Does Detox Hurt? What Happens And What Helps

Detox is the process of removing substances such as alcohol, stimulants and opioids from your system. It’s the first step in the recovery journey, and many people fear that it’s painful. In fact, anxiety around detox can deter people from seeking treatment [1].

But detox doesn’t have to hurt. Yes, it can be uncomfortable, but a professional care team can help alleviate your cravings and make your environment feel calm. Detox should always be carried out under medical supervision to ensure that you are safe and reassured.

Let’s answer the question “does detox hurt?” and see how you can pass through it with minimal distress.

What Happens In Detox?

In a detox program, a dedicated team of clinical professionals help you taper off a substance after you’ve been taking it for some time. In simple terms, they support you as your body readjusts to not having the substance in it.

Detox programs typically last between 3 and 10 days. During that time, you stay at a detox facility, where you’re monitored around-the-clock. You will likely experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which arise as your body tries to stabilize. These symptoms are what most people worry about when considering detox.

Your care team may offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), where appropriate, to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms if they are severe. The team may also offer emotional support through talk therapy and wellness activities. The exact structure of the detox will vary depending on the facility, but the goal of any detox is to keep you safe and to support you in successfully passing through the detox stage.

What Are Withdrawal Symptoms?

Withdrawal symptoms appear when your body is dependent on a substance. They happen when you stop taking the substance and your internal system has to readapt. The strength of your symptoms depends on the substance(s), how long you’ve been using, and your dosage.

Common withdrawal symptoms in detox include:

• Sweating and chills

• Body aches

• Diarrhea and vomiting

• Anxiety or irritability

• Sleep disruption

• Restlessness

• Feeling depressed

• Headaches

Naturally, these symptoms can be uncomfortable and stressful. The first 3 days of detox are when symptoms are most intense, but they do gradually reduce.

Although less common, psychosis, seizures, and tremors are possible withdrawal symptoms in detox and can be life-threatening, requiring special medical attention.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

MAT is when your detox care team uses prescribed medications to lower your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT is not a standalone treatment for addiction, and it’s not a casual form of pain relief: it’s only administered when symptoms are severe.

For example, buprenorphine is an FDA-approved drug that’s commonly given as part of MAT for opioid abuse. Buprenorphine binds to opioid receptors in the brain but doesn’t fully activate them, easing cravings without creating a “high” sensation.

Naltrexone is used in MAT for moderate to severe alcohol abuse. It’s taken orally and blocks opioid receptors that are involved in the rewarding effects of drinking and alcohol cravings.

8 Steps to Reduce Discomfort During Detox

Other simple considerations can make detox easier to navigate. These may be included as part of your detox program, or can be steps that you prepare to do before starting detox.

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking water regularly keeps you hydrated and supports your internal functioning at a time when your body needs help most.
   
   
2. Eat regular, small amounts: Even though you may not feel like eating, you need nutrition. Try to eat digestible foods that you can tolerate while detoxing.
   
   
3. Sleep and rest: Your body is working hard to help you heal. Rest is essential to save energy and become stable.
   
   
4. Try breathing exercises: Techniques such as box breathing can help regulate your central nervous system and keep you grounded as you move through withdrawal.
   
   
5. Meditate: Any mindful activities can be a good way to shift your mental focus away from what’s happening during detox.
   
   
6. Gentle stretching: Slow, intentional stretching can release stress from your body and facilitate psychological processes.
   
   
7. Take a warm bath: Hot sensations relax your muscles and lower anxiety. A hot shower or compress on different parts of your body can have the same effect.
   
   
8. Accept emotional support: Talk to your detox care team where possible. Vocalize how you’re feeling—this can reduce the sense of internal overwhelm.
   
   

Higher levels of pain during detox are associated with a higher likelihood of relapse [1]. Your treatment team will do their best to accommodate you, but it’s also important to look after yourself during this time. Trust that detox is temporary, that you will be OK, and that you’re worthy of feeling better.

Can I Detox At Home?

It’s not recommended that you detox at home. Treatment centers have expert staff and resources to keep you safe, more comfortable, and more likely to continue care after detox that leads to long-term recovery.

Retention rates for medical detox are high. Studies show that up to 95% of people complete detox and that 92% seek further treatment after finishing [2]. And research shows that medical detox contributes to ongoing abstinence from substances [3].

Being in a treatment facility while undergoing detox also means that you have greater access to clinical staff who can motivate you and provide emotional support. Crucially, they are equipped to respond to potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms and to alleviate discomfort.

Supervised Detox At 516 Recovery in Carlsbad, CA

At 516 Recovery, we offer medically supervised detox to anyone suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. We provide a calm, stable environment to safely remove substances from your system and begin your recovery journey with confidence.

Our program is run by a dedicated team of licensed professionals who are available to you at any time during treatment. Our staff-to-client ratio is 1:1, meaning all our care is highly personalized. We use MAT where needed to lower severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

We’re located in Carlsbad, CA, close to the beach. Our facility is state-of-the-art, pet-friendly, and has an on-site chef to prepare gourmet meals. We also have a “sky’s the limit” request system, where you can ask for extra items and services to feel as comfortable as possible during treatment.

We’re here for you. Navigate to our about page to learn more, or check out our admissions process and payment guides. Ready to take the next step? Reach out to our get help page or visit our main contact page today.

Sources

[1] Allen, J. et al. (July 2005). Fear during alcohol detoxification: views from the clients’ perspective. Journal of Health Psychology. 

[2] Timko, C. et al. (May 2015). Patient and Program Factors that Bridge the Detoxification-Treatment Gap: A Structured Evidence Review. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. 

[3] Quelch, D. et al. (June 2019). Elective alcohol detoxification – a resource and efficacy evaluation. Future Healthcare Journal.