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It’s Not Just Opioids: 4 Common Substance Addictions That Need Medical Detox

Fentanyl has commandeered the media for the last year, and for good reason. Its Infiltration into this country has been pervasive, unrelenting, and deadly. If you bring up detox, most people think about fentanyl and heroin. While the opioid crisis has certainly highlighted the need for medical detox services, it’s important to understand that a lot of drugs require medical detox. At our Nashville detox facility, we specialize in providing safe and effective medical detox for a range of substance addictions. Here, we’ll explore four common drugs that often necessitate medical detox.

1. Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism is one of the most prevalent substance use disorders in the world. While drinking may be the only socially accepted form of drug use in this country, chronic and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to physical dependence and severe health issues. When an individual becomes dependent on alcohol, abruptly stopping consumption can trigger dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Seizures
  • Delirium tremens (DTs)
  • Hallucinations
  • Severe anxiety & agitation
  • Elevated heart rate & blood pressure

Medical detox is absolutely essential for safely managing these symptoms. In a controlled environment, healthcare professionals can administer medications and provide supportive care to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. This approach not only ensures the individual’s safety but also sets the stage for successful long-term recovery.

2. Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions, can be highly addictive when misused or taken for extended periods. These medications include well-known names like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. Dependence on these pills can develop quickly, leading to withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • Panic attacks
  • Severe anxiety
  • Muscle pain & stiffness
  • Insomnia
  • Seizures

Due to the risk of seizures and other severe withdrawal symptoms, benzo detox should never be attempted without medical supervision. A medically supervised detox program like Live Again can provide a tapering schedule to gradually reduce the dosage, minimizing withdrawal risks and ensuring a safer detox process.

3. Stimulant Addiction

Stimulants, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription medications like Adderall and Ritalin, are substances that heighten alertness, attention, and energy. While these drugs can be beneficial for certain medical conditions, their misuse can lead to addiction and serious health consequences. Withdrawal from stimulants can cause:

  • Intense cravings
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep disturbances

Medical detox for stimulant dependence focuses on managing the psychological and physical effects of withdrawal. Healthcare professionals in a detox facility can offer medications and therapeutic support to address depression and anxiety, helping individuals navigate the challenging initial stages of recovery.

4. Prescription Opioid Addiction

When people think about opioids they think about fentanyl and heroin but prescription opioids like OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin also pose significant addiction risks. Despite being prescribed by a doctor for legitimate medical use, these medications can escalate into dependency and misuse. Withdrawal symptoms from opioids can be extremely uncomfortable and include:

  • Nausea & vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Severe muscle & bone pain
  • Restlessness
  • Cold sweats & chills
  • Dehydration

Detox for prescription opioid addiction involves medications such as buprenorphine to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. This medical intervention, combined with counseling and support, helps individuals achieve a more comfortable and safer detox process while preventing relapse. 

Why Choose Our Nashville Detox Facility?

Attempting to detox from substances at home can be dangerous and, in some cases, life-threatening. Medical detox provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can receive the necessary care to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. At our Nashville detox facility, we provide comprehensive medical detox services tailored to each individual’s needs. Our experienced medical team is dedicated to ensuring a safe and comfortable detox process, offering 24/7 care and support.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance addiction, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today to learn more about our medical detox services and start your path to a healthier, happier life.


FAQ: Common Substances That Need Medical Detox (Nashville)

What is medical detox and why is it necessary?

Medical detox is a supervised process that helps the body safely eliminate drugs or alcohol while managing withdrawal symptoms. Many substances cause dangerous or severe withdrawal reactions, including seizures, hallucinations, and heart complications. Medical detox provides 24/7 monitoring, medications, and clinical support to ensure safety and comfort during withdrawal.

Is fentanyl the only drug that requires medical detox?

No. While fentanyl has dominated media coverage due to its extreme potency and overdose risk, many other substances also require medical detox. Alcohol, benzodiazepines, prescription opioids, and some stimulants can all cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms that should never be managed without professional medical care.

Why is alcohol detox considered dangerous?

Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening for individuals with physical dependence. Symptoms may include seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), hallucinations, dangerously high blood pressure, and heart rate instability. Medical detox is essential for safely managing alcohol withdrawal and preventing serious complications.

Can benzodiazepine withdrawal really cause seizures?

Yes. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, panic attacks, and extreme anxiety. Stopping benzos abruptly is dangerous. Medical detox uses a carefully managed tapering schedule to reduce risk and ensure safety.

Do stimulant drugs like cocaine or meth require medical detox?

Stimulant withdrawal is typically not life-threatening, but it can be psychologically intense and destabilizing. Symptoms often include severe depression, fatigue, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and strong cravings. Medical detox provides monitoring, emotional support, and treatment for mental health symptoms that can increase relapse risk.

What are prescription opioids, and how are they different from fentanyl or heroin?

Prescription opioids include medications like OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, and morphine. While legally prescribed, they act on the same opioid receptors as heroin and fentanyl and carry a high risk of addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and are best managed in a medical detox setting.

What medications are used during opioid detox?

Medical detox for opioid addiction often includes medications such as buprenorphine to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These medications help stabilize the body, improve comfort, and lower the risk of relapse or overdose during early recovery.

How long does medical detox usually take?

Detox timelines vary depending on the substance, duration of use, and individual health factors.

  • Alcohol detox typically lasts 5–10 days
  • Opioid detox may last 7–14 days
  • Benzodiazepine detox can take longer and requires gradual tapering
    A medical team determines the safest and most effective timeline for each person.
Is it safe to detox at home?

Detoxing at home is not recommended for substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids. Without medical supervision, withdrawal symptoms can escalate quickly and become life-threatening. Medical detox provides monitoring, medications, and immediate intervention if complications arise.

What happens after detox is complete?

Detox addresses physical dependence, but it does not treat the underlying causes of addiction. After detox, individuals are encouraged to continue into rehab or outpatient treatment where they can work on mental health, coping skills, relapse prevention, and long-term recovery planning.

Why choose a Nashville medical detox facility?

A professional Nashville detox facility offers licensed medical staff, 24/7 supervision, personalized detox plans, and access to ongoing addiction treatment resources. Local care also makes it easier for families to stay involved and for individuals to transition into the next phase of recovery.

How do I know if my loved one needs medical detox?

Signs that medical detox may be necessary include physical dependence, severe withdrawal symptoms, failed attempts to quit, co-occurring mental health issues, or use of substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or fentanyl. A professional evaluation can determine the safest level of care.


Blog Content Disclaimer – Educational & Informational Use

The content published on Live Again Detox blog pages is intended for general educational and informational purposes related to addiction, substance use disorders, detoxification, rehabilitation, mental health, and recovery support. Blog articles are designed to help readers better understand addiction-related topics and explore treatment concepts, but they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or individualized treatment planning.

Addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions are complex medical issues that affect individuals differently based on many factors, including substance type, length of use, physical health, mental health history, medications, age, and social environment. Because of this variability, information discussed in blog articles—such as withdrawal symptoms, detox timelines, treatment approaches, medications, relapse risks, or recovery strategies—may not apply to every individual. Reading blog content should not replace consultation with licensed medical or behavioral health professionals.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Emergencies may include suspected overdose, seizures, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe confusion, hallucinations with unsafe behavior, loss of consciousness, suicidal thoughts, or threats of harm to oneself or others. Live Again Detox blog content is not intended for crisis intervention and should never be used in place of emergency care.

Detoxification from drugs or alcohol can involve serious medical risks, particularly with substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, and certain prescription medications. Withdrawal symptoms can escalate quickly and may become life-threatening without proper medical supervision. Any blog content describing detox, withdrawal, or substance cessation is provided to raise awareness and encourage safer decision-making—not to instruct readers to detox on their own. Attempting self-detox without medical oversight can be dangerous and is strongly discouraged.

Blog articles may discuss various addiction treatment options, including medical detox, residential or inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, therapy modalities, medication-assisted treatment, aftercare planning, and recovery support services. These discussions reflect commonly used, evidence-informed approaches but do not represent guarantees of effectiveness or suitability for every person. Treatment recommendations should always be based on a comprehensive assessment conducted by licensed professionals.

Information related to insurance coverage, treatment costs, or payment options that appears within blog content is provided for general informational purposes only. Insurance benefits vary widely depending on the individual’s plan, carrier, state regulations, and medical necessity criteria. Coverage details may change without notice, and no insurance-related statements on blog pages should be interpreted as a promise of coverage or payment. Live Again Detox encourages readers to contact our admissions team directly to verify insurance benefits and eligibility before making treatment decisions.

Some blog posts may reference third-party studies, external organizations, medications, community resources, or harm-reduction concepts. These references are provided for educational context only and do not constitute endorsements. Live Again Detox does not control third-party content and is not responsible for the accuracy, availability, or practices of external websites or organizations.

Blog content may also include general advice for families or loved ones supporting someone with addiction. While these discussions aim to be supportive and informative, every situation is unique. If there is an immediate safety concern—such as violence, overdose risk, child endangerment, or medical instability—emergency services or qualified professionals should be contacted right away rather than relying on online information.

Use of Live Again Detox blog pages does not establish a provider–patient relationship. Submitting comments, contacting the center through a blog page, or reading articles does not guarantee admission to treatment or access to services. Recovery outcomes vary, and no specific results are promised or implied.

If you are struggling with substance use, withdrawal symptoms, or questions about treatment, we encourage you to seek guidance from licensed healthcare providers. For personalized information about treatment options or insurance verification, you may contact Live Again Detox directly. For emergencies, call 911 immediately.

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→ Contributors


Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Vahid Osman, M.D.

Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist
Clinically Reviewed By:


Josh Sprung, L.C.S.W.

Board Certified Clinical Social Worker
→ Sources

Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. (2024). Annual overdose report. https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Opioid overdose: Understanding the epidemic. https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). National survey on drug use and health: Tennessee data summary. https://www.samhsa.gov/data

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). Common comorbidities with substance use disorders. https://nida.nih.gov/publications

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2023). Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). https://www.hhs.gov/programs/topic-sites/mental-health-parity/index.html

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2023). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. https://988lifeline.org/

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What Our Patients Say

Stories of Hope and Recovery

Hear directly from those who have walked the path to recovery at Live Again Detox. Our patients’ stories highlight the compassionate care, effective programs, and life-changing support they’ve experienced. Let their journeys inspire you as you take your first steps toward healing.

scott R.
16:44 19 Feb 26
A great place for starting my recovery journey again.
Kat
21:20 18 Feb 26
I’ve waited a really long time to write this, but decided it’s finally time.
I’m currently 16 months sober, and I owe so much of that to the team at Live Again Detox. This wasn’t my first rodeo, or even my second, but more along the lines of “oh, we doing this again?” I’ve been to some really terrible places in my recovery journey over the last 17 years, but Live Again ranks among the best. From day one, I was treated with care and compassion and I could tell that the clinicians, nurses, and recovery team really cared. They handled me with care and dignity, helping me to feel seen and heard for the first time in a long time.
The catering was top-notch and there were groceries runs about 1x week.
The bedrooms provided were spacious and clean (and there’s even a tv provided!)
The communal areas were always kept well stocked with snacks and drinks. The living room area had video game consoles as well as a large selection of novels to choose from, should you feel so inclined.
There was ample opportunities to attend in-house recovery meetings, such as AA.
There are counselors on site to visit with as needed.
Live Again truly helped me to set a solid foundation for recovery, and I have recommended them several times since I left their care. If you are in need for specialized SUD care, I highly recommend these guys!

Thank you, care team for making me feel like a person again.
taylor P.
13:58 10 Feb 26
I loved my stay here and highly recommend it! All of the staff are amazing and accommodating. I definitely got everything I needed out of it.
Brayden M.
14:54 04 Feb 26
The staff are extremely professional and helpful, I was so nervous going into this process and they made me feel so comfortable and at peace. I wouldn't recommend any other place!
mindfulness in addiction recovery

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