Discover what a seven-day drug detox program looks like, what factors affect the process, and if this type of detox program is right for you.

For many individuals, drug or alcohol detox is an important first step in the journey toward recovery. Safely guiding the body through the detoxification process can set you up for success with ongoing treatment and long-term sobriety.

Discover what a seven-day drug detox program looks like, what factors affect the process, and how to find a resource that’s right for you.

How Long Does Detox Take?

Drug detox can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the circumstances. A seven-day detox window, therefore, is a common timeframe for individuals that fall between the mildest and most severe addiction cases.

Factors that may affect the length of detox include:

  • Type of drug used: different drugs carry different levels of dependence and withdrawal. The onset of withdrawal symptoms depends on how long the particular drug remains in the system. Severity and duration of detoxification will vary by drug type.
  • Length, recency and degree of abuse: the level of drug use can affect detox timeframe. Drugs consumed for longer periods of time, at a higher concentration, or very recently can extend the required length of detox.
  • Unique physical considerations: our bodies are unique. Apart from drug use patterns, detox length can be affected by an individual’s metabolism, hydration, nutrition and overall health profile.
  • Co-occurring disorders and other substances: the detox timeline can potentially be prolonged if one attempting to detox from multiple substances, or with the co-existence of other disorders which require simultaneous treatment.

What Happens in a 7 Day Detox Program?

Detox is the cleansing of your body as it metabolizes out any lingering drugs and restores itself to its natural chemistry. This process relies on your body’s filtering systems such as the liver and kidneys. Typically, the first few days of detox carry the most severe symptoms and health risks and require the most supervision of health and comfort.

Medical Detox

Medical detox involves medical supervision and often the use of medications during the detox process. The goal of medical detox is to ensure a safe recovery and minimize discomfort. Medical treatment may be required to address:

  • Body damage from historic drug use
  • Physical complications from withdrawal
  • Management of transitional medications like methadone or clonidine
  • Easing pain
  • Assist with anxiety, sleeplessness and other withdrawal symptoms

As detox from certain substances can carry serious health complications, medically assisted detox helps ensure a safe beginning to recovery.

Counseling

Long-term sobriety requires treating mental and behavioral factors as well as physical dependence. While therapy and counseling services are a standard part of post-detox care, they are sometimes integrated during the detox process. This is more common in sub-acute addiction detox cases where patients are medically stable.

Nutritional and Holistic Plans

Those entering detox may be experiencing issues such as malnutrition. Over the course of the week-long detox, staff will monitor and support overall health goals with nutritional plans. Depending on the approach and level of care, other services such as spiritual counseling, exercise and other therapies may also be incorporated to the detox program.

Next Steps After Detox

Following a seven-day drug detox, patients will be guided through the next step in their recovery journey. This may include inpatient or outpatient rehab treatment, ongoing therapy and a long-term plan for transitioning back to their day-to-day lives. Required treatment will be determined based upon an evaluation of health needs, therapeutic options and other customized considerations.

Drug detox and rehabilitation can help you get your life back on course. If you need assistance or would just like to know more about your options, please reach out to us today. Our caring staff can help you find a path to sobriety that works for you.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.