Detoxification (detox) is the process of the body eliminating drugs. For many who are living with an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol — otherwise known as substance use disorder (SUD) — detox is the first step in the journey to sobriety and recovery.

Detox centers help people struggling with addiction to safely manage withdrawal symptoms when they stop using drugs or alcohol. This is the first step in getting sober and preparing the body for the journey of rehabilitation and recovery. Read on to learn more about drug detox programs and the differences between 10-day detox, 14-day detox, 21-day detox, and 30-day detox.

What is Detox?

Detoxification is a process in which drugs, alcohol, or other toxins are eliminated from the body. The primary goal of this process is to help a person struggling with addiction to safely and comfortably manage withdrawal symptoms that may arise when they stop their substance use. Detoxification consists of evaluation, stabilization, and fostering readiness to enter into treatment known as rehab.¹

Symptoms of withdrawal can be physically and psychologically difficult, and individuals may require hospitalization or treatment at a professional treatment center to help them safely complete this process. These professional detox centers provide a safe and clean environment where people can physically detox while also learning emotional coping mechanisms to help them successfully complete the process.

Those who use and can benefit from assisted detox are typically addicted to certain substances such as:¹

Alcohol
Cocaine and amphetamines
Benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotics
Opioids
Inhalants
Marijuana

How long withdrawal symptoms and detox last is a highly individual experience. How long a person experiences withdrawal depends on a variety of factors, including:¹

The type of substance the person is addicted to.
The amount of substance used.
How long they’ve been using.
The method of using (e.g., smoking, injecting, swallowing).
Medical history (including mental health conditions).
Family history.

Some detox centers offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which involves the use of prescription medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms. When medications are used during detox, it reduces the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, helping the person better focus on their recovery.¹ Medication also helps reduce any cravings for drugs and/or alcohol.²

Detox cleanses your body of drugs and alcohol by eliminating any lingering drugs and restoring your body to its drug-free state. Typically, the first few days are the hardest, with people who go through detox experiencing intense withdrawals during this time. Some people may experience symptoms including:³

Anxiety.
Diarrhea.
Insomnia.
Hot and cold flashes.
Muscle cramps.
Nausea.
Sneezing.
Sweating.
Vomiting.

What is a Short-Term and Long-Term Detox Program?

The difference between short-term and long-term detox programs is simply the amount of time spent in the detox program. Short-term detox is anywhere from 3 to 30 days, while long-term detox is anywhere from 31 to 180 days.⁴

For those who have work or family responsibilities, a short detox program may be the preferred option to begin the recovery process. However, it’s important to remember that detox is the first step to recovery, and other forms of treatment are typically needed for a person to stay sober. It’s important to follow the advice of the medical professionals you are working with, including how long they recommend you stay in detox. The duration of your stay depends on which substances you are using, how long you’ve been using, and the severity of your addiction.

Following detox, you can progress to a drug and alcohol rehab program, where you will receive continued treatment.

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10-Day Detox and Rehab Process

Ten-day detox programs involve a patient entering detox under the supervision of medical staff to help withdraw from drugs and alcohol. For some people, withdrawing carries health risks, which is why it is important to withdraw in a detox center where there is medical supervision and medications to help reduce withdrawal symptoms.

10-day detox programs typically involve:¹

Evaluation. Staff and a medical team at the detox center will assess the individual for physical and mental health issues. The team will ask questions about medical and psychiatric history, current drug and alcohol use, and how long they’ve been using. This information can be used to set up a long-term treatment plan.
Stabilization. During stabilization, the individual may begin to feel withdrawal symptoms and will begin any medications and therapy/counseling to help the person safely and comfortably withdraw. Stabilization looks different for everyone, depending on the type of substances used.
Counseling/therapy. Individual and group counseling is provided by trained staff at a detox center. This may involve conversations about the reasons behind drug and alcohol use and coping mechanisms to deal with withdrawals and avoid drug and alcohol use in the future.
Ongoing support. Many detox programs have inpatient and outpatient rehab programs available onsite or can refer the patient to a rehab program that would be suitable for the next step in recovery.

Two Week and 14-Day Detox and Rehab Process

Two-week detox programs allow you to safely withdraw from substances over a period of 14 days. Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, harmful to a person’s physical and mental health. Some substances can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms, such as delirium or seizures, so medical oversight is important.¹

14-day detox programs typically involve:¹

Evaluation. A medical doctor and psychiatrist will assess the patient’s physical and mental health. They will take a medical history, ask about current and past drug and alcohol use, and make a plan for detox and long-term treatment.
Stabilization. Withdrawal symptoms may begin at this stage, and medications can be used to manage these symptoms. Counseling aims to teach coping mechanisms for withdrawal and sobriety going forward.
Counseling/therapy. Individual and group counseling are common in detox programs. Topics will cover coping mechanisms, reasons behind drug and alcohol use, and ways to support long-term sobriety.
Ongoing support. Many detox programs help people enter inpatient or outpatient rehab programs after the detox process is complete.

Three Week and 21-Day Detox and Rehab Process

Three-week detox programs help people safely withdraw from drugs and alcohol over a period of 21 days. Depending on the substances abused, withdrawing can not only be uncomfortable but may come with health risks, which is why medical supervision is so important^.5

21-day detox programs typically involve steps similar to those mentioned above, including:¹

Evaluation.
Stabilization.
Counseling/therapy.
Ongoing support.

One Month and 30-Day Detox Process

Detox programs that last for one month (or 30 days) help people safely and comfortably withdraw from drugs and alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, but some can come with health risks (e.g., seizures, delirium) that are important to be attended to by medical staff.¹

30-day detox programs also typically involve the following steps:¹

Evaluation.
Stabilization.
Counseling/therapy.
Ongoing support.

What are Same-Day Emergency Detox Centers?

Same-day emergency detox centers are available for people who need immediate addiction treatment. These centers are particularly helpful for those who are addicted to drugs for whom withdrawal could cause health concerns, including fatality.

If a person has a medical or mental health emergency caused by chronic drug use or an overdose, attending an emergency detox center is the ideal course of action. Entering a same-day emergency detox can help you stop using drugs/drinking alcohol, and detox is the first step in your journey to sobriety. Withdrawal from some substances can be deadly, and relapse may be life-threatening for some who are living with addiction.⁶

How to Find 10-Day,14-Day, 21-Day and 30-Day Detox Centers Near Me

For more information about 10-day, 14-day, 21-day and 30-day detox and addiction treatment near you, you may want to reach out to your doctor. Or you can contact one of our admissions navigators at for the information and support you are looking for as you look for detox and addiction treatment.

There are various treatment programs and strategies available for detox, so don’t give up if the first program you check out doesn’t meet your individual needs. To learn more about the addiction treatment process, click here. There are various rehabs near me that can provide the detox and continued treatment you need as you begin on your path toward sobriety.

Medication Used for Drug and Alcohol Detox

Medications that are FDA-approved are a safe and effective method to help people detox and go through withdrawals safely. During the evaluation stage of detox, medical doctors and psychiatrists will assess the patient to determine which medications will ensure their physical and mental health are properly addressed throughout the process. Every person is different, and the medications used vary on a case-by-case basis. Commonly used detox medications include the following:⁷

Outpatient Treatment Centers for Detoxing

Outpatient detox programs allow a patient to live at home while going through detox. Outpatient detox is best for those who are not at risk of developing health complications from their withdrawal symptoms. Outpatient programs work best for people who have a stable, supportive home life.

In most cases, outpatient detox programs require patients to visit the detox facility at least once a day for treatment and therapy. Outpatient detox requires a commitment to their recovery and to resist temptations from the outside world to use drugs and alcohol.⁸

Inpatient Treatment Centers for Detoxing

Inpatient detox programs are offered for those who need or prefer to live at the detox facility for a period of time to allow them to safely withdraw from drugs and alcohol. These programs are ideal for those who do not live in a safe, supportive environment or for those at a high risk of relapse. Inpatient detox is also recommended for those who are withdrawing from certain substances that may cause life-threatening withdrawal.

During inpatient detox, you will live at the rehab facility throughout the duration of the program. Inpatient removes you from your home environment, negative influences, and allows you to be in a safe, supportive environment so you can focus on your addiction recovery.⁸

Does Insurance Cover Rehab for Detoxification?

Most insurance companies cover at least some of the cost of rehab, which includes detox. If you are looking for detox and addiction treatment, it can feel overwhelming. As you consider your options, knowing exactly what your insurance plan covers can give you peace of mind while you or your loved one is in rehab. You can do the work of getting and staying sober without worrying about unexpected costs or financial struggles. For more information on what your insurance plan covers, including length of stay, call our compassionate admissions navigators at , verify your insurance online, or fill out the form below.

10-Day, 14-Day, 21-Day, and 30-Day Detox Centers Near Me