Co-Occurring Disorders and Medical Complexity

Existing medical conditions and mental health disorders can intensify substance withdrawal symptoms and complicate treatment. Because addiction manifests both physically and psychologically, underlying conditions often make accurate diagnosis and effective treatment more challenging.

What is a co-occurring disorder? It’s when a substance addiction and mental illness co-exist at the same time. Nearly 21.2 million adults in the U.S. have a co-occurring disorder, and research tells us that people with mental health issues pose a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder, and vice versa.

For this reason, co-occurring psychiatric conditions like depression or anxiety require integrated treatment plans. Both the addiction and the mental health disorder must be addressed together, since treating only one often worsens the other or leads to relapse.

Additionally, physical health conditions, current medications and even allergies can greatly influence which withdrawal symptoms may appear and which medications can be safely administered during detox. At our medical detox near Chicago, we evaluate your complete health history to create the safest possible treatment plan.

How Long Does Detox Take?

Going into detox is a big commitment of your time and energy, so one of the first questions people entering recovery will ask is how long it takes.

Hours 6–12

Symptoms typically begin. For short-acting substances like alcohol or heroin, you may start feeling uncomfortable within hours of your last use.

Days 1–3

Symptoms peak. This is when you’ll experience the most intense physical and psychological discomfort. Medical supervision is mandatory during this period.

Days 4–7

Symptoms gradually decrease. As toxic substances leave your system and your brain begins rebalancing, you’ll start feeling better physically.

Week 2 and beyond

Post-acute withdrawal begins for some substances. You may experience intermittent psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, sleep problems or cravings that continue for weeks or months, but thankfully, these are anticipated and addressed by your care team as treatment continues.

Detox Treatment Options

Inpatient Medical Detox

During a residential program, you’ll check into our Spokane facility and remain there for the duration of treatment, which can range from 30 to 90 days. Inpatient is a more intensive approach that offers 360-degree, 24/7 medical and psychiatric supervision in a controlled clinical environment. It’s highly recommended as the safest method for alcohol and drug detox and ideal for people whose addictions may jeopardize their safety or ability to live independently.

Outpatient Medical Detox

Also known as a day program, outpatient allows you to receive help without residing at our facility. You’re allowed to return home each night when treatment concludes. However, outpatient requires a high level of motivation and a strong support system at home free of substances or triggers. It typically involves a medical evaluation followed by 7 to 10 days of close monitoring and office visits.

At-Home Detox

Doctors rarely recommend detoxing outside of a clinical setting due to high risks. While maintaining a routine on your own may initially sound tempting, the lack of medical oversight makes relapse highly likely and medical complications a serious threat.

Can Medicine Make Detox Easier?

Yes. Medication is frequently utilized during medical detox in Chicago, both to balance brain chemistry and treat physical symptoms.

• Over-the-counter drugs: NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), gastrointestinal medications and antihistamines may be used so long as they don’t worsen your withdrawal.
• Prescription medications: Common options you’ll find in a detox setting include Acamprosate (Campral), benzodiazepines, Clonidine (Catapres), anticonvulsants and beta-blockers.

For addiction to substances like opioids, alcohol, and benzodiazepines, abrupt cessation is often avoided when you enter detox. Instead, we may substitute the drug with a safer medication to stabilize the central nervous system, followed by a tapering schedule. For stimulants, where no FDA-approved replacement exists, we treat specific symptoms like insomnia or anxiety with appropriate medications.

Do All Substances Require Medical Detox?

The short answer is that different substances can carry different levels of withdrawal severity. 

When you use psychoactive drugs, your brain chemistry changes to accommodate them. Over time, your brain becomes dependent on maintaining those altered neurotransmitter, hormone and chemical levels. Drug use can flood the brain with dopamine or serotonin — chemicals that regulate mood and emotion. This creates the “high” associated with substance use. 

However, this interplay means that frequent drug abuse produces interference with the neurons in your brain’s ability to correctly transmit and receive signals from other neurotransmitters. Many drugs, like cannabis, are like neurotransmitter chameleons, possessing a similar chemical structure with the ability to attach themselves to neurons. 

“Although these drugs mimic the brain’s own chemicals, they don’t activate neurons in the same way as a natural neurotransmitter, and they lead to abnormal messages being sent through the network,” notes the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

And when these substances leave your system, you experience a “crash” as your brain attempts to rebalance. The more frequently and heavily you’ve used substances, the longer rebalancing takes. Physical dependence develops and discontinuing use triggers withdrawal.

Symptoms of Withdrawal

Withdrawal varies by substance but generally falls into two categories.

• Physical symptoms: Seizures, muscle twitching, tingling sensations, nausea/vomiting, accelerated heartbeat, headaches
• Psychological symptoms: Sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, intense mood swings

Alcohol

Although alcohol is legal and socially acceptable, it’s highly addictive. Regular high-dose consumption can lead to dependence. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually start eight hours after the last drink and may include:

• Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Sweating and dilated pupils
• Anxiety and depression
• Shaking and Delirium Tremens (DTs)

Take note that in severe cases, alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, irregular heart rate and even prove fatal, making medical detox in Spokane so important.

Opioids

Natural or synthetic, opioids (including heroin, fentanyl and prescription painkillers) are highly addictive, even when taken at low doses. While opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, the discomfort is profound, making relapse common without the right support. Symptoms include:

• Anxiety, agitation, and restlessness
• Muscle aches and sweating
• Insomnia
• Abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Irregular heartbeat

Benzodiazepines

Also shortened as “benzos” (sedatives, hypnotics, tranquilizers like Xanax or Valium), benzodiazepines belong to a class of drugs prescribed for anxiety or sleep, but are known to build tolerance quickly, which can lead to eventual dependence and addiction. Withdrawal can be dangerous because benzos act as central nervous system depressants, and stopping abruptly can trigger life-threatening seizures.

Benzo withdrawal commonly occurs in three stages:

1. Early withdrawal: Rebound symptoms (anxiety, insomnia) return hours or days after the last dose.
2. Acute withdrawal: Occurs after a few days and lasts weeks to months. Symptoms include panic attacks, hallucinations, muscle spasms, seizures, mood swings and confusion.
3. Protracted withdrawal: Can last for years after quitting and may include tingling in limbs, muscle twitches, continued anxiety and cognitive deficits.

Stimulants

Cocaine, methamphetamines, Ecstasy and prescription medications are all examples of stimulants: drugs that increase activity in your central nervous system. Ceasing use of a stimulant after a period of misuse or abuse leading to dependence can lead to withdrawal characterized by a “crash,” including:

• Jitteriness and anxiety
• Dulled senses and slowed speech
• Loss of interest in activities (also known as anhedonia)
• Slowed heart rate
• Hallucinations or paranoia
• Chills and body aches

Barbiturates

Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotics (known by brand names such as Flexeril and Soma) used for insomnia or seizures. Similar to benzodiazepines, barbiturate withdrawal calls for a careful detox process due to a high risk of complications. 

Marijuana

THC — the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana — levels have more than quadrupled compared to past years, according to NIDA, making it more addictive than in the past. It alters neurotransmitter production, leading to withdrawal symptoms when quitting, including irritability, sleep difficulties and cravings.

Factors that Affect Withdrawal Intensity

There are numerous reasons that can influence how you might experience substance withdrawal when entering medical detox in Spokane:

• Type of substance: Different drugs affect the body in different ways.
• Dosage level: Symptoms can become intensified when the body has become accustomed to more and more of a certain drug.
• Polysubstance use: Using several substances simultaneously can serve to complicate symptoms.
• Method of use: The manner in which you use a drug (injection, smoking, snorting, oral consumption) can influence how you experience withdrawal.
• Biological factors: Metabolism and family or personal history of substance dependence and addiction can play a large role.
• Co-occurring conditions: Mental health disorders or medical conditions can also complicate withdrawal.

Does Insurance Cover Medical Detox?

The Affordable Care Act classifies substance abuse treatment as one of 10 essential health benefits, meaning most insurance plans must cover addiction services including medical detox.

Coverage specifics can vary based on a few factors, like your insurance provider and the type of plan you have (for instance, an HMO vs. a PPO). Take some of these into consideration:

• Medical necessity: Insurance typically requires documentation that detox is medically necessary based on your substance use severity.
• In-network vs. out-of-network: Using in-network facilities usually results in lower out-of-pocket costs.
• Deductibles and copays: You’ll be responsible for any deductible amounts and copayments specified in your plan.
• Prior authorization: Some plans require approval before treatment begins.
• Length of stay limits: Certain plans cap the number of covered detox days.

Understanding your benefits can be complex. The Royal Life Centers admissions team provides free, confidential insurance verification. We’ll contact your insurance company, determine your exact coverage, explain your financial responsibility and help you understand your options.

We also accept most major insurance plans and can discuss alternative payment arrangements with you. Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from getting help — we can work with you to find an affordable option that works for you. 

Why Choose Royal Life Centers Health for Medical Detox in Spokane?

An Experienced, Compassionate Medical Team

Our board-certified physicians, licensed nurses and support staff specialize in addiction medicine and have helped thousands of people safely complete detox.

Research-Driven, Outcome-Based Treatments

We use the latest and modern approaches to medication-assisted treatment, so you receive the most effective care available.

Dual Diagnosis Expertise

Treatment at our Spokane facility remains integrated when a co-occurring disorder is involved. By addressing both addiction and mental health conditions simultaneously, we treat you as a whole person rather than merely isolated symptoms.

Individualized Care Planning

No two people experience addiction the same way. We create customized treatment plans tailored to your unique circumstances and recovery goals. As treatment progresses, your plan can be adjusted and modified should your needs change.

Therapeutic Support Throughout Detox

Unlike detox-only facilities, we begin addressing the psychological aspects of addiction from day one, giving you a head start on recovery and preparing you for therapy once the detox phase ends.

Seamless Transition to Ongoing Treatment

Our complete continuum of care — from detox to inpatient, outpatient and our other step-down programs — means you can continue your recovery journey with the same team that supported you through detox, ensuring you have continuity and consistency from start to finish.

Comfortable, Home-Like Environment

Our facilities are designed to feel welcoming and comfortable, not institutional, helping you relax and focus on healing. 

Take the First Step Today

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, help is closer than you think. Royal Life Centers Behavioral Health offers compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment near Spokane, WA, with a full continuum of care designed to support both mental health and addiction needs. Our trusted counseling center and behavioral health team provide personalized care across detox center services, residential inpatient and inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and flexible outpatient treatments.

As one of the leading addiction treatment centers and drug rehabs near Spokane, we treat mental health concerns alongside substance use through medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and community care. From alcohol assessment and alcohol treatment to drug and alcohol rehab, our treatment providers guide you every step of the way—including help with paying for treatment and understanding how insurance covers rehab.

Whether you’re seeking alcohol rehab centers, a drug rehab center, a sober living home, or a structured rehab program, our treatment facility and recovery center are here for you. Take the first step toward healing today—contact Royal Life Centers Behavioral Health for trusted rehabs in Spokane and nearby centers in Spokane that truly care.