Drug Detox Atlanta, GA

Do I Need Detox

The safest way to know is to start with an assessment. Some people can begin treatment in outpatient care right away, while others need detox first to reduce medical risk and stabilize symptoms.

You may need detox if you experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop, or if you feel like you cannot safely cut back on your own.

Common Withdrawal Symptoms Can Include:

• Shaking, sweating, nausea, vomiting
• Anxiety, panic, irritability, agitation
• Trouble sleeping, intense cravings
• Rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure
• Confusion, hallucinations, severe symptoms

If you have severe symptoms, feel unsafe, or think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, seek emergency care immediately.

Outpatient Detox Vs Inpatient Detox

Detox setting depends on withdrawal risk, medical history, and support at home.

Outpatient Detox May Be Appropriate When:

• Symptoms are expected to be mild to moderate
• You have stable housing and reliable support
• You can attend frequent check ins and follow medical guidance
• There are no major safety concerns in your medical history

Inpatient Detox May Be Safer When:

• You have a history of severe withdrawal symptoms
• You have significant medical or psychiatric concerns
• Your living environment is unstable or unsafe
• You need more intensive monitoring due to risk factors

If you are not sure, that is normal. We help you determine the safest option based on a clinical assessment.

Our Detox Pathway, What To Expect

We keep this process simple, supportive, and clear.

Step 1, Connect With Our Team
You reach out, we listen, and we gather a few details to understand what is going on.

Step 2, Complete A Clinical Assessment
We evaluate withdrawal risk, substance use history, mental health needs, and safety factors.

Step 3, Coordinate Detox If Needed
If detox is recommended, we help coordinate care through a trusted partner and support you through the transition.

Step 4, Step Down Into Treatment At Hope Harbor Wellness
After detox, we build your care plan and help you start the right level of outpatient support, such as Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, Outpatient Program, Medication Assisted Treatment, and Telehealth For Addiction.

What Happens After Detox

Detox is a start, not a finish line. After detox, most people do best with structured treatment that supports recovery skills, mental health, and relapse prevention.

Depending on your needs, your next step may include:

• Partial Hospitalization Program
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Outpatient Program
• Medication Assisted Treatment when appropriate
• Telehealth For Addiction options that fit work and school schedules
• Sober Living support through trusted community partners

Detox Symptoms And What They Can Feel Like

Withdrawal symptoms vary, but many people experience a combination of physical and emotional discomfort.

Physical Symptoms Can Include:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps
• Sweating, chills, tremors
• Headache, body aches, fatigue
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

Emotional And Mental Symptoms Can Include:

• Anxiety, panic, irritability
• Mood swings, depression
• Restlessness, agitation
• Difficulty focusing

Some withdrawal symptoms can be serious. If you feel confused, disoriented, have severe symptoms, or are worried about safety, seek emergency care.

How Long Detox Can Take

Detox timelines depend on the substance used, amount and frequency, length of use, physical health factors, mental health factors, and whether multiple substances are involved.

Many people complete detox in several days to about a week, but some withdrawal symptoms can last longer and require ongoing support. The most accurate way to understand timing is an assessment that considers your specific history.

Detox By Substance

These are general education notes, not a diagnosis. A clinical assessment is the best way to determine risk and the safest plan.

Alcohol Detox

Alcohol withdrawal can become medically serious for some people, especially with heavy or long term use. If you have tried to stop before and experienced severe symptoms, an assessment is strongly recommended.

Opioid Detox

Opioid withdrawal can be intensely uncomfortable and can increase relapse risk if you try to push through without support. Many people benefit from a plan that reduces cravings and supports stabilization. In some cases, Medication Assisted Treatment may be part of a safe treatment plan.

Benzodiazepine Detox

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be high risk and should not be rushed. A medically guided plan is important for safety. If benzos are involved, get assessed before attempting to stop.

Stimulant Detox

Stimulant withdrawal may not require medical detox in the same way as alcohol or benzos, but it can involve significant depression, fatigue, and cravings. Support and monitoring can be important.

What is a Rapid Detox Program?

Rapid detox is a method where patients are placed under anesthesia while medications flush opioids from their system. The goal is to avoid the discomfort of withdrawal. However, research shows that this method doesn’t reduce withdrawal symptoms. It also carries serious health risks.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) does not recommend rapid detox due to its potentially dangerous side effects. Safer, more effective options—like supervised outpatient detox—are better choices for long-term recovery.

Signs You Should Not Detox Alone

Consider getting assessed right away if any of the following apply:

• You have had severe withdrawal symptoms in the past
• You have a history of seizures, hallucinations, or confusion during withdrawal
• You use alcohol or benzodiazepines daily, or in high amounts
• You have significant medical conditions
• You have severe anxiety, depression, or thoughts of self harm
• You do not have stable housing or reliable support

If you are unsure, start with an assessment and we will guide you to the safest level of care.

How To Prepare For Detox And Early Recovery

If you are preparing to detox or start treatment, these steps often help:

• Tell one trusted person what you are doing and ask for support
• Arrange transportation and time away from work if needed
• Remove substances from your environment if it is safe to do so
• Plan for hydration, light meals, and rest
• Write down your current medications and health history
• Decide what your next step will be after detox, like Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, Outpatient Program, or Telehealth For Addiction

Outpatient Detox Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Detox Take

Detox length varies by substance, health history, and withdrawal severity. Many people complete detox in several days to about a week, but timing can differ.

Can I Detox At Home

Detoxing at home can be unsafe for some people. The safest approach is an assessment to determine your withdrawal risk and the right level of monitoring.

Do I Have To Detox Before Starting Outpatient Treatment

Not always. Some people can begin treatment in Outpatient Program care without detox. Others need detox first, and then transition into Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, outpatient care, or Telehealth For Addiction.

What Substances Commonly Require Medical Detox

Withdrawal risk depends on many factors, but alcohol and certain sedatives can carry higher medical risk. An assessment helps determine what is safest for you.

Will I Be Alone After Detox

No. If detox is recommended, we coordinate next steps and help you move directly into ongoing treatment and support.

What Is The Difference Between Detox And Rehab

Detox focuses on stabilization and withdrawal management. Rehab and outpatient treatment focus on recovery skills, therapy, and long term change through programs like Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, and Outpatient Program.

Can I Work While Getting Help

Many people continue working while in Intensive Outpatient Program, outpatient care, or Telehealth For Addiction. We help you find a level of care that fits your schedule and safety needs.

Is Detox Covered By Insurance

Coverage varies by plan and provider. We can help verify benefits and guide you through next steps.

What If I Relapse

Relapse does not mean you failed. It often means you need more support or a different level of care. We can reassess and adjust the plan, which may include stepping into Partial Hospitalization Program or Intensive Outpatient Program.

How Do I Start

Start with an assessment. We will help you understand your options and choose the safest next step.

We offer Outpatient Detox at our sister company Restoration Outpatient Detox.