Medical Detox Centers in Maryland
Medical detoxification, or medical detox, is an important foundation for recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Withdrawal from certain substances can have intense symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications. Medical detox treatment centers in Maryland provide 24/7 medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms, monitor patient health, and ensure a safe, stable foundation for long-term recovery from substance abuse.
Drug and alcohol addiction often includes physical dependence, which means the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug and needs it to function. If someone stops using the substance suddenly, withdrawal symptoms can occur. While they range from mild to possibly dangerous, depending on the substance and other factors, there’s an increased risk of relapse and complications.[1]
Because of the risks involved with withdrawal, particularly with potentially dangerous substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines, medical detox may be recommended as the first step in recovery.[2] This environment provides a team of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to monitor patient health and keep them as comfortable as possible. If complications occur, they can intervene to reduce the risks.
What to Expect from Medical Detox
Entering medical detox in an addiction treatment center can be daunting, especially for patients concerned about withdrawal symptoms. However, seeking treatment is a huge step, and we work to make the admissions process as smooth and stress-free as possible with compassionate support and guidance.
The medical detox process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical and mental health history, substance use history, and withdrawal risk. This helps the care team develop a personalized treatment plan to manage withdrawal and ongoing recovery.
Stabilization
Stabilization begins when withdrawal symptoms start. The medical team follows the individualized treatment plan and recommended therapies and medications to keep the withdrawal experience as safe and comfortable as possible.
Preparation for further treatment
Detox is an important foundation for addiction treatment, but it’s not enough on its own. Once the patient’s condition is stabilized, the care team will discuss the next step in treatment to address the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of addiction and support long-term recovery.
Though the detox process is similar across patients, the individual’s duration of treatment, medications involved, and overall treatment programs can vary. Detoxification, like other aspects of treatment, should be individualized for optimal results.
The medical detox process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical and mental health history, substance use history, and withdrawal risk. This helps the care team develop a personalized treatment plan to manage withdrawal and ongoing recovery.
Stabilization
Stabilization begins when withdrawal symptoms start. The medical team follows the individualized treatment plan and recommended therapies and medications to keep the withdrawal experience as safe and comfortable as possible.
Preparation for further treatment
Detox is an important foundation for addiction treatment, but it’s not enough on its own. Once the patient’s condition is stabilized, the care team will discuss the next step in treatment to address the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of addiction and support long-term recovery.
Though the detox process is similar across patients, the individual’s duration of treatment, medications involved, and overall treatment programs can vary. Detoxification, like other aspects of treatment, should be individualized for optimal results.
Taper Schedules
Some drugs that cause dependence can have dangerous withdrawal symptoms if they’re stopped suddenly. Tapering is a practice that’s used to gradually reduce the dosage of medication and ease withdrawal symptoms according to a specific schedule. This may be used for common prescription drugs, such as benzodiazepines or corticosteroids, or recreational drugs known for intense withdrawal, like alcohol or opioids. Taper schedules should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional.
Signs You May Need Medical Detox
Some people may decide that they can quit drugs or alcohol on their own without medical support. However, there are symptoms that indicate that medical detox is the safest option to manage withdrawal:
- Physical dependence with intense. withdrawal symptoms when cutting back or stopping.
- Repeated attempts to quit drugs or alcohol.
- Frequent or prolonged substance use.
- Polydrug use, or the use of multiple substances.
- Concerns about withdrawal symptoms or intense withdrawal in the past.
- Co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Current medical conditions or health risks. that may be complicated by drug withdrawal.
The Risks of At-Home Detox
Quitting drugs “cold turkey,” meaning suddenly, can be dangerous for certain substances. For example, quitting alcohol cold turkey once dependence occurs can have devastating effects, including seizures and delirium tremens (DTs), which can be fatal due to resulting seizures and the body’s inability to regulate heart rhythm and body temperature.[3]
Opioid withdrawal isn’t generally considered life-threatening, but the withdrawal symptoms can be intense and extremely uncomfortable, including severe nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle pain, and other flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, opioid withdrawal can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can be dangerous.[4]
Even substances that aren’t known for dangerous withdrawal complications can have risks, including relapse. Intense drug cravings combined with severe withdrawal symptoms can increase the risk of relapse to relieve the symptoms, which also increases the risk of possible overdose.
Many people rely on professional medical detox to keep the withdrawal experience as safe and comfortable as possible while the drug clears the system.
Next Steps After Detox
Detox is an important part of addiction treatment, but it’s not enough for long-term recovery on its own in most cases. Often, patients complete detox and transition into inpatient treatment or outpatient settings to manage the underlying causes of drug addiction. These addiction treatment programs may include medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, individual therapy, group counseling, support groups, holistic treatment options, and ongoing aftercare or sober living to manage the behavioral aspects of addiction and prepare for lifelong sobriety.
Take the First Step in Your Addiction Recovery
Drug and alcohol withdrawal can be one of the most challenging aspects of substance abuse treatment. Whether this is the first time seeking treatment for you or a loved one, or you’ve been down this path before, we’re here to provide compassionate, evidence-based addiction medicine to help you live a healthier life. Contact us today to start your recovery journey at The Freedom Center in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Detox Centers in Maryland
The cost for drug detox treatment services can vary by the treatment provider, the patient’s needs, the substance involved, health insurance providers, insurance plans, and more. It’s important for patients to verify health insurance coverage or discuss payment options to understand the expenses associated with detox. Many major insurance providers, such as Medicare or Medicaid, offer coverage for substance use disorders.
Drug and alcohol detox can range from a few days to a week or longer, depending on the substance involved and the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. Drugs with a taper schedule may take longer because of adjustments to dosage to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Any drug that causes dependence can cause withdrawal. However, prescription and illicit drugs that are known for challenging withdrawal symptoms include opioids and opiates, alcohol, benzodiazepines, and stimulants like cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamines.
The medications used in detox depend on the patient’s needs and the substance, but drugs like buprenorphine, methadone, and short-acting benzodiazepines may be used to help with cravings and more severe symptoms.[5] Medications may also be used to manage associated symptoms, such as anxiety or insomnia.
[1] Withdrawal. Withdrawal – Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://adf.org.au/reducing-risk/withdrawal/ on 2025, April 3.
[2] Canver, B. R. (2024a, February 14). Alcohol withdrawal syndrome. StatPearls [Internet]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441882/ on 2025, April 3.
[3] Rahman, A. (2023, August 14). Delirium tremens. StatPearls [Internet]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482134/ on 2025, April 3.
[4] Five myths of the opioid crisis. Rockefeller Institute of Government. (2019a, April 20). Retrieved from https://rockinst.org/blog/five-myths-of-the-opioid-crisis/ on 2025, April 3.
[5] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023b, December 22). Medications for opioid overdose, withdrawal, & addiction. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids/medications-opioid-overdose-withdrawal-addiction-infographic on 2025, April 3.
