Short answer: During medical detox, doctors assess your health on admission, prescribe medication to control withdrawal symptoms, monitor you 24/7 and gradually reduce the medication over 5–21 days, while nutrition, sleep and early therapy prepare you for the main treatment phase.
Day 1: admission and assessment
Medical history, physical examination, blood tests, often an ECG and a withdrawal-risk assessment. Medication starts the same day.
Days 2–4: peak withdrawal
For alcohol, symptoms typically peak between 24 and 72 hours. Nurses check vital signs several times a day and doses are adjusted accordingly.
Days 5–10: stabilisation
Medication is tapered, sleep improves and therapy sessions increase. For opioids and benzodiazepines this phase is longer.
After detox
Detox is followed by 3–7 weeks of psychotherapy and relapse prevention. Read more on medical detox and alcohol rehab.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have visitors during detox?
Most clinics limit visits in the first days, then welcome family involvement.
