Ascend Recovery: Lifting You Up on the Path to Healing, Because We’ve Walked It Too
Ascend Recovery: Lifting You Up on the Path to Healing, Because We’ve Walked It Too
If you’re dealing with withdrawal symptoms (or you’re scared they’re about to start), you’re not weak—and you’re not alone. Detox can feel intimidating, especially when you don’t know what’s “normal,” what’s dangerous, or what happens next.
At Ascend Recovery Center New Mexico, we provide medically supervised drug detox designed to keep you safe, ease symptoms, and help you take the next step with a clear plan—not panic.
Drug detox is the first stage of recovery—focused on helping your body safely clear substances while withdrawal symptoms are monitored and treated.
Detox is not full addiction treatment. Detox helps you stabilize physically. Treatment is what helps you stay well long-term by addressing cravings, triggers, mental health, and relapse prevention.
If you’re unsure what you need, that’s common. A quick phone screening can help you figure out the safest next step.
Many people search symptoms before they search “detox.” If any of this sounds familiar, it may be time to get help.
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms—or you’re worried someone might—call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
Detox timelines vary based on the substance, how long you’ve been using, dose, metabolism, and whether multiple substances are involved. This table gives typical patterns—not a guarantee.
Substance | Early withdrawal | Peak symptoms | Stabilization (common range) |
Opioids (heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone) | 6–24 hours | 1–3 days | 4–7 days (some symptoms linger) |
6–12 hours | 24–72 hours (highest risk window) | 3–7+ days | |
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium) | 1–4 days (can be delayed) | days–weeks (varies widely) | Often weeks with a supervised taper |
Stimulants (meth, cocaine) | 24–72 hours | 3–7 days | 1–2+ weeks for sleep/mood stabilization |
Important safety note: alcohol and benzo withdrawal can become dangerous quickly and should not be managed alone.
Withdrawal can affect your body, mood, and thinking—sometimes all at once.
Medical detox matters because symptoms can change fast—and the goal is to keep you safe while your body stabilizes.
Medications aren’t “one-size-fits-all.” They’re used when appropriate to reduce risk and help you get through withdrawal more safely and comfortably.
Common detox medications (examples)
Your clinical team determines what’s safest based on your substance use, medical history, and symptoms.
Not all detox is the same. The “best” option depends on safety risk, substance type, and withdrawal history.
Detox type | What it is | Best for | Key risks/limits |
Medical inpatient detox | 24/7 monitoring + medication support | Moderate–high risk withdrawal, co-occurring mental health needs | Requires staying onsite |
Hospital-based detox | Detox within a hospital setting | Severe medical risk or unstable vitals | Focus is stabilization—less therapy/transition planning |
Outpatient detox | Scheduled check-ins while living at home | Lower-risk cases with strong support at home | Higher relapse risk; limited monitoring |
Social/non-medical detox | Minimal medical care | Limited situations | Can be unsafe for many substances |
At-home detox | No clinical monitoring | Not recommended for higher-risk withdrawal | Symptoms can escalate without warning |
For many people, medical detox is the safest starting point—especially if you’ve had intense withdrawal before, use multiple substances, or have anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms alongside use.
Trying to “white-knuckle” detox can lead to emergencies—sometimes quickly.
Risks can include:
Choosing supervised detox isn’t “overreacting.” It’s protection.
Here’s what the process typically looks like at Ascend Recovery Center New Mexico:
If opioid withdrawal is the primary concern, you may also want to explore Ascend’s Opiate Detox Program
Detox is the first step of a journey — not the finish line. Long-term recovery is built through ongoing treatment that addresses the roots of addiction, helps you manage cravings and triggers, and gives you structure while your brain and body continue to stabilize. That’s why detox is only the beginning, not the final step.
Once your immediate withdrawal symptoms are under control, our team helps you move into the right level of continued care based on your needs, stability, mental health, and home environment.
For those with severe or long-term substance use — or if safety becomes a concern — a higher level of care may be recommended. Residential treatment provides 24/7 support in a structured environment so you can focus on recovery without daily triggers or distractions. This level of care can be especially helpful if cravings feel intense, relapse risk is high, or you need a stable place to reset and build momentum.
Some people benefit from continued support after withdrawal stabilizes, especially if symptoms linger, cravings remain strong, or mood and anxiety feel difficult to manage. A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides daily structure, clinical oversight, and therapy while allowing you to begin rebuilding routines outside of detox. It’s a strong “step-down” option when you need significant support but don’t require 24/7 residential care.
If you’re medically stable but still need consistent guidance, IOP offers structured therapy while you adjust to life after detox. This level of care supports emotional regulation, relapse-prevention skills, and helps you manage cravings in early recovery — while offering more flexibility for work, school, or family responsibilities.
For individuals ready to take the next step toward independence, outpatient care helps maintain sobriety once withdrawal has eased. Outpatient treatment focuses on accountability, coping strategies, and ongoing therapy support so you stay connected to care as recovery becomes part of everyday life. Many people use outpatient care as a step-down after PHP or IOP — or as ongoing support to stay steady long-term.
Worried about cost is normal. We aim to make this part simple and transparent.
What to expect:
Choosing detox is a big step. You deserve care that’s safe, respectful, and grounded in real support.
What you can expect:
Ascend Recovery Center is located in Albuquerque: 883 Lead Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87105.
We support people across New Mexico, including:
Being closer to home can reduce stress and make follow-through easier—especially when the goal is to continue care after detox.
Withdrawal can be uncomfortable, but medical detox can significantly reduce symptoms through monitoring and medication support when appropriate.
Many people stabilize in about 3–10 days, but timelines vary widely by substance, history, and overall health.
It’s risky—especially for alcohol, benzodiazepines, or heavy opioid use. Symptoms can escalate quickly without warning.
Many plans do. You can verify benefits here: https://ascendrecoverycenternm.com/insurance-verification-ascend-recovery-center-new-mexico/ Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers
Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids are common substances where medical monitoring can be especially important.
You can, but leaving early increases relapse and medical risk. If you’re struggling, tell the team—there are ways to adjust your comfort and plan.
Detox is a starting line. Most people do best with continued care (residential, PHP, IOP, outpatient, and therapy) based on what’s safest and most sustainable.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re in New Mexico and worried about withdrawal, the next step can be a simple conversation — no judgment, no pressure.
Find out if your insurance provider could cover your treatment
