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Start safely. Heal fully. If you’re experiencing shaking, anxiety, or other withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, Bold Steps’ detox program in Harrisburg, PA is here to help. We understand that the idea of quitting can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve tried before. That’s why our medical detox program is designed to keep you safe, comfortable, and supported every step of the way.
Alcohol withdrawal can be intense—and in some cases, life-threatening. Our licensed medical team provides 24/7 supervision and medication to help you manage symptoms, reduce discomfort, and begin recovery in a calm, supportive environment. You don’t have to do this on your own.
Our caring and experienced team will help you manage withdrawal symptoms with medications that make the process easier. You won’t have to face this alone—we’re with you every step of the way as you work toward recovery.
An alcohol detoxification program is a short-term medical process that helps individuals safely stop drinking and manage withdrawal symptoms under professional supervision. Detox is often the first step in treatment for alcohol use disorder, designed to address the physical dependence on alcohol before beginning long-term recovery.
Because alcohol withdrawal can be uncomfortable—and in some cases dangerous—detox is typically done in a licensed facility where clients are monitored 24/7. Medications may be used to reduce symptoms such as shaking, anxiety, nausea, or insomnia. Emotional support is also a key part of the process, helping clients feel grounded and cared for during a difficult transition.
The goal of detox is stabilization. Once the body is free from alcohol and the immediate risks of withdrawal have passed, clients are better prepared—physically and mentally—to begin the next phase of recovery, whether that’s inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, or ongoing therapy.
Detox is a different experience for everyone, but here's a general day-by-day timeline of what to expect during alcohol detox in Harrisburg, PA.
| Day | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Arrival & Assessment | Medical evaluation, withdrawal monitoring begins, medications may be started. Clients are welcomed into a safe and supportive environment. |
| Day 2–3: Peak Symptoms | Withdrawal symptoms typically peak. These may include sweating, shaking, anxiety, or nausea. Medications are adjusted to reduce discomfort and prevent complications. |
| Day 4–5: Stabilization | Symptoms begin to ease. Clients begin to feel more clear-headed and physically stable. Emotional support continues as the body heals. |
| Day 6–7: Transition Planning | With symptoms under control, clients work with staff to plan the next phase of recovery—such as inpatient or outpatient treatment. |
*The average length of stay for alcohol detox in Harrisburg, PA is typically 5 to 7 days, though this can vary based on individual needs and medical history.*
Alcohol detox is typically needed when someone is physically dependent on alcohol or has experienced difficulty quitting in the past. You may benefit from a supervised detox program if:
Strong Dependence: You feel like you can’t function without alcohol, and it’s starting to control your life.
Withdrawal Symptoms: You experience shaking, nausea, anxiety, or sweating when you try to stop drinking.
Past Relapses: You’ve attempted to quit before but returned to drinking because of cravings or withdrawal symptoms.
Mental Health Concerns: You’re also dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma, and need to stabilize before further treatment.
Health Risks: You’ve had severe withdrawal symptoms in the past or been warned about the dangers of quitting without support.
If any of these sound familiar, a medical detox program can help you take the first step safely—with the support you need to succeed.
We know how prominent alcohol addiction is and how essential alcohol detox is. Here’s what you’ll experience during your stay:
Many people hesitate to seek detox because they’re afraid of how it will feel—or whether it will “work.” Here’s what we want you to know:
At Bold Steps Behavioral Health, we place the utmost importance on safety in our alcohol detoxification program. With licensed and experienced medical professionals in a welcoming environment, we meet the unique needs of each client. Located in Harrisburg, PA, our facility serves not only the local community but also neighboring areas like Mechanicsburg, York, and Hershey. We offer a range of services to support your recovery journey. For more information about our programs and how we can support your journey to wellness, please reach out to us at (717) 702-6335 today.
To make the real changes required for a sober lifestyle, you need more than just motivation. Bold Steps provides the clinical expertise and community support needed to navigate the triggers of daily life and achieve results.
With professional counseling, coping tools, medical intervention, and community support, sobriety is possible.
You never walk alone. From 1:1 counseling to group talk therapy, we cultivate an environment of compassion and support
We take a holistic view of patients during the recovery process, providing individualized care with an emphasis on comfort and respect.
Recovery touches every part of your life, and we give clients the tools and mindset they need to thrive in work, life, and relationships.
Admin. “Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Statistics – Methadone Dot Org (NAMA Recovery).” Methadone Dot Org (NAMA Recovery), 21 Oct. 2024, www.methadone.org/drugs/pensylvannia-drug-alcohol-statistics/.
“Drug and Alcohol Detox: The First Step to Sobriety – Addiction Center.” AddictionCenter, 2017, www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/drug-and-alcohol-detox/.
Zhu, He, and Li-Tzy Wu. “National Trends and Characteristics of Inpatient Detoxification for Drug Use Disorders in the United States.” BMC Public Health, vol. 18, no. 1, Aug. 2018, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5982-8.
National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. “Alcohol Abuse Statistics.” NCDAS, 2023, drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-abuse-statistics/.
Alcohol detox can cause a range of withdrawal symptoms, which vary in severity. These include:
It is important to undergo alcohol detox under medical supervision, especially for severe withdrawal symptoms, to ensure safety and proper medication management.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is crucial in alcohol detox for several reasons. First, it helps ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, making the detox process more manageable and helping individuals resist relapse during early recovery. Second, MAT enhances safety by providing medical supervision, which minimizes the risk of severe withdrawal complications and allows for personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs. Finally, MAT facilitates a smoother transition to ongoing treatment and can effectively address co-occurring mental health disorders, significantly improving the chances of long-term recovery.
After completing an alcohol detoxification program, individuals often move into various levels of care and support to further their recovery. Here’s a breakdown of the typical next steps:
1. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Structure: PHP offers intensive support while allowing individuals to return home in the evenings. It typically involves several hours of therapy each day, including individual and group sessions.
Focus: The goal is to stabilize mental health, develop coping strategies, and prepare for lower levels of care.
2. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Structure: IOP provides a flexible schedule with several hours of therapy per week, allowing individuals to maintain work or school commitments while receiving treatment.
Focus: This phase reinforces the skills learned in PHP and provides ongoing support as individuals begin to reintegrate into daily life.
Structure: Our outpatient rehab program is less intensive, usually involving weekly therapy sessions. It’s suitable for those who have established a solid foundation in recovery.
Focus: Emphasis is placed on maintaining sobriety, addressing ongoing challenges, and developing a long-term recovery plan.
Structure: Sober living homes offer a drug-free living space where individuals can practice their recovery skills in a supportive community.
Focus: These homes encourage accountability and provide a safe environment as individuals transition back into independent living.
Structure: Many individuals participate in a 12-step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which provides a structured approach to recovery through a series of steps.
Focus: The program emphasizes personal accountability, community support, and spiritual growth, helping individuals connect with others who share similar experiences.
Insurance usually covers alcohol detoxifcation treatment, but it depends on your plan and provider. Bold Steps Behavioral Health works with many big insurance companies, like Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more to make things easier. Coverage details can vary based on your policy type, whether pre-approval is needed, and if we’re in your network. Reach out, and we’ll help you understand how PHP treatment fits with your insurance.
The admission process for our alcohol detox program is easy and supportive. It starts with reaching out to share your situation and learn more about the program. After that, you’ll go through an assessment, and we will devise a detox plan tailored for you. Our staff will help check your insurance to see what’s covered and work with you to create a treatment plan that suits your needs. Once you’re admitted, you’ll attend an orientation to get familiar with the schedule and start participating in therapy. We are here to guide you every step of the way, making it as smooth and stress-free as possible.
The cost of alcohol detox depends on things like how long you stay in treatment, the services you need, and your insurance coverage. On average, it can cost between $250 and $500 per day, but insurance often covers a big part of it if it’s considered medically necessary. At Bold Steps Behavioral Health, we’ll help you figure out your insurance benefits and any out-of-pocket expenses, so there are no surprises. Reach out to us—we’re here to make sure you have all the details so you can focus on getting better.
Ultimately, the alcohol detox process presents challenges, but you have the strength to push through. With professional guidance and a commitment to your recovery, the symptoms will subside. Have courage during this difficult yet temporary period, draw on your support systems, and keep your eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel. The discomfort of withdrawal will give way to health and healing if you stay the course. Contact us at 717.983.3667 today.
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(12.00 AM - 11:59 PM)
(12.00 AM - 11:59 PM)