Briarwood Detox Center

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Will I Get Sick While in Detox? | Briarwood Detox Center

Joint Commission accredited · In network with most major insurance · Admissions answered 24 hours a day

Written by

Anna-Grace Washington

Medical Content Writer

Medically reviewed by

Dr. William J. McCreight III, MD

Medical Director, 2019–2024

Published August 6, 2024

Reviewed and updated July 29, 2026

Table of contents

Detoxing from drugs and alcohol is a crucial first step in the journey to recovery. Many people fear the detox process because they worry about getting sick. At Briarwood Detox Center in Austin, TX, we understand these concerns and strive to provide the safest, most comfortable detox experience possible. This article will address the question, "Will I get sick while in detox?" and explain how our comprehensive and individualized care can help you through this challenging time.

If you or someone you love needs more than detox, Briarwood Detox Center also provides drug rehab austin.

Understanding the Detox Process

Detox, short for detoxification, is the process of letting your body get rid of drugs while managing withdrawal symptoms. It is also the first step in a full care plan that includes inpatient rehab, outpatient care, sober living, and independent sober life. Detox can be uncomfortable, but it is a necessary step toward long-term sobriety.

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Will I Get Sick During Detox?

The short answer is that you might feel unwell during detox, but serious illness is also rare when detox is medically supervised. The severity and type of withdrawal symptoms vary depending on several factors, including:

  1. Type of Substance Used: Different substances cause different withdrawal symptoms. For instance, alcohol and benzodiazepines can also lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms than marijuana or opioids.
  2. Duration of Use: The longer you have been using a substance, the more likely you are to also experience withdrawal symptoms.
  3. Amount of Substance Used: Higher doses of a substance can also lead to more intense withdrawal symptoms.
  4. Individual Health: Your overall health can also affect how your body responds to detox.

Common Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Shaking or tremors
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle pain
  • Fatigue

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms at Briarwood Detox Center

At Briarwood Detox Center, we are committed to making the detoxification process as smooth and comfortable as possible. Our comprehensive and individualized care includes:

1. Medical Supervision

Our detox program is medically supervised by experienced healthcare professionals. This means that you will be monitored 24/7 to ensure your safety and comfort. If any severe withdrawal symptoms occur, they can be addressed immediately with appropriate medical interventions.

2. Medication-Assisted Treatment

For some individuals, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can also help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. MAT involves using FDA-approved medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a "whole-patient" approach to treatment.

3. Holistic Therapies

We believe in treating the mind, body, and soul. Our holistic approach also includes therapies such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture, which can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being during detox.

4. Nutritional Support

Proper nutrition also plays a vital role in the detoxification process. We provide balanced meals and nutritional supplements to help your body heal and regain strength.

5. Emotional and Psychological Support

Detox can be an emotionally challenging time. Our counselors are also available to provide support and guidance, helping you navigate the psychological aspects of withdrawal and preparing you for the next steps in your recovery journey.

Ready to talk to someone now? Briarwood Detox Center's admissions team is here 24/7, and every call is confidential. Call (866) 710-7710.

The Importance of Comprehensive Care

Detox is just the beginning of the recovery process. At Briarwood Detox Center, we offer a full continuum of care that supports you through each stage of recovery. From inpatient rehab to outpatient programs and sober living, our goal is to provide the support you need to achieve and maintain long-term sobriety.

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Detoxing from drugs and alcohol can be daunting, but with the right support, you can get through it safely and comfortably. At Briarwood Detox Center in Austin, TX, we provide comprehensive and individualized care to ensure your detoxification experience is as smooth as possible. While some discomfort is normal, severe illness is rare when detoxification is medically supervised. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

  • Get Help Today: Contact Briarwood Detox Center to start your journey to recovery.
  • See Availability Today: Check our availability and take the first step toward a healthier, sober life.
  • Confidential Insurance and Availability Check: Verify your insurance coverage confidentially and get the support you need.
  • Most Insurances Accepted: We accept most insurance plans to make the detoxification process accessible to you.

Safe and Trusted Detox

By focusing on long-term treatment for chronic relapse, evidence-based practices, and holistic care, Briarwood Detox Center provides the ideal environment for a successful detoxification and recovery. Remember, detoxification is just the beginning, and we are here to support you through every step of your journey to sobriety.

Drug Detox With Briarwood

Briarwood Detox Center offers detox treatment for alcohol, opioid, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and much more. Our experienced clinical staff provides round-the-clock monitoring throughout the drug detox process and our therapy team provides support to help manage the emotional response to treatment. Additionally, we have detox facilities located in Austin, Houston, and Colorado Springs with state-of-the-art amenities.

Briarwood is dedicated to facilitating a healthy and safe environment that empowers people to make significant and lasting changes in their lives. We look forward to supporting you or your loved one on the journey to recovery. Call (866) 710-7710 today for more information on our programs and admission process.

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Briarwood Detox Center offers medically supervised detox in Austin. Explore our locations, see the facility, and verify your insurance in minutes.

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How Do I Know If I Need Medical Detox or If I Can Just Go Straight to Rehab?

You need medical detox if you've been using alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids regularly—especially at high doses or for extended periods. Attempting to go straight to rehab without detox can be dangerous and may lead to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox provides 24/7 monitoring, medication-assisted symptom relief, and stabilization before you transition to rehabilitation.

At Briarwood Detox Center in Austin, Texas, our board-certified physicians evaluate every patient to determine whether medical detox is necessary based on substance type, usage history, co-occurring medical conditions, and withdrawal risk. Most insurance plans cover medically necessary detox—call (866) 710-7710 for a confidential assessment today.

When Medical Detox Is Required

Medical detox is essential (not optional) if you've been using:

  • Alcohol — especially if you drink daily or have experienced shakes, sweating, or anxiety when you've tried to stop. Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures and delirium tremens (DTs), both of which can be fatal without medical supervision.
  • Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin) — abrupt cessation can trigger seizures, hallucinations, and severe anxiety. A controlled taper under medical supervision is the only safe approach.
  • Opioids (heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone) — while opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, it is intensely uncomfortable and often leads to relapse without medical support. Medications like buprenorphine and comfort care dramatically improve outcomes.

When You Might Be Able to Start with Rehab

In some cases, individuals using lower doses of certain substances—or those who have been using for a shorter period—may be medically cleared to enter rehab without a formal detox phase. This is rare and should only be determined by a qualified medical professional after a thorough assessment.

Substances that may allow direct entry to rehab (if usage is minimal and recent):

  • Marijuana (cannabis)
  • Cocaine or methamphetamine in limited, non-chronic use patterns (though psychological withdrawal and cravings still require clinical support)
  • Certain prescription stimulants or non-dependence-forming drugs

Important: Even if physical withdrawal is mild, rehab programs often require a brief medical evaluation to rule out complications. Never self-assess—contact a treatment center for guidance.

What Happens During Medical Detox at Briarwood

Our medical detox program in Austin includes:

  • 24/7 medical supervision by addiction medicine specialists and registered nurses
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to reduce cravings and withdrawal discomfort (buprenorphine, naltrexone, and comfort medications)
  • Individualized care plans tailored to your substance, health history, and co-occurring conditions
  • Seamless transition planning to outpatient rehab, residential treatment, or intensive outpatient programs (IOP)

Most patients complete detox in 5–7 days, though timelines vary by substance and individual factors.

Insurance, Cost, and Getting Started

Briarwood Detox Center works with most major insurance providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Ambetter. Our admissions team verifies your benefits and explains your out-of-pocket costs before you arrive—call (866) 710-7710 for a free, confidential insurance check.

We offer:

  • Inpatient medical detox in Austin, Texas
  • Outpatient detox programs in Austin, San Antonio, Houston (Texas), and Colorado Springs (Colorado)

If you're unsure whether you need detox, our clinical team will conduct a no-cost phone assessment and provide an honest recommendation. Your safety and long-term recovery are our only priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Detox vs. Rehab

Can I skip detox and go straight to rehab?

Only if a medical professional determines you are not at risk for dangerous withdrawal. For alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids, attempting rehab without detox can result in medical emergencies, early dropout, or relapse. Always get a clinical evaluation first.

How long does medical detox take?

Most patients complete detox in 5–7 days. Alcohol and benzodiazepine detox may take 7–10 days due to the need for careful tapering. Opioid detox often stabilizes within 5–7 days, though cravings may persist and are managed with medication-assisted treatment.

What if I've tried to quit before and relapsed?

Relapse is common and does not mean you've failed. It often signals that you need a higher level of medical support. At Briarwood, we use evidence-based protocols and medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, giving you the best chance at sustained recovery. Call (866) 710-7710 to discuss your history confidentially.

Will insurance cover medical detox?

Most major insurance plans cover medically necessary detox when prescribed by a physician. Briarwood works with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter, and many others. Contact our admissions team at (866) 710-7710 for a free benefits verification.

What happens after detox?

Detox is the first step, not the finish line. After medical stabilization, most patients transition to outpatient rehab, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), or residential treatment to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. Briarwood provides care coordination and referrals to trusted next-level providers.

Related resources:

How Do I Know If I Need Medical Detox or If I Can Just Go Straight to Rehab?

You need medical detox if you've been using alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids regularly—especially at high doses or for extended periods. Attempting to go straight to rehab without detox can be dangerous and may lead to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox provides 24/7 monitoring, medication-assisted symptom relief, and stabilization before you transition to rehabilitation.

At Briarwood Detox Center in Austin, Texas, our board-certified physicians evaluate every patient to determine whether medical detox is necessary based on substance type, usage history, co-occurring medical conditions, and withdrawal risk. Most insurance plans cover medically necessary detox—call (866) 710-7710 for a confidential assessment today.

When Medical Detox Is Required

Medical detox is essential (not optional) if you've been using:

  • Alcohol — especially if you drink daily or have experienced shakes, sweating, or anxiety when you've tried to stop. Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures and delirium tremens (DTs), both of which can be fatal without medical supervision.
  • Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin) — abrupt cessation can trigger seizures, hallucinations, and severe anxiety. A controlled taper under medical supervision is the only safe approach.
  • Opioids (heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone) — while opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, it is intensely uncomfortable and often leads to relapse without medical support. Medications like buprenorphine and comfort care dramatically improve outcomes.

When You Might Be Able to Start with Rehab

In some cases, individuals using lower doses of certain substances—or those who have been using for a shorter period—may be medically cleared to enter rehab without a formal detox phase. This is rare and should only be determined by a qualified medical professional after a thorough assessment.

Substances that may allow direct entry to rehab (if usage is minimal and recent):

  • Marijuana (cannabis)
  • Cocaine or methamphetamine in limited, non-chronic use patterns (though psychological withdrawal and cravings still require clinical support)
  • Certain prescription stimulants or non-dependence-forming drugs

Important: Even if physical withdrawal is mild, rehab programs often require a brief medical evaluation to rule out complications. Never self-assess—contact a treatment center for guidance.

What Happens During Medical Detox at Briarwood

Our medical detox program in Austin includes:

  • 24/7 medical supervision by addiction medicine specialists and registered nurses
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to reduce cravings and withdrawal discomfort (buprenorphine, naltrexone, and comfort medications)
  • Individualized care plans tailored to your substance, health history, and co-occurring conditions
  • Seamless transition planning to outpatient rehab, residential treatment, or intensive outpatient programs (IOP)

Most patients complete detox in 5–7 days, though timelines vary by substance and individual factors.

Insurance, Cost, and Getting Started

Briarwood Detox Center works with most major insurance providers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Ambetter. Our admissions team verifies your benefits and explains your out-of-pocket costs before you arrive—call (866) 710-7710 for a free, confidential insurance check.

We offer:

  • Inpatient medical detox in Austin, Texas
  • Outpatient detox programs in Austin, San Antonio, Houston (Texas), and Colorado Springs (Colorado)

If you're unsure whether you need detox, our clinical team will conduct a no-cost phone assessment and provide an honest recommendation. Your safety and long-term recovery are our only priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Detox vs. Rehab

Can I skip detox and go straight to rehab?

Only if a medical professional determines you are not at risk for dangerous withdrawal. For alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids, attempting rehab without detox can result in medical emergencies, early dropout, or relapse. Always get a clinical evaluation first.

How long does medical detox take?

Most patients complete detox in 5–7 days. Alcohol and benzodiazepine detox may take 7–10 days due to the need for careful tapering. Opioid detox often stabilizes within 5–7 days, though cravings may persist and are managed with medication-assisted treatment.

What if I've tried to quit before and relapsed?

Relapse is common and does not mean you've failed. It often signals that you need a higher level of medical support. At Briarwood, we use evidence-based protocols and medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, giving you the best chance at sustained recovery. Call (866) 710-7710 to discuss your history confidentially.

Will insurance cover medical detox?

Most major insurance plans cover medically necessary detox when prescribed by a physician. Briarwood works with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter, and many others. Contact our admissions team at (866) 710-7710 for a free benefits verification.

What happens after detox?

Detox is the first step, not the finish line. After medical stabilization, most patients transition to outpatient rehab, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), or residential treatment to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. Briarwood provides care coordination and referrals to trusted next-level providers.

Related resources:

In network with most major insurance

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Most plans cover medical detox. Coverage varies by plan, so we verify it for you before you commit to anything.

Don't see your plan? We work with out-of-network benefits and offer self-pay options — (866) 710-7710

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