Medically-Supervised Drug & Alcohol Detox Center in Atlanta

At Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, we’re committed to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. That journey begins with a patient assessment and evaluation.  

Understanding that every addiction is different, our individualized drug and alcohol assessments determine the level of care needed, providing a strong foundation for detox and beyond. Our drug and alcohol addiction treatment includes: 

• Medically supervised detoxification, ensuring a safe and comfortable withdrawal process. Detox at Empowered Recovery Center ensures a peaceful setting to help alleviate the dangerous effects of substance withdrawal. 
• Group therapy sessions, which offer an open environment for discussion and emotional support. 
• Family therapy, involving loved ones in the recovery process for collective healing. 
• Alumni and friends program, which reinforces the relationships and bonds that were forged during treatment for continuous support.

How Long Does Medical Detox Last? 

A medically supervised detox typically lasts three to 14 days.5 The length of the detox depends on factors unique to the patient and detox program, including: 

• The patient’s physical makeup, health, and substance use history 
• The substance or substances to which the patient has developed a dependency or addiction 
• The length of the substance use 

Other factors, such as the patient’s age and the presence of any underlying medical or mental health conditions, can also impact the length of the detox process.

How Long Does Withdrawal Last?   

The length of withdrawal depends on the individual, the substance they take, how long they’ve been taking them, and a host of other factors. Withdrawal can begin within a few hours after one’s last use, with the most intense withdrawal symptoms occurring within the first few days and continuing for five to 10 days after the last use.  

In some cases, like those involving a dependency or addiction to long-acting opioids, withdrawal symptoms can last for weeks. This is just one reason it’s important for those who have successfully detoxed from drugs and alcohol to continue their recovery via a long-term addiction treatment program. 

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, problems sleeping, anxiety, and increased sensitivity to sound and light, generally start six to 24 hours after the person has last used alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms have also been known to begin when the patient still has significant alcohol concentrations in their blood. Some can experience prolonged alcohol withdrawal symptoms, like insomnia and mood changes, for weeks or even months. 

Mild withdrawal symptoms tend to appear from six to 12 hours after the last alcohol use. Depending on the severity of withdrawal, more severe symptoms like hallucinations can appear within 24 hours after the last use.  

For most people with mild to moderate withdrawal, symptoms typically peak within 24 to 72 hours of the last alcohol use. For those with severe or complicated withdrawal, the risk of seizure is highest within 24 to 48 hours after the last alcohol use. Delirium tremens (DTs) can appear between 48 and 72 hours after the last alcohol use.6 

For those experiencing withdrawal from short-acting opioids, the onset of symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and muscle aches tends to begin within eight to 24 hours after the last opioid use, lasting for four to 10 days. For those experiencing withdrawal from long-acting opioids, symptoms begin 12 to 48 hours after last use and last between 10 and 20 days.4 

Withdrawal of short-acting benzodiazepines tends to start within one to two days of last use, peaking at seven to 14 days before gradually subsiding. Long-acting benzos generally have a less severe withdrawal, starting at two to seven days and peaking around 20 days before subsiding after a few weeks.7

Following detox, patients should begin the transition to a less intensive level of addiction treatment to support their ongoing recovery. The most appropriate treatment plan depends on factors such as the patient’s medical history, the substances they have used, and the duration and severity of their addiction. 

The different levels of care for addiction include:   

• Inpatient Treatment: Also referred to as residential rehab, this option involves staying at a treatment facility for a set period while receiving structured, individualized therapy and support. Inpatient programs help patients develop the skills needed for sustained recovery and a healthier, more productive life.  
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): PHP provides intensive addiction treatment without requiring an overnight stay. Patients attend structured therapy sessions for several hours a day, typically three to five days a week. These programs help individuals manage ongoing withdrawal symptoms and strengthen their coping strategies. A PHP program can last up to 30 days.
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): IOP offers multiple therapy sessions per week, including individual and group counseling, to address their addictive behavior. This level of care is more structured than standard outpatient programs but does not require the level of commitment needed for inpatient or PHP treatment.
• Outpatient Programs (OP): OP provides a flexible treatment option for those who need support while maintaining their daily responsibilities at work, school, or home. Treatment sessions may take place in person, virtually, or through telehealth services and can include therapy and medication management. Outpatient care is often best suited for individuals with mild to moderate substance use disorders.  

Many programs also offer dual diagnosis treatment, which addresses both the substance use disorder as well as any co-occurring mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or bipolar. Some facilities like Empowered Recovery Center might also provide MAT to ease long-term withdrawal symptoms and support recovery through a combination of prescription medication and therapy.