Find the Right Detox in Nashville: Safe, Guided Placement Support

Why Nashville Area Detox Is Needed

Nashville has a thriving music scene, accompanied by sobering challenges with substance use. Tennessee is at the top of the list of states hit by the opioid epidemic, and Nashville is not immune to the trend. Davidson County has reported more than 400 drug overdose deaths in recent years, and a large percentage of those deaths were caused by opioids.[1] Additionally, Nashville has experienced an increase in alcohol-related hospitalizations and methamphetamine-related hospital admissions.[2][3] Because of all of this, access to medical detox in Nashville is more critical than ever.

Understanding Medical Detox

Medical detox is the first step on the path to recovery from addiction. Medical detox will provide a safe environment, under a medical professional’s supervision, to break the physical dependence on drug or alcohol use. For Nashville residents battling addiction, it’s critical to know what detoxification entails and how it can be the first step toward getting life-saving treatment.

What Is Detoxification?

Detoxification, or detox for short, is the process by which the body cleanses itself of drugs or alcohol, allowing withdrawal symptoms to be managed as substance use is eliminated. Detoxification specifically addresses the physical dependency that a person has developed due to prolonged use of one or more substances, whether it be alcohol, cocaine, crystal meth, heroin, or prescription drugs. Physical dependence occurs when the body and brain alter their chemical structure from repeated use of substances; this alteration is what keeps people from living and functioning normally.

The medical detoxification process is very different from trying to quit “cold turkey” at home on one’s own. In a medical detoxification program, all vital signs are monitored, withdrawal medications are prescribed to ease withdrawal symptoms, and immediate medical assistance is provided should complications occur during the detox process. This monitoring, especially for abuse of alcohol or benzodiazepines, is crucial, as withdrawal from these substances has the potential to be fatal if not controlled. Clinical guidelines recommend that individuals seek supervised detox when withdrawing from alcohol or benzodiazepines, as clinicians can provide essential medications that reduce risk of complications such as seizures and delirium when compared with unmanaged at-home detox.[4]

Stages of the Detoxification Process

The detoxification process has multiple stages. However, the length of time and overall experience will vary from person to person, depending on what substances are being abused, how long an individual has abused them, and individual health factors.

1. Evaluation and Assessment: Before being admitted into a medical detox program in Nashville, clients will complete an extensive evaluation. The evaluation process reviews the individual’s drug and alcohol history, screens the individual for any co-occurring mental health disorders, and assesses the individual’s overall health. Blood testing and urine toxicology testing are performed to identify the types of drugs an individual has used or been exposed to and the amounts of each substance in their bloodstream. The results of the evaluation are the foundation for the development of an individualized detox treatment plan.

2. Stabilization: During the stabilization phase, medical staff will administer medications to help mitigate withdrawal symptoms and any complications associated with withdrawal. For individuals recovering from alcohol addiction, benzodiazepines are commonly used to prevent seizures and alleviate feelings of anxiety related to withdrawal. For individuals recovering from opioid addiction, buprenorphine or methadone may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Throughout the stabilization phase, nursing staff will closely monitor an individual’s vital signs—including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and hydration levels—on a routine basis.

The stabilization phase may last anywhere from three to seven days (sometimes longer), depending on what type of substance was abused.

3. Continuing Treatment: Following detox, an individual will continue to the next phase of a comprehensive treatment program. Many medical and case management staff will help individuals and their families understand the next steps. This includes education about addiction, therapy, and the transition into residential treatment, partial hospitalization, or outpatient treatment.

What to Expect During Detox

Knowing what to expect will help ease the anxiety of taking the first step toward a life of recovery. Although every person’s experience with medical detoxification will be unique, there are many similar elements in most detoxification programs in Nashville.

Physical Symptoms

The physical symptoms associated with withdrawal from each substance will vary greatly from one substance to another. Withdrawal symptoms associated with the cessation of alcohol can include tremors, sweating, nausea, anxiety, fast heart rate, and, in severe cases, hallucinations and seizures.[5] Opioid withdrawal will typically involve muscle pain, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intense drug cravings.[8] With stimulant drugs, the withdrawal symptoms may include extreme fatigue, depression, and increased appetite, as well as disrupted sleep patterns.[9] Withdrawal from benzodiazepines will typically include anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and seizures.

Emotional Symptoms

Many individuals entering detox will experience a blend of fear, relief, and uncertainty. For many individuals, their decision to seek help is the culmination of extensive internal conflict, and emotional vulnerability is common during this process. Many individuals experience feelings of guilt and shame related to actions taken while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The depression and anxiety experienced during the detoxification process may intensify for many individuals.

Most detoxification programs in Nashville will provide emotional support in addition to medical support. Many detoxification staff are trained to provide compassion and encouragement to individuals during this period of vulnerability. Additionally, many detox facilities will help facilitate communication and support for families, as family support will be an integral part of an individual’s recovery journey.

Daily Structure

Most detoxification programs provide a structured daily schedule. Most begin by monitoring an individual’s vital signs every 4 to 6 hours for the first few days, providing medications as scheduled, serving nutritional meals, and allowing short periods of rest. Programs may also include gentle stretching, walking, educational groups related to drug and alcohol recovery, and regular check-ins with both the medical and counseling staff.

Environment

There are many detoxification facilities in Nashville, such as hospitals, residential facilities, or facilities that exclusively provide detoxification services. Regardless of location, the environment of a medically monitored detox will be safe and designed for comfort. Typically, a person will have their own private room or a shared room, depending upon the number of clients admitted to each facility. Medical equipment allows for ongoing monitoring as needed. Staff are available at all times to address any needs or concerns that may arise.

Family Support Programming

Addiction is not only an individual issue; it is also a family issue. Most detox programs in the Nashville area have resources available for families. Some programs offer education to family members and allow them to communicate with treatment staff (with the patient’s permission). Many programs also have established relationships with local family support services (such as Al-Anon and Nar-Anon).

How To Know If You Need Medical Detox in Nashville

Recognizing when professional detox is necessary can be challenging, especially when ambivalence about quitting substances is present. However, several clear indicators suggest that medical detox is not just helpful but essential.

Signs of Physical Dependence: If an individual experiences withdrawal symptoms after stopping or not using a drug for an extended period of time, this is evidence to suggest they are physically dependent on the substance(s) being used. Physical withdrawal symptoms may include shaking, sweating, nausea, anxiety or physically feeling ill until the individual uses again.

Failed Attempts to Quit: An individual who has made multiple unsuccessful attempts to quit using substances on their own is likely going to require assistance from professionals. If an individual has attempted to quit multiple times but continues to return to using the substance within hours or days due to severe withdrawal symptoms or cravings, medical detox supports breaking this pattern.

Dangerous Use Levels: If an individual is consuming large amounts of alcohol (greater than eight to ten drinks per day), taking high doses of opioids or benzodiazepines, or binging on stimulants, the individual is likely experiencing a level of physical dependence which warrants supervision for withdrawal.

Complicated Withdrawals in the Past: If an individual has experienced seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, or extreme agitation while withdrawing from using the substance(s), there is a high risk for similar or greater complications during the next withdrawal attempt.

Pre-Existing Health Concerns: If an individual has pre-existing health issues (e.g., heart disease or liver disease, respiratory problems, or a mental health disorder), their chances of a difficult withdrawal are increased. Medical detoxification will allow the simultaneous treatment of withdrawal and the medical problems.

Polysubstance Usage: Polysubstance usage complicates withdrawal and increases risk. When an individual uses alcohol with benzodiazepines, opioids, or other drugs, the withdrawal experience will be much more complex and unpredictable, necessitating the need for medical supervision.

What You Should Know About Detox in Nashville

Taking the initial step toward detoxification is a display of bravery and commitment to change. For Nashville residents who are struggling with substance abuse issues, medical detox services offer safe, supportive, and structured pathways through the difficult initial phases of recovery. With personalized attention, compassionate medical staff, and professional treatment services, medical detox facilities in Nashville are a vital component of starting on the road to long-term health and recovery from substance abuse.

Treatment Duration

Nashville’s medical detox programs average 5 to 7 days for most participants, although stays may vary based on various factors (substance used, how long the substance had been used, level of dependence, etc.). The length of stay for any individual depends on how the individual responds to treatment.

What Happens After Detox?

Detox alone is not a complete treatment for an individual who is struggling with a substance use disorder; it is the first step in a comprehensive treatment program. Detox allows you to rid the body of drugs and alcohol, which allows a person to stabilize physically and focus on participating in the rehabilitation process, where they will address the psychological, behavioral, and social components of addiction and how those parts of addiction influence each other.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Medical detox programs are bound by federal confidentiality laws (42 CFR Part 2) that protect information about substance use treatment. Your participation in detox cannot be disclosed without your written consent, providing privacy protection during this vulnerable time.