Starting recovery can be one of the most challenging yet hopeful choices a person can make. For individuals living in Spokane, Washington, and nearby communities such as Liberty Lake, Cheney, or Coeur d’Alene seeking medical detox as the first step in recovery, Spokane Falls Recovery Center offers a safe and supportive place to begin healing.
Our medical detox in Spokane, Washington, provides a compassionate environment where clients can safely manage withdrawal under medical supervision. Whether you are coming from Eastern Washington or North Idaho, our licensed team will help you prepare for the next phase of your recovery journey.
When is medical detox recommended?
Medical detox is often a crucial first step for people with physical dependence on substances. It provides a structured and supervised environment for managing withdrawal, prioritizing comfort and safety.
Common signs you need detox
You may benefit from medical detox if you experience:
- Withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, nausea, or anxiety when you stop using
- Needing more of a substance to feel the same effect
- Inability to stop using despite negative consequences
- Using substances to avoid withdrawal symptoms
- A history of seizures or other medical conditions affected by withdrawal
If any of these describe your situation, a professional detox program can help you avoid dangerous complications and begin recovery in a structured environment.
Substances that require medical oversight
Some substances can cause serious health concerns if you stop using them suddenly. These include:
- Alcohol and benzodiazepines
- Opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone
- Stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine
- Prescription sedatives and hypnotics
Medical oversight is crucial when multiple substances are involved. At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, our medical team will assess your medical history and substance use to create a personalized detox plan that prioritizes your comfort and safety.
Risks of at-home withdrawal
Attempting detox at home can be unsafe, particularly with alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines. Without medical care, withdrawal can lead to:
- Severe dehydration
- Seizures or cardiac complications
- Dangerous blood pressure changes
- Relapse or overdose after returning to use
A professional detox program offers caring, around-the-clock support and personalized medication management to help you feel safe, stable, and ready to begin healing the root causes of addiction.
What happens during detox
Detox at Spokane Falls Recovery Center focuses on safety, dignity, and compassion. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their physical and emotional needs.
Intake and assessment
The process begins with an intake assessment. Our medical staff reviews your medical and substance use history, performs screenings, and identifies potential risks or co-occurring mental health conditions. This assessment helps create a detox plan that addresses your unique needs.
Monitoring and comfort measures
During detox, medical staff monitor your vital signs, hydration, and withdrawal symptoms. Medications may be provided to ease discomfort, reduce anxiety, and support sleep. Comfort measures often include:
- A calm and private setting
- Nutritional support and hydration
- Continuous supervision by trained medical staff
These services help you stay stable while your body adjusts to being substance-free.
Managing complications
Withdrawal can sometimes lead to medical or psychological complications. Medical staff are available 24/7 to address issues such as blood pressure changes, severe anxiety, or risk of seizures. Having immediate medical care available helps keep the detox process as safe and manageable as possible.
Detox timelines by substance
The length of detox depends on the type of substance, the amount used, and your overall health.
Alcohol and benzodiazepines
Detox from alcohol or benzodiazepines typically lasts between three and seven days. Withdrawal symptoms may begin within hours after the last use and can include:
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
Medical supervision is vital because both alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can lead to seizures or delirium tremens.
Opioids
Opioid detox often lasts five to ten days, depending on the drug and level of use. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Anxiety
While opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, it can be very uncomfortable. Medications such as buprenorphine or clonidine may be used to help relieve symptoms and make the process more tolerable.
Common opioids that may require medical detox include:
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Heroin
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Oxymorphone
- Hydromorphone
Stimulants (meth and cocaine)
Detox from stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine may last several days to a week. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Intense cravings
Supportive care focuses on rest, nutrition, and emotional well-being. Short-term medication can help manage mood swings or sleep issues.
After detox: Next levels of care
Detox is only the beginning of recovery. Once your body has stabilized, the next phase involves addressing the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. Spokane Falls Recovery Center offers several options for continued care to meet your needs and lifestyle.
Residential vs. partial hospitalization program (PHP) vs. intensive outpatient program (IOP)
| Level of care | Setting | Typical time commitment | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential treatment | Live at the center | 24-hour care for several weeks | Full recovery focus | Those needing structure and separation from triggers |
| Partial hospitalization program (PHP) | Day program | 6–8 hours per day, 5 days per week | Therapy, skills building, and relapse prevention | Clients stepping down from residential care |
| Intensive outpatient program (IOP) | Flexible scheduling | 3–4 hours per day, several days per week | Group therapy, individual counseling, and accountability | Clients balancing treatment with work or family life |
Each level offers a bridge from medical detox to lasting recovery, allowing clients to build healthy routines and strengthen coping skills.
Relapse prevention and aftercare
Aftercare services at Spokane Falls Recovery Center focus on continued healing and community support. These may include individual therapy, group therapy, and participation in 12-Step or similar recovery programs. The family program helps loved ones understand recovery and build healthy communication patterns.
Access, insurance coverage, and getting started
Understanding how to begin treatment can feel overwhelming, but our admissions team is ready to guide you.
Insurance basics
Spokane Falls Recovery Center accepts most major insurance plans for addiction treatment services. If you would like to verify your benefits, our admissions team can assist you in checking your insurance coverage. We will confirm what your plan includes and explain any potential costs before you begin detox.
Transportation and admission windows
Admissions are available seven days a week, and same-day intake is often possible. Transportation assistance can frequently be arranged for clients within Spokane, Spokane Valley, Airway Heights, Liberty Lake, or nearby North Idaho areas like Coeur d’Alene. If you or a loved one needs help, our admissions team can provide details on scheduling and current availability.
What to bring (and what not to) to medical detox
For a comfortable and focused start to your recovery journey, we recommend packing the following essentials:
- A valid photo ID and your insurance card
- Comfortable clothing without drawstrings or metal components
- Alcohol-free personal toiletries
- Any personal prescription medications, which must be in their original, clearly labeled bottles
- A journal, books, or other recovery-focused reading materials
When coming to our treatment center, please leave these items at home:
- Electronic devices (not approved by staff)
- Outside food or beverages
- Sharp objects or valuables
Bringing only the essentials helps create a safe and calming environment for everyone in care.
Frequently asked questions about medical detox at Spokane Falls Recovery Center
Detox typically lasts three to ten days, depending on the substance used, duration of use, and personal health. Some individuals may need longer observation if they experience complications.
Medications vary based on the type of substance. Common options include benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal, buprenorphine for opioid withdrawal, and comfort medications for nausea, anxiety, or insomnia.
If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms, have co-occurring mental health concerns, or lack a stable home environment, inpatient detox is usually the safest option. Outpatient detox may be appropriate for mild cases under medical guidance.
Many insurance plans include coverage for medical detox in Spokane, Washington. Our admissions team can help you verify your insurance benefits and provide a straightforward understanding of your treatment options.
After detox, patients often transition into residential treatment, PHP, or IOP for continued therapy and relapse prevention.
Begin your path to recovery today with Spokane Falls Recovery Center
Are you or a loved one ready to take the courageous first step toward a life free from addiction? Hope and healing begin at Spokane Falls Recovery Center, and we are here to guide you on your journey to recovery.
Our medical detox in Spokane provides safe, evidence-based care for individuals across Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Our team is here to help you verify your insurance, explore addiction treatment options, and develop a personalized plan for long-term recovery. Call us today at 844.962.2775 or request an assessment through our admissions page to begin your recovery journey.
