Detox is the essential first step to addiction recovery for those addicted to most drugs and alcohol. Fentanyl, opioids, heroin, benzodiazepines, prescription medications, and alcohol all require detox to begin recovering. Detox should always be done under the supervision of medical professionals who specialize in detoxification and addiction treatment. Attempting to detox on one’s own is incredibly dangerous and increases one’s risk of relapse and overdose.
Detoxing Alone Risks Relapse
Trying to detox alone puts an individual at risk of relapse that could lead to severe health issues and even death. When a person has deprived themselves of drugs and alcohol for a certain amount of time, their tolerance for the substance lowers. Without proper supervision and support systems in place, those attempting to detox alone are at higher risk of relapsing. Not only are they at risk of relapsing, but they are at risk of relapsing with dosages that reflect their pre-recovery usage – which their body can no longer tolerate.
Solitary Detox Makes Motivation Harder
Detox is an incredibly vulnerable time for those who are just starting out their recovery journey. When detoxing alone, individuals lack the support systems they need to stay strong and motivated. This can make the bad days even worse, once again putting an individual at risk of relapse.
Having medical supervision during detox gives peace of mind to the individual undergoing treatment, as well as their loved ones. It also makes it easier to manage cravings and other symptoms that may push an individual to relapse.
The Value of Medical Detox
During medical detox, doctors and nurses monitor each patient’s condition and prescribe specific medications. These medications can help make them more comfortable and make withdrawal symptoms easier to get through. Some of the main side effects doctors can prescribe medication for include:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Body aches
- Seizures
- Heart palpitations
- Psychosis and/or anxiety
Medical detox is best conducted in a controlled environment. This is in either an inpatient setting or a hospital setting to insure the highest level of patient safety. Inpatient detox treatment also means a medical team is readily available in the event of a medical emergency.
Medications Used in Medical Detox
Each medication requires a different detox treatment plan. Likewise, no two individuals are the same, which means their needs are unique and may require different combinations of treatment. The medications below are the safest, FDA approved substances that can be used.
For inpatient alcohol detox, common medications used include:
- Ativan
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
- Naltrexone
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 medications are often:
- Anticonvulsants
- GABA receptor agonists
- Low-dose alternative benzodiazepines
For prescription medication, it ultimately depends on what substance(s) one has been using, but treatment often includes:
- Benzodiazepines
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
Unconventional Detox Approaches
Quitting cold turkey can be extremely dangerous. Doing so without the guidance of a professional addiction treatment team puts individuals at serious risk.
When powerful substances like alcohol, heroin, or opioids are suddenly removed from the body, tolerance drops significantly. Without a support system, the chance of relapse increases, and this phase of recovery is particularly dangerous. A person who consumes the same amount of drugs or alcohol as before detox is at a much higher risk of overdose due to their lowered tolerance.
Detoxing at home also poses risks because there’s no medical or clinical supervision. Withdrawal can trigger serious mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. In a medical center, trained staff can closely monitor and manage withdrawal symptoms and any co-occurring conditions.
Find a Detox Center Near You
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder or addiction, early intervention is the best way to ensure positive outcomes. Not all addiction treatment centers are created equally. If you’re unsure where to find the right program, give Solution Based Treatment a call. We’re dedicated to helping you find the right program for your needs and financial situation. Whether this is your first time in detox and rehab or you’ve recently experienced relapse and want to try again – we’re ready to help. Give our admissions team a call today and learn more about a brighter future.
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.