Medical detox is the safest form of detoxification possible. Detox can be incredibly dangerous, especially if not done under the supervision of medical professionals who are ready to intervene. Doctors can prescribe detox medications that make the process more comfortable for clients. Medications used in the detox process can also prevent serious co-occurring conditions from becoming fatal such as seizures, delirium tremens, cardiovascular complications, and mental health conditions.
Detox Medications for Alcohol
Alcohol detox is more dangerous than many believe. The substance is easy to obtain, but detoxing from alcohol can result in serious complications like delirium tremens (DT). DT is not common, but when it does occur it appears as altered mental state and autonomic hyperactivity. This can escalate into cardiovascular collapse. If DT manifests when attempting to detox alone it can be fatal.
Detox medications used will depend on medical and addiction history. Common detox medications used include:
- Ativan, for complications that may lead to seizure
- Disulfiram, inhibits the metabolism of alcohol in the body
- Naltrexone, can help decrease the urge to drink
- Acamprosate, helps rebalance the central nervous system
These detox medications will reduce acute withdrawal symptoms and will make the client more comfortable. They will prevent the onset of serious conditions like DT and ensure the client stays healthy throughout recovery.
Detox Medications for Different Drugs
Each drug is different and requires different detox medications. What works for recovery from one drug is not going to work for another. The most commonly abused drugs that require medical detox include benzodiazepines or “benzos,” fentanyl, heroin, opioids, and prescription medications.
There are approved medications for each of these different drugs. Because fentanyl and heroin are both forms of opioids there is some overlap in the types of medications used.
Approved medications for opioid recovery include:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
As for fentanyl, approved detox medications are:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Clonidine
Like other opioids, heroin detox medications typically involve:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
Benzodiazepine detox medications are:
- Anticonvulsants
- GABA receptor agonists
- Low-dose alternative benzodiazepines
For prescription medication detox, it ultimately depends on what substance(s) have been abused, but treatment often includes:
- Benzodiazepines
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
Detox with Confidence
Finding a medical detox facility that is the right fit for yourself or a loved one is difficult. You should be looking for one that offers medically supervised detox, residential rehab after the fact, as well as intensive outpatient treatment and partial hospitalization programs. Detox should always be followed by a rehab treatment program to prevent relapse that could result in overdose. The period after detox is the most vulnerable time for clients to overdose because their tolerance is at an all time low. Medical supervision and support is important for sustainable sobriety.
About Solution Based Treatment
Solution Based Treatment is a national leader in detox and rehab programs. We offer inpatient medical detox, substance rehab, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, faith-based recovery, and sober living options. We maintain a 2:1 client to staff ratio to offer the best support possible to our patients within upscale living environments. At Solution Based Treatment, we support better living for brighter futures, all starting with our detox and rehab services. For more information visit our website at solutionbasedtreatment.com or give us a call at (833) 999-1941.