A medical detox uses medical supervision and may include medication to manage withdrawal symptoms, which makes it better for higher-risk substances like alcohol, benzos, or opioids. A social detox is more support-based and usually does not use medication, so it’s typically for milder withdrawal situations where 24/7 medical care isn’t needed. In general, medical detox is the safer option when withdrawal could get severe or dangerous, while social detox focuses more on counseling, structure, and peer support.