Detox Approaches for Different Substances

Alcohol
Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and, in some cases, even life-threatening. This is why at-home detox is strongly discouraged. Quitting alcohol suddenly can lead to severe complications such as seizures, hallucinations, and heart issues. Even the less serious symptoms, like nausea, shaking, and irritability, are extremely uncomfortable, making it very difficult to safely complete detox without medical support.
The safest and most effective way to detox from alcohol is under the care of medical professionals. The detox centers we work with provide around-the-clock monitoring where they keep track of vital signs and prescribe medications when appropriate to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms often begin within 6–12 hours after the last drink. Early symptoms can include shaking, headaches, nausea, and irritability. More intense symptoms typically peak within 24–48 hours and may last for about a week. After the first week, symptoms usually begin to subside, though some lingering effects can take longer to resolve.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are prescription medications commonly used to treat conditions such as anxiety, panic attacks, epilepsy, and insomnia. While helpful when taken as prescribed, benzos can also be habit-forming. Over time, dependence may develop, making it very difficult to stop use without professional help.
One of the most common withdrawal experiences involves “rebound symptoms,” which are the very same issues benzos are designed to treat. These symptoms usually appear within the first one to four days after stopping the drug and may include insomnia, heightened anxiety, panic attacks, strong cravings, headaches, sweating, and heart palpitations.
In more severe cases, withdrawal can involve hallucinations, seizures, or even psychotic reactions. This is why a medically supervised detox is the safest and most effective approach.
Opioids
Opiates, or opioids, are a class of drugs used to relieve pain. They include prescription medications such as oxycodone, synthetic drugs like fentanyl, and street drugs such as heroin. Whether prescribed or misused, opioids change the way the body functions, and when use is reduced or stopped, the body needs time to adjust.
Withdrawal from opioids often begins quickly and can include symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, insomnia, nausea, and stomach upset. While these symptoms are usually not life-threatening, they can be extremely uncomfortable. In rare cases, complications like severe dehydration from persistent vomiting or diarrhea can become dangerous without medical support.
A medically supervised detox program offers a safer, more comfortable path forward. Medications such as buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone are commonly used to reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and even help prevent relapse by blocking the rewarding effects of opioids.
Because withdrawal lowers your tolerance, the period right after detox carries a high risk for overdose if use resumes. This is why it’s so important to transition immediately into a comprehensive treatment program like Wolf Creek Recovery, where we provide the care, therapy, and support needed to build a healthy, drug-free future.
