FIND YOUR STARTING POINT

Different questions.
A place to start.

Understand the substances. Recognize when support may help. Explore our educational guides, one question at a time.

Welltana provides detox and residential treatment for adults 18+ struggling with alcohol, opioids and fentanyl, benzodiazepines, prescription drugs, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other substance use concerns.

Each client completes an individual assessment before admission to determine whether Welltana is a safe and appropriate level of care. Detox services include medical monitoring, medication management when clinically appropriate, comfort-focused support, rest, and individualized care throughout the withdrawal and stabilization process.

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UNDERSTANDING IS A START

Explore. Understand.
Find your next step.

Choose a guide to learn about a substance, its effects, and when to seek support.

Sources checked September 21, 2026. Each statistic shows its own data year. Educational information does not replace an individual clinical assessment.

01

Alcohol Detox

Understand alcohol, withdrawal, and a supported next step.AI-generated still life of alcoholic beverages

THE STORY

How it started. What we know now.

Fermented drinks have existed for millennia: researchers found evidence in Chinese pottery dating to around 7000 BCE. Over time, alcohol became part of social customs and commerce. Modern research treats alcohol use disorder as a health condition, rather than a failure of character.

Sources: PNAS: ancient fermented beverages ↗ · NIAAA: history ↗

By the numbers

25.7 million2025 · U.S. ages 12+

People meeting criteria for past-year alcohol use disorder.

Sources: SAMHSA · 2025 NSDUH, Figure 39 ↗

≈178,0002020–2021 · U.S. annual average

Deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use, not alcohol poisoning alone.

Sources: NIAAA · Alcohol-related deaths ↗

National estimates describe populations, not an individual’s risk. Survey estimates cover ages 12+; Welltana serves adults 18+. Deaths can involve multiple substances and categories must not be added together.

What it does

Alcohol changes brain signaling involved in judgment, coordination, and memory. Repeated heavy drinking can alter reward and stress circuits, making it harder to stop even when drinking causes harm.

Short-term effects

Body

  • Slower reactions, poor balance, and slurred speech
  • Nausea, vomiting, and impaired memory; high doses can suppress breathing

Mind & mood

  • Lowered inhibitions and impaired judgment
  • Mood changes, confusion, or blackouts

WITHDRAWAL & SAFETY

What withdrawal can look like

Symptoms often begin within about 8 hours of the last drink, but can start later. Shaking, sweating, anxiety, nausea, and sleep problems are common. Seizures, hallucinations, and severe confusion can occur. Professional evaluation helps determine the safest setting; do not abruptly stop heavy regular drinking without medical guidance.

Long-term effects

  • Liver disease, pancreatitis, heart problems, and increased cancer risk
  • Memory and thinking difficulties, mood symptoms, and disrupted sleep
  • Strain on relationships, work, and daily responsibilities

When detox may be needed

Seek an assessment if you drink to avoid feeling shaky or sick, cannot cut back, need more alcohol for the same effect, or keep drinking despite harm. A history of withdrawal seizures or severe confusion needs prompt medical attention.

How Welltana can help

Welltana assesses adults 18+ for detox and residential care. When our program is appropriate, support includes medical monitoring, individualized care, rest, and medication management when clinically appropriate. Therapy and groups support the work that continues beyond detox.

Frequently asked questions

Can alcohol withdrawal be dangerous?

Yes. Seizures and severe confusion can be life-threatening. An assessment is important before stopping heavy regular use; severe symptoms require emergency care.

How long does alcohol detox take?

There is no fixed stay. Symptoms often intensify in the first few days, but recovery and monitoring needs vary. Your team assesses your progress and next level of care.

Is alcohol detox the same as treatment?

Detox addresses withdrawal and stabilization. Continued treatment addresses patterns of use, coping skills, relationships, and recovery support.

Ready to Talk? Our Admissions Team Is Here 24/7.

Call 747.368.9396Contact Us
Learn More About Alcohol Detox →
02

Opioid & Fentanyl Detox

Explore dependence, overdose risk, and ongoing recovery care.AI-generated generic medication bottle, tablets and capsules

THE STORY

How it started. What we know now.

Opioid medicines grew out of the long medical use of the opium poppy. Fentanyl was developed in 1959 and introduced as an anesthetic in the 1960s. It still has legitimate medical uses, while illegally manufactured fentanyl now also appears in street drugs and counterfeit pills.

Sources: DEA Museum: plant origins ↗ · DEA: fentanyl history ↗

By the numbers

6.9 million2025 · U.S. ages 12+

People reporting past-year prescription opioid misuse; not a count of opioid use disorder.

Sources: SAMHSA · 2025 NSDUH, Figure 25 ↗

54,0452024 · U.S. all ages

Overdose deaths involving any opioid. Other drugs may also have been involved.

Sources: CDC · Final mortality data, Table 4 ↗

National estimates describe populations, not an individual’s risk. Survey estimates cover ages 12+; Welltana serves adults 18+. Deaths can involve multiple substances and categories must not be added together.

What it does

Opioids act on receptors involved in pain and reward. They can cause sleepiness and slow breathing. With repeated exposure, the body may adapt, causing tolerance and physical dependence. Dependence alone does not establish opioid use disorder.

Short-term effects

Body

  • Sleepiness, constipation, nausea, and pinpoint pupils
  • Dangerously slow or stopped breathing during an overdose

Mind & mood

  • Euphoria or temporary relief
  • Reduced alertness and difficulty making decisions

WITHDRAWAL & SAFETY

What withdrawal can look like

Withdrawal may begin within hours to a day or more, depending on the opioid; fentanyl timing can be unpredictable. Aches, sweating, yawning, restlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, and cravings can occur. Dehydration and other health conditions can complicate withdrawal. Assessment also addresses overdose risk after tolerance falls.

Long-term effects

  • Persistent constipation and sleep disruption
  • Repeated overdose risk; injection can add risks of serious infections
  • Compulsive use can disrupt relationships, finances, and responsibilities

When detox may be needed

Seek help for withdrawal between doses, escalating use, cravings, unsuccessful attempts to stop, or a previous overdose. Tell the assessing clinician about fentanyl, other substances, pregnancy, and all medications so the right setting can be identified.

How Welltana can help

Welltana offers assessment for adult detox and residential treatment, with monitoring and individualized support when appropriate. Ask our admissions team about clinical fit, medication options, and continued care. Detox alone is not ongoing treatment for opioid use disorder.

Frequently asked questions

Is fentanyl withdrawal different from other opioid withdrawal?

Timing and severity vary, and fentanyl exposure can complicate treatment planning. A clinician should assess your history and symptoms rather than relying on a fixed timeline.

Can I overdose after completing detox?

Yes. Tolerance can decrease, so returning to a previously used amount can cause an overdose. Ongoing treatment and overdose-prevention planning are important.

Are medications available for opioid use disorder?

Yes. FDA-approved medications can be part of ongoing treatment. Ask the clinical team which options are appropriate and available; do not assume detox alone provides the same protection.

Ready to Talk? Our Admissions Team Is Here 24/7.

Call 747.368.9396Contact Us
Learn More About Opioid & Fentanyl Detox →
03

Benzodiazepine Detox

Understand physical dependence and why medical guidance matters.AI-generated generic tablets in a blister pack

THE STORY

How it started. What we know now.

Chlordiazepoxide entered medical care in 1960; diazepam followed in 1963. Benzodiazepines became widely prescribed for anxiety and related conditions. Their benefits are accompanied by recognized risks of dependence and withdrawal, now emphasized in FDA boxed warnings.

Sources: Clinical history of benzodiazepines ↗ · The history of benzodiazepines ↗ · FDA: boxed warning ↗

By the numbers

1.1%2025 · U.S. ages 12+

Reported past-year prescription benzodiazepine misuse, not diagnosed addiction.

Sources: SAMHSA · 2025 NSDUH, Table A.10B ↗

4,6422023 · U.S. all ages

Overdose deaths involving alprazolam specifically, not all benzodiazepines. Other drugs may be involved.

Sources: CDC · 2026 report, Table 1 ↗

National estimates describe populations, not an individual’s risk. Survey estimates cover ages 12+; Welltana serves adults 18+. Deaths can involve multiple substances and categories must not be added together.

What it does

Benzodiazepines strengthen the effects of GABA, a calming brain signal. They can reduce anxiety and cause sedation. Physical dependence can develop even with prescribed use; it is not the same as addiction.

Short-term effects

Body

  • Drowsiness, dizziness, and poor coordination
  • Greater overdose risk when combined with opioids or alcohol

Mind & mood

  • Slower thinking or memory problems
  • Reduced alertness and confusion

WITHDRAWAL & SAFETY

What withdrawal can look like

Anxiety, insomnia, tremor, and difficulty concentrating can follow a dose reduction or stopping. Symptoms may begin within 1–2 days for shorter-acting drugs or several days later for longer-acting drugs. Seizures and severe reactions are possible. Never stop suddenly or make your own dose changes; obtain an individualized medical plan.

Long-term effects

  • Dependence and persistent withdrawal symptoms in some people
  • Memory or attention difficulties and increased fall or accident risk
  • Problematic use can strain relationships and day-to-day functioning

When detox may be needed

Ask for a professional assessment if you feel unwell between doses, take more than prescribed, combine sedatives, or have difficulty reducing use. Even someone taking medication exactly as prescribed may need medical support to discontinue it.

How Welltana can help

Welltana begins with an individual assessment to determine whether our detox or residential program fits your needs. The team can discuss monitoring, medication management, comfort, and continued care. Some people need a different or higher level of medical care.

Frequently asked questions

Can I become dependent while taking Xanax as prescribed?

Yes. Physical dependence can develop with regular prescribed benzodiazepine use. It does not automatically mean you have an addiction.

Is it safe to stop benzodiazepines suddenly?

No. Abrupt stopping or rapid dose reduction can cause serious withdrawal, including seizures. Contact your prescriber for an individualized plan.

How long does benzodiazepine withdrawal last?

It depends on the medication, duration of use, and individual factors. Symptoms can last weeks or longer, and some people have prolonged symptoms. A brief stay is not a guaranteed endpoint.

Ready to Talk? Our Admissions Team Is Here 24/7.

Call 747.368.9396Contact Us
Learn More About Benzodiazepine Detox →
04

Stimulant Detox

Learn about cocaine, methamphetamine, and the recovery “crash.”AI-generated conceptual white powder and crystalline fragments

THE STORY

How it started. What we know now.

Cocaine comes from coca leaves and entered Western medicine in the late 1800s. Synthetic stimulants followed; methamphetamine was developed in the early 20th century. Some stimulants retain medical uses, while nonmedical cocaine and methamphetamine use can carry substantial health risks.

Sources: DEA Museum: coca history ↗ · NIDA: methamphetamine history ↗

By the numbers

4.9 million2025 · U.S. ages 12+

People reporting past-year cocaine use; use is not the same as use disorder.

Sources: SAMHSA · 2025 NSDUH, Figure 19 ↗

21,9452024 · U.S. all ages

Overdose deaths involving cocaine.

Sources: CDC · Final mortality data, Table 5 ↗

28,7222024 · U.S. all ages

Deaths involving psychostimulants, a category including methamphetamine and other stimulants.

Sources: CDC · Final mortality data, Table 5 ↗

National estimates describe populations, not an individual’s risk. Survey estimates cover ages 12+; Welltana serves adults 18+. Deaths can involve multiple substances and categories must not be added together.

What it does

Cocaine and methamphetamine increase activity in brain systems involved in reward and alertness, including dopamine. They can also push heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature upward. Strong reward signals can reinforce repeated use.

Short-term effects

Body

  • Fast heartbeat, sweating, reduced appetite, and insomnia
  • Overheating, chest pain, or seizures can signal a medical emergency

Mind & mood

  • Energy or euphoria followed by anxiety or irritability
  • Agitation, suspiciousness, or hallucinations

WITHDRAWAL & SAFETY

What withdrawal can look like

A “crash” can begin within hours to a few days as effects wear off. Exhaustion, increased sleep or disturbed sleep, low mood, appetite changes, and cravings are common. Severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or psychosis require urgent evaluation. Care should address both physical health and mental health.

Long-term effects

  • Cardiovascular problems and changes in attention or memory
  • Anxiety, depression, and sometimes persistent psychotic symptoms
  • Methamphetamine can contribute to dental problems; problematic use can disrupt work and relationships

When detox may be needed

Seek an assessment if binges, crashes, cravings, sleep loss, or mood changes are taking over your routine, or if attempts to stop have not worked. Chest pain, overheating, or severe agitation need urgent medical care, not a routine admissions call.

How Welltana can help

When appropriate after assessment, Welltana provides a supported setting for rest, monitoring, and individualized care. Therapy, daily groups, and residential support can help clients practice coping skills and plan for continued recovery.

Frequently asked questions

Is stimulant withdrawal only physical?

No. Depression, anxiety, sleep changes, and intense cravings can be central features. Mental health monitoring is an important part of assessment and care.

How long does a meth or cocaine crash last?

The initial crash and later symptoms vary with the pattern of use and the person. Sleep, mood, and cravings may take longer to settle than the immediate drug effects.

Can cocaine contain fentanyl?

Yes. Illicit drugs can contain unexpected opioids. This adds overdose risk and can change the care a person needs. Tell the assessing team about all known or suspected exposures.

Ready to Talk? Our Admissions Team Is Here 24/7.

Call 747.368.9396Contact Us
Learn More About Stimulant Detox →
05

Prescription Drug Detox

Different medications. Different risks. Individualized assessment.AI-generated sample prescription bottles filled with pills

THE STORY

How it started. What we know now.

Prescription drug concerns span several histories, not one substance. Opioid medicines have roots in the opium poppy; benzodiazepines entered care in the 1960s. Modern medicines can provide important benefits, but using certain opioids, sedatives, or stimulants differently from prescribed can cause serious harm.

Sources: DEA Museum: medicine origins ↗ · Benzodiazepines: introduction in 1960 ↗ · MedlinePlus: prescription drug misuse ↗

By the numbers

12.8 million2025 · U.S. ages 12+

People reporting past-year misuse of prescription psychotherapeutic drugs, including opioids, tranquilizers/sedatives, and stimulants.

Sources: SAMHSA · 2025 NSDUH, prescription misuse ↗

7,9892024 · U.S. all ages

Overdose deaths involving natural or semisynthetic opioids, such as oxycodone. This is not a total for all prescription drugs.

Sources: CDC · Final mortality data, Table 4 ↗

National estimates describe populations, not an individual’s risk. Survey estimates cover ages 12+; Welltana serves adults 18+. Deaths can involve multiple substances and categories must not be added together.

What it does

Effects depend on the medication: opioids affect pain and breathing, sedatives slow nervous-system activity, and stimulants increase alertness and cardiovascular activity. Physical dependence, misuse, and substance use disorder are different concepts that require careful assessment.

Short-term effects

Body

  • Opioids or sedatives: sleepiness, poor coordination, or slowed breathing
  • Stimulants: fast heartbeat, poor sleep, or reduced appetite

Mind & mood

  • Sedatives may impair memory or concentration
  • Stimulants may cause anxiety or agitation; effects differ by medicine and dose

WITHDRAWAL & SAFETY

What withdrawal can look like

There is no single prescription-drug withdrawal timeline. Symptoms can begin within hours or be delayed for days, depending on the medicine. Opioids may cause aches and stomach upset; sedatives can cause serious withdrawal; stimulants can cause fatigue and low mood. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines without medical guidance.

Long-term effects

  • Risks vary by drug and can include dependence or substance use disorder
  • Sedation can impair thinking and increase accidents; stimulant misuse can affect heart and mental health
  • Continued problematic use can interfere with family life, work, and managing other health conditions

When detox may be needed

Seek an assessment if you take extra doses, use someone else’s prescription, feel unable to function without a medication, or have symptoms between doses. Bring a complete medication history so a clinician can distinguish ongoing treatment needs from withdrawal or misuse.

How Welltana can help

Welltana assesses adults for detox and residential support based on the specific medications, health history, and symptoms involved. If appropriate, care includes monitoring, medication management, rest, therapy, and planning for the next level of support.

Frequently asked questions

Does taking a prescription mean I cannot become dependent?

No. Some medications can cause physical dependence even when used as prescribed. Dependence is not automatically addiction, but stopping may still require medical guidance.

Do all prescription medications require detox?

No. The medication, pattern of use, symptoms, and other health needs determine the right approach. A clinician should assess this rather than treating all prescriptions alike.

Should I stop my medications before admission?

Do not change or stop prescribed medications on your own. Contact admissions and your prescriber for individualized instructions before arrival.

Ready to Talk? Our Admissions Team Is Here 24/7.

Call 747.368.9396Contact Us
Learn More About Prescription Drug Detox →

For trouble breathing, seizures, severe confusion, or another medical emergency, call 911. For a suicide or mental health crisis, call or text 988.

FOR YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE

Let’s talk about your next step.

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