Your Guide to Medical Detox

If you’ve tried to quit drugs or alcohol on your own, you know how intense withdrawal can be: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Medical detox makes the process safer and more comfortable.

At Indiana Center for Recovery, 100% of substance use patients have tried to detox on their own unsuccessfully at least once before seeking medical detox here.

What is Detox?

Detox is when your body begins to reset, clearing out the drugs or alcohol so you can focus on treatment and start moving forward.

Medical detox reduces the risk of dangerous complications like seizures, severe dehydration, or heart-related issues. Going through detox with professional medical care also dramatically increases your comfort and the likelihood you’ll stay on track.

What Is Medical Detox Like?

During detox, your care team monitors your vital signs for safety and manages withdrawal symptoms to keep you as comfortable as possible. That might include rest, fluids, nutrition, and comfort medications to ease symptoms. ⓘ

  • Personalized Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation tailors a detox plan specific to your needs, considering your substance use history, health status, symptoms, and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
  • 24/7 Medical Supervision: The medical team monitors your health 24/7, to curb complications or strong symptoms before they become overwhelming usually by adding or adjusting the dose of temporary medications.
  • Comfort-Focused Therapies: Supportive therapies like individual counseling and peer coaching help reduce anxiety, stabilize your mood, and keep you motivated. IV therapy helps restore energy and speeds up your physical recovery.

Detox typically lasts from 3 to 10 days. The substances Benzodiazepines (Xanax), Opioids (Heroin, Oxycodone, Fentanyl) and alcohol tend to have longer detox durations. Heavier, prolonged use typically leads to longer detox periods.

Detox Treatment Options

Medications Used in Inpatient Detox

These medications are typically used only temporarily during detox and targeted to specific symptoms.

Alcohol Detox Specific

  • Lorazepam (Ativan) – treats anxiety, tremors, and prevents seizures.
  • Diazepam (Valium) – manages withdrawal symptoms and stabilizes vital signs.

Opioid Detox Specific

  • Buprenorphine (Suboxone/Subutex) – reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
  • Clonidine – alleviates symptoms like anxiety, agitation, sweating, and elevated heart rate.

General

  • Ondansetron (Zofran): relieves nausea and vomiting.
  • Hydroxyzine (Vistaril): helps with anxiety, nausea, and sleep issues.
  • Ibuprofen or acetaminophen: relieves headaches and body aches.
  • Trazodone: supports restful sleep and reduces anxiety.
  • Gabapentin (Neurontin): reduces anxiety, improves sleep, and eases overall discomfort.

Immediate Help for Detox

Indiana Center for Recovery

Call (844) 650-0064
  • Free, confidential, 24/7 support line for individuals struggling with drug or alcohol use or their families
  • Talk with compassionate people who’ve been there too
  • Detox support for any substance use

Read Detox Articles

Explore more about our Detox Program, or browse detox-related articles on our blog reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, who works every day with detox patients.

Images of Suboxone tablets. Monitoring and proper dosage management are crucial in preventing Suboxone addiction and potential misuse.

Suboxone or Methadone: Which One’s Right for You?

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP March 23, 2026

Opioid addiction treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be a powerful support as you ease into treatment. Medications like Suboxone and Methadone are effective in treating Opioid-Use Disorder (OUD). But they work differently, and understanding those differences can help you choose the medication that is best for you. 

doctor holding a liver

Alcohol Detox and the Liver: Timeline

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP March 10, 2026

Most people clear alcohol from their bloodstream within a day, but the liver may need more than a week to fully detox from heavy use, and much longer to heal from damage like fatty liver or hepatitis.

Klonopin Addiction Treatment

What Is a High Dose of Klonopin?

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP December 17, 2025

Klonopin is often prescribed for anxiety, panic attacks, and some seizure disorders. But when misused outside of your doctor’s guidance, Klonopin can quickly become dangerous.

Overcome Addiction at Indiana Center for Recovery!

Indiana Center for Recovery provides integrated care tailored to your recovery needs. Our comprehensive services include detox, residential programs, outpatient support, and family programs.

We also have dual diagnosis treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders.

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