Our Drug and Alcohol Detox

Medical detox, also known as medically supervised detox, is a process that helps individuals safely withdraw from substances such as alcohol, opioids, and other drugs. It is a crucial step in the recovery process, as it allows individuals to overcome physical dependence on substances and prepares them for further treatment.

At South Shores Recovery, our medically supervised detox programs are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can begin their journey to recovery.

Medical detox involves the use of medical interventions to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure the safety and comfort of the individual. It is important to consult a medical doctor for safe detox and treatment planning, as professional oversight can prevent serious complications.

This process is essential for those experiencing severe alcohol withdrawal, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, or withdrawal from other substances, as it helps to mitigate the risks associated with sudden cessation.

Unsupervised “cold turkey” detox from alcohol or benzodiazepines can lead to life-threatening seizures, delirium tremens, or even death. Withdrawal from some drugs, such as benzodiazepines and opiates, can be fatal without proper medical intervention.

While medical detox plays a critical role in managing withdrawal, detox centers are for short-term management of withdrawal symptoms and are not considered addiction treatment. By providing comprehensive care and support, medical detox lays the foundation for successful addiction treatment and long-term recovery.

However, detoxification is not considered addiction treatment, and patients often have a high rate of relapse if they do not follow up with long-term treatment programs at an accredited treatment center like our programs at ‘the Shores.

South Shores Detox & Treatment understands that addiction to drugs and alcohol is an illness that has its roots in altered brain functioning and structure. This is characterized by the individual who, having crossed over from recreational use into addiction, no longer has the ability to stop himself from the dangers of “using”.

Such individuals sadly continue in their addiction even though “hospitals, institutions & death” are the eventual results for them. Drug detox is a crucial first step in this process, requiring medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. However, detox is just the first part of addiction treatment and is usually insufficient for a successful recovery; the ultimate goal is sustained abstinence and improved health.

Addiction has been attributed to environmental, genetic, and developmental factors, making it an extremely difficult illness to treat, hence why so many people struggle through multiple relapses until they finally “get it”, if they get it at all. But at South Shores, we do not despair, we have seen, as well have been, the most hopeless cases recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind.

We do this through a multi-prong attack that sees each guest receive a therapeutic, experiential & communal treatment that helps move the addict from a war zone to a place of healing. Our care team, including other clinicians, collaborates to develop ongoing recovery strategies tailored to each individual. We emphasize the use of evidence-based treatment and addiction medicine, ensuring that care is compassionate, patient-centered, and scientifically supported.

Our treatment centers play a vital role in ensuring that detox and recovery processes are safe and effective, providing the necessary psychological support and long-term treatment plans. Continued care and recovery support after detox are essential for sustained sobriety and long-term rehabilitation. Patients who receive continuing care after detox have better outcomes in terms of drug abstinence and readmission rates than those who do not receive continuing care.

Though there are several steps in finding full recovery from drug and alcohol addiction none is more important than the first step of treatment known as Detoxification or Detox. This is the beginning of the journey of the guest and a vital step in seeing the individual get the opportunity to accept his/her treatment. The goal of this phase is returning the guests body to its prior state of being before being physically addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Detoxification is not designed to resolve the longstanding psychological, social, and behavioral problems associated with substance abuse and drug abuse. Substance abuse treatment and ongoing treatment programs are necessary to address these issues after detox.

If this step is not taken fully and safely then the guest never gets the opportunity to be fully clean (or clear) to realize their treatment. South Shores is committed to helping those under our care to detox completely so that they can be fully present for the recovery process to begin and endure.

The drug and alcohol detox process is a personalized treatment approach tailored to individual needs, emphasizing its role as the initial stage in recovery from substance use disorders and substance abuse.

Detoxification is different for each type of substance, from stimulant detox for meth and detox for cocaine, to opioid detox and benzodiazepine detox and more. Below are some facts about various types of detoxification and how South Shores Recovery works with you to safely rid your body of these substances.

• Conducting a thorough medical history and physical examination

• Assessing the individual’s substance use history and patterns

• Evaluating the individual’s mental health and potential co-occurring mental health conditions

• Screening for co-occurring mental health conditions as part of the evaluation process

• Identifying any potential health risks or complications

• Identifying risk factors that could complicate detoxification or withdrawal

Clinics in 2025 are using advanced assessments, including genetic and psychological profiling, to tailor detox protocols to each individual. The care team uses these tools to ensure treatment is personalized and addresses both substance use and co-occurring mental health issues.

This stage is crucial for developing a personalized detox plan that addresses the specific needs and challenges of the individual.

The stabilization stage involves using medications and other interventions to manage withdrawal symptoms and stabilize the individual’s physical and mental health. This may include:

• Administering medications to relieve symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and nausea, often as part of medication-assisted treatment prescribed by a medical doctor

• Providing hydration and nutrition to prevent dehydration and malnutrition

• Monitoring the individual’s vital signs and adjusting treatment as needed, with nursing staff providing 24-hour support and monitoring

• Addressing any co-occurring medical or mental health conditions

• Utilizing medical services to ensure comprehensive care, especially for patients with severe addictions

Inpatient detox programs provide 24-hour support and monitoring by nursing staff to prevent dangerous complications. Medical doctors prescribe medications to manage withdrawal symptoms safely, and medication-assisted treatment is often used to facilitate long-term recovery and increase the chances of successful, sustained sobriety.

Stabilization is a critical phase in the detox process, as it helps to ensure the individual’s safety and comfort while managing the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal.

The final stage of the detox process involves preparing the individual for entry into a treatment program. This may include:

• Educating the individual about the treatment process and what to expect

• Helping the individual set goals and develop a treatment plan

• Providing support and encouragement to help the individual stay motivated and engaged in the recovery process

• Facilitating the transition to a treatment program, such as inpatient or outpatient rehab

Linking detox to ongoing treatment programs is crucial for sustained recovery, and planning should involve other clinicians, such as counselors and healthcare professionals, to develop effective recovery strategies. Managed care organizations can help coordinate admissions and connect patients with appropriate treatment programs, ensuring integrated care. Outpatient rehab and detox options offer flexibility, allowing individuals to live at home while attending scheduled medical monitoring and focusing on coping strategies and support for milder cases, including social detox models.

Continued care after detox, including relapse prevention strategies and recovery support, leads to better outcomes. Participation in self-help groups and ongoing support is essential for maintaining sobriety, as relapse is often part of the recovery process for most people.

By preparing individuals for the next steps in their recovery journey, this stage helps to ensure a seamless transition into comprehensive addiction treatment.

Medical detox is an essential step in the recovery process, as it allows individuals to safely withdraw from substances and prepares them for further treatment. By providing a safe and supportive environment, medical detox can help individuals overcome physical dependence on substances and achieve long-term recovery.