, including individual and family therapy, group sessions, and trauma-informed care to address the root causes of addiction and build a fulfilling life in recovery.
Conclusion
The journey to sobriety begins with detox, but it’s essential to approach this process safely and with professional support. We offer medically-supervised detox that emphasizes comfort, safety, and a smooth transition to long-term recovery.
If you’re ready to start your journey or simply want to learn more about our detox programs, contact CMAR today for a confidential consultation.
Taking the first step toward recovery can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone.
