Detox is the first and one of the most critical steps in the addiction recovery journey — but many people don’t realize that detox isn’t just about stopping drug use. It’s a structured, medically supported process with clear stages of drug detoxification that must be handled with care, supervision, and professional planning.
Whether you’re seeking help for opioids, meth, alcohol, or stimulants, understanding the stages of detox can help reduce fear, increase safety, and improve outcomes.
In this guide, we’ll break down the five core stages of drug detox, how they apply across substances, and why the right clinical support makes all the difference.
If you’re ready to begin detox in Orange County, Orange County Detox Center offers 24/7 medically supervised detox and smooth transitions into inpatient rehab.
Stage 1: Evaluation and Medical Assessment
Detox begins long before withdrawal symptoms kick in. The first stage is clinical evaluation — a full medical and psychological assessment designed to create a personalized detox plan.
During this phase, licensed staff gather information on:
- The substance(s) used
- Frequency, dose, and duration of use
- Physical health and vital signs
- Mental health and co-occurring conditions
- Withdrawal history or prior detox attempts
- Risk of seizures or complications
This stage ensures that detox is safe, tailored, and based on medical necessity. It also helps the team determine whether medications (such as Suboxone or benzodiazepine tapers) are needed.
Every client at Orange County Detox Center begins their care with a comprehensive evaluation to guide all treatment decisions.
Stage 2: Stabilization and Withdrawal Management
Once your care team understands your needs, the stabilization phase begins. This is when withdrawal symptoms emerge and must be monitored closely.
Common symptoms during this stage include:
- Anxiety, agitation, restlessness
- Muscle aches, chills, nausea, or vomiting
- Sweating, tremors, or high blood pressure
- Depression, insomnia, or nightmares
- In some cases: seizures, hallucinations, or psychosis
This stage is when detox is often the most uncomfortable — and potentially dangerous — especially for substances like:
Our clinical team provides 24/7 supervision, hydration, nutritional support, and comfort medications as needed to help clients stabilize physically and emotionally.
Stage 3: Peak Withdrawal and Monitoring
This is the point where symptoms reach their most intense phase. It usually occurs between 24 to 72 hours after last use — though this varies by substance:
- Opioids: Symptoms typically peak around 48–72 hours
- Alcohol: Risk of seizures or delirium tremens peaks between 48–72 hours
- Stimulants (meth, cocaine): Psychological symptoms like paranoia or fatigue can peak at 24–48 hours
- Benzodiazepines: Symptoms peak later, often after day 3 or 4, depending on half-life
Medical detox programs like ours are built specifically to manage this stage safely. We continuously monitor:
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Respiration and oxygen levels
- Mental status and cognition
- Risk of self-harm, hallucinations, or psychosis
- Sleep patterns and emotional regulation
Trying to “tough it out” at home during this stage can lead to panic, dehydration, seizures, or relapse. Medical support is essential.
Stage 4: Transition and Stabilization
After peak symptoms subside, clients enter the post-acute withdrawal phase. This is when the body begins to rebalance, and symptoms start to fade — but emotional sensitivity, mood swings, and fatigue are still common.
This stage is where many people assume they’re “done with detox,” but in reality, the risk of emotional relapse is still high. Common symptoms include:
- Cravings
- Low motivation
- Depression or emotional numbness
- Sleep issues or vivid dreams
- Anxiety and sensitivity to stress
At this point, we begin helping clients mentally and emotionally prepare for rehab, using therapeutic support and structured routines. Clients begin engaging in:
- One-on-one counseling
- Group support and peer check-ins
- Recovery goal setting
- Orientation to the next phase of care
Detox isn’t just about physical withdrawal — it’s the beginning of a mental reset.
Stage 5: Transition Into Inpatient Rehab
This is the most important phase of detox — the handoff to ongoing care.
Without continued treatment, most people relapse within days or weeks after detox. That’s why Orange County Detox Center provides immediate transition into residential inpatient rehab for clients who qualify.
Inpatient rehab provides:
- Continued therapy and trauma treatment
- Coping skills and relapse prevention tools
- Mental health care (dual diagnosis)
- 24/7 clinical support and structure
- Peer accountability and recovery community
Learn more about our residential program, or verify your insurance to see what’s covered.
If inpatient care isn’t the right fit, we also help place clients into trusted outpatient programs through local partners.
Are the Stages of Detox the Same for Every Substance?
While the detox process follows similar stages, the symptoms, timeline, and risks vary depending on the drug:
Opioids and Heroin
- Severe body aches, nausea, insomnia
- High relapse risk due to cravings
- Learn more →
- Heroin detox info →
Methamphetamine and Stimulants
- “Crash” symptoms: fatigue, paranoia, depression
- Mostly psychological
- Stimulant detox info →
- Meth detox info →
Alcohol
- Shaking, seizures, hallucinations
- Medical risk is high
- Alcohol detox info →
Each detox is supervised differently, with the goal of minimizing harm and helping you transition into long-term care.
How Long Do the 5 Stages of Detox Take?
Here’s a general timeline by substance:
- Opioids: 5–10 days
- Alcohol: 5–7 days
- Stimulants: 4–7 days
- Benzos: 10–28 days (with taper)
- Polysubstance: May take 7–14+ days
The full five-stage process can take a week to several weeks depending on medical needs. What matters most is quality of care, not just speed.
Insurance and Detox Coverage
Most PPO insurance plans cover medically necessary detox, including supervised care, medications, and transition planning.
While we are not in-network, Orange County Detox Center works with most major PPOs and can help you access high-quality care with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
Use our insurance verification form to get a fast, confidential review of your coverage.
Begin the Drug Detox Process in Orange County
The detox process doesn’t have to be terrifying or overwhelming. When handled correctly, it’s a safe and empowering first step in your recovery.
At Orange County Detox Center, we offer evidence-based care, clinical expertise, and compassionate support through each stage of detoxification. We also help you transition directly into inpatient rehab or coordinate outpatient care through our trusted local partners.
If you’re ready to take the first step, verify your insurance or speak with our admissions team today.
Your recovery starts with a safe detox — and we’re ready to guide you through every stage.
