Medical Detox: What to Expect, How Long It Takes & Cost

What Is Medical Detox?

Medical detox is a supervised process of withdrawing from substances, such as alcohol or drugs, under the care of medical professionals. It is typically the first step in addiction treatment. When you have been using certain substances for a significant amount of time, it can be dangerous to stop suddenly without properly detoxing.

Medical detox aims to manage withdrawal symptoms safely while addressing any medical complications that may arise. Substances that tend to cause the most significant withdrawal symptoms include:

• Alcohol
• Prescription opioids
• Heroin
• Benzodiazepines

Alcohol Detox Explained

Alcohol dependence can develop in people who drink excessively. If a dependence develops and alcohol use stops suddenly, withdrawal can be serious and potentially life-threatening.¹ Some common withdrawal symptoms include:²

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Hallucinations
• Tremors
• Confusion
• High blood pressure

The onset of withdrawal can begin as early as 6 hours after the last drink, with symptoms typically peaking between 24 and 72 hours and potentially continuing for five to seven days or longer in severe cases.¹

Medical detox is the first step in managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If you are in acute withdrawal, an inpatient setting is recommended, especially if you have any co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions.

You would meet with a doctor or treatment team, who will take a history of you and your substance use. From there, they will determine the safest and most effective route for your medical detox. Benzodiazepines are considered first-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms during medical detox, though barbiturates can also effectively treat symptoms depending on individual needs and medical and psychiatric history.³

Understanding Drug Detox

Like alcohol detox, drug detox takes place in medical facilities, where you would receive around-the-clock care and support from healthcare professionals. The type of drug in your system will affect the type of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) you would receive. Medications used to minimize withdrawal symptoms and side effects would be administered and monitored to keep you more comfortable.

Your choice of medical detox strategy depends on your lifestyle, medical and mental health history, drug use history, and current circumstances. After completing medical detox, it is recommended to immediately follow up with psychosocial therapies. Outpatient MAT may be continued with methadone or naltrexone.⁴

What to Expect with Medical Detox

Medical detox may be a requirement before admission to treatment centers. During medical detox, individuals undergo a thorough assessment to determine the appropriate course of treatment. Medical professionals may administer medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, monitor vital signs, provide emotional support, and address any underlying medical issues or co-occurring mental health disorders.

The timeline of detox varies depending on the type of substance used, the severity of the substance use disorder, and individual differences. The guidelines for medical detox recommend both pharmacological and psychosocial therapies.⁴ However, medical detox typically does not address the underlying emotional, behavioral, and psychological factors that accompany substance misuse. Therefore, to bring about long-term changes, following up with inpatient or outpatient treatment immediately after medical detox is recommended.

Understanding Medical Detox Costs and Insurance Coverage

You may be concerned that your insurance does not cover detox from drugs or alcohol. Generally, health insurance plans are designed to include coverage for substance use treatment, including medical detox. The cost may vary depending on factors such as the facility, geographic location, length of time for the treatment, and whether additional services or accommodations are required. The extent of coverage can differ based on the benefits specified in your individual plan.

You should contact your insurance company to verify your plan’s coverage for medical detox. If your insurance does not cover all or part of the cost of medical detox from drugs or alcohol, you can contact treatment facilities and explore potential payment options or financial assistance. Certain state facilities may offer medical detox treatment at no cost. However, due to demand, you may have to wait longer to be admitted and may not receive as extensive services as privately owned treatment centers.

If you pay out of pocket for medical detox treatment, the national average was approximately $525 per day in 2025, with a full seven-day program typically ranging from $3,675 to $10,000 or more depending on the level of care.⁵ Investing in professional medical detox as the first step in recovery can greatly increase the chances of withdrawing safely and successfully from substances.

Can You Detox at Home?

Home detox refers to the process of attempting to withdraw from substances such as drugs or alcohol without medical supervision, typically within your own home. It may involve various methods, such as:

• Tapering gradually off
• Abruptly stopping use
• Using over-the-counter remedies (e.g., herbs, supplements, or vitamins)
• Following self-help programs

However, home detox can be dangerous without the supervision and support of medical professionals, which can put you at increased risk, especially for substances with severe withdrawal symptoms. Situations where at-home detox is generally discouraged include:

• A lack of support from family and friends
• Inadequate or unsafe housing
• A serious illness

Weighing Your Options: Medically Assisted Detox vs. At-Home Detox

While detoxing from the comfort of your own home may seem appealing, it lacks the additional support and safeguards that medical detox can provide. Medically assisted detox can be safer and more controlled, but it can be costly and inconvenient. In contrast, at-home detox methods may not provide the same level of monitoring and medical intervention, which can increase the risk of complications. While some people may attempt to detox at home, it is important to recognize that the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the risk of medical complications can vary widely, depending on the type of substance used, the duration of use, and individual health factors.

Additionally, the risk of relapse may also be higher for people who detox from drugs or alcohol at home. Without adequate support during early recovery, there is an increased risk of relapsing and a higher chance of overdose, as the body may no longer be able to tolerate the same amount of a substance as before the detox.⁶ Therefore, detoxing at home is generally not recommended for substances with significant withdrawal risks.

Find a Medical Detox Center

If you or a loved one are looking to detox from drugs or alcohol or learn more about the process, call 800-908-4823 (Sponsored) to learn about your options. You can also find a treatment center near you.

Resources

1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol use disorder: From risk to diagnosis to recovery. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
2. DiLonardo MJ. Alcohol withdrawal: Symptoms, treatment and alcohol detox duration. WebMD. October 8, 2023.
3. Weaver MF, Hong JH, Gilmore-Thomas A. Drugs Used in Withdrawal Management and Post-Withdrawal Management. In: Alcohol Use: Assessment, Withdrawal Management, Treatment and Therapy: Ethical Practice (pp. 318-319). Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2023.
4. Diaper AM, Law FD, Melichar JK. Pharmacological strategies for detoxification. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;77(2):302-314.
5. Average cost of drug rehab [2026]: By type, state & more. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics; 2024.
6. Davis C. Home detox: supporting patients to overcome alcohol addiction. Aust Prescr. 2018;41(6):180-182.