For many individuals beginning their journey to sobriety, the first question they face is: “What is medical detox?” Medical detox is a supervised process that helps individuals safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol under the care of healthcare professionals.
Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR) provides outpatient medical detox services designed to prioritize comfort, safety, and long-term success, without requiring an overnight stay in a hospital or rehab center.
Understanding the Medical Detox Process
Medical detoxification (medical detox) is the process of clearing substances like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines from the body, with medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce potential risks.
The goal is to:
- Stabilize the individual during withdrawal
- Minimize discomfort
- Prevent complications
- Prepare for ongoing addiction treatment
Medical detox often includes the use of FDA-approved medications, clinical monitoring, and therapeutic support to make withdrawal safer and more manageable.

Why Medical Detox Is Necessary
Substance use changes brain chemistry and body function. When you suddenly stop using, your body can go into shock, especially with substances like alcohol, opioids, or benzos. Withdrawal can be painful and, in some cases, life-threatening.
Symptoms of withdrawal may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating and chills
- Seizures
- Anxiety or depression
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
Medical detox helps you avoid these risks by providing round-the-clock care and the proper medications to stabilize your system.
What Happens During Medical Detox?
Step 1: Initial Assessment
At CMAR, every detox process begins with a comprehensive medical and psychological assessment. This helps us determine your:
- Substance use history
- Physical health
- Mental health conditions
- Risk of complications
We then design a personalized detox plan tailored to your specific needs.
Step 2: Medication-Assisted Withdrawal
We use evidence-based medications to manage symptoms and cravings, including:
- Suboxone or Sublocade (for opioid detox)
- Vivitrol (for alcohol or opioid cravings)
- Antabuse (for alcohol recovery)
- Comfort medications for anxiety, sleep, or nausea
These medications help ease the detox process and prevent relapse.
Step 3: Ongoing Monitoring & Support
Our licensed professionals provide daily check-ins, monitor vitals, and adjust medications as needed. We also offer individual counseling to help patients cope with emotional triggers during detox.

CMAR’s Outpatient Detox Program in Colorado
Unlike inpatient rehabs, CMAR offers medical detox on an outpatient basis, meaning you can detox safely while living at home or in a supportive environment.
Our outpatient program is ideal for individuals who:
- Have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms
- Need flexible scheduling
- Want to maintain work, school, or family obligations
- Are you looking for a cost-effective alternative to inpatient rehab
We are Colorado’s only licensed outpatient detox provider that integrates medical, clinical, and therapeutic care in one location.
What Substances Require Medical Detox?
Not every drug withdrawal is the same. Some substances require medical detox due to the severity of symptoms and the potential for complications.
Substances Commonly Treated at CMAR:
- Alcohol: Risk of seizures and delirium tremens
- Opioids (heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers): Severe cravings, flu-like symptoms, anxiety
- Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Valium): Risk of seizures, panic attacks, insomnia
- Polysubstance Use: Combined drug withdrawals need specialized care
If you’re unsure whether you need detox, our team can help assess your condition confidentially.
Is Medical Detox Enough?
While detox is an essential first step, it’s not a cure for addiction. Proper recovery begins after detox, when the physical dependence ends and psychological healing begins.
That’s why CMAR offers a full continuum of care after medical detox, including:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Daytime, structured support
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Flexible scheduling for working adults
- Mental Health & Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Individual & Group Therapy
- Family Support & Case Management

How Long Does Medical Detox Last?
Most medical detox programs last 5 to 10 days, but the exact duration depends on:
- The substances used
- How long and how heavily they were used
- Your overall health and co-occurring conditions
CMAR designs each detox timeline around your unique recovery needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is detox painful?
With medical detox, discomfort is minimized through the use of medications and clinical care. Although you may still feel symptoms, we manage them closely.
Can I detox at home?
We strongly advise against unsupervised detox, primarily from alcohol, opioids, or benzos. Home detox can be dangerous and unpredictable.
Does insurance cover medical detox?
Yes! CMAR accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicaid, and offers affordable self-pay options.
Why Choose CMAR for Medical Detox?
- Colorado’s only licensed outpatient detox provider
- Full MAT services on-site
- Dual diagnosis and trauma-informed care
- Flexible appointment options, morning, evening, and telehealth
- Caring, nonjudgmental staff with decades of experience
Start Medical Detox in Denver Today
If you or a loved one is asking, “What is medical detox?”, chances are you’re already considering a path to recovery. At CMAR, we make starting that journey easier, safer, and more flexible than ever.