Detox is needed to make a safe recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. It should always be done under the supervision of medical professionals for the most successful outcomes. Without medical supervision, those undergoing detox run the risk of life threatening complications and extreme discomfort. This step is necessary for sustainable sobriety. Recovery begins with detox, and should never be attempted on one’s own or without the support of medical professionals.
The Value of Detox
Substance use disorder is not a choice for anyone. Regardless of known and harmful side effects and health risks, those addicted to alcohol or drugs continue using. This disorder changes the way people think and act, ultimately changing the brain’s structure. When left untreated, substance use disorders can cause permanent damage.
Undergoing medically supervised detox is the most important step in any addiction recovery program. The purpose of it is to stop the consumption of drugs and/or alcohol in a controlled, safe environment. It enables individuals to enter the next phases of treatment without struggling with withdrawals.
The recovery process is not an easy one. Medical detox allows doctors, nurse practitioners and clinicians to help clients feel comfortable during a time of crisis. It allows clinicians to monitor life-threatening side effects of withdrawal closely.
Medications Used in the Detox Process
There are five core substances that require detox to recover. Those substances are alcohol, heroin, opioids, benzodiazepines, and fentanyl. Each substance requires a different treatment plan.
For alcohol detox, approved medications include:
- Ativan
- Disulfiram
- Naltrexone
- Acamprosate
Approved medications for opioid addiction include:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
As for fentanyl, approved medications are:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Clonidine
Like other opioids, heroin detox medications typically involve:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
Benzodiazepine detox medications are often:
- Anticonvulsants
- GABA receptor agonists
- Low-dose alternative benzodiazepines
Everyone reacts differently to different medications, and each client will work closely with a medical team that monitors their condition. Medications help ensure the client in recovery stays safe and comfortable as their body rids itself of toxins.
Who is in Need of Detox?
Detox is necessary for recovery from most, if not all, drugs and alcohol. Recovery requires patience and consistency. Medical detox helps keep those in recovery from having to suffer through painful, sometimes life threatening, side effects. Detox is an incredibly vulnerable time, and having medical supervision gives the client and their loved one peace of mind that they are in good hands.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of substance abuse or has expressed a desire to enter addiction treatment, don’t let fear hold you back. It can be hard to make the first call and initiate treatment, but once you do it can change your life for the better. Detox is the first step towards a brighter, healthier future.
Find a Detox Center Near Me
Finding a detox center near you can make it less intimidating to seek addiction treatment. At Solution Based Treatment, we accept clients from all around the country, providing high quality care. We offer detox, residential rehab, as well as intensive outpatient treatment and partial hospitalization programs. In these different programs we use a combination of medically backed and holistic treatment methods. It’s important to note that holistic methods will not lead to recovery on their own, and must always be done in conjunction with medical supervision.
Each client is different and requires a different level of care, but everyone starts with detox to begin recovery on the right foot. Don’t let drugs and alcohol control your life, seek treatment today and turn your life around.
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.