Medical detox is an essential first step in addiction treatment and recovery. It is required for safe recovery from alcohol, prescription drugs, benzodiazepines, fentanyl, heroin, and other opioids. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use disorder, they are a good candidate for medical detox.
Benefits of Medical Detox
Medical detox is the safest method of detox possible. If a detox center does not offer medically supervised detox – they are not a safe facility. Holistic methods can be used in conjunction with medical detox, but should never be used as the core of recovery.
Detox can become dangerous in some cases, especially when it comes to the strongest withdrawal phases. Different substances have different withdrawal side effects, and in cases where multiple substances were being abused, the detox is riskier. Medical detox allows doctors and clinicians to intervene with medication management and other methods to improve the comfort and well-being of the client.
Medications Used in Detox
Being under medical supervision enables clinicians to monitor conditions and ensure that vital signs stay stable throughout the detox process. This makes sure that clients don’t experience any severe complications. Every substance has specific medications that are FDA approved for detox.
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 detox medications are often:
- Anticonvulsants
- GABA receptor agonists
- Low-dose alternative benzodiazepines
For prescription medication detox, it ultimately depends on what substance(s) one has been using, but treatment often includes:
- Benzodiazepines
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
The medical team assigned to each individual will monitor each client’s status closely. Adapting each person’s medication plan and dosages as needed. It is important for recovering addicts to take their detox medications exactly as directed.
Types of Treatment Programs
There are three primary types of treatment programs: inpatient or residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs. Each offers unique support to aid recovery and help individuals achieve their sobriety goals.
Inpatient/Residential Treatment
This program is well-suited for those new to treatment or those who have recently relapsed. Inpatient programs typically last from a few weeks up to 90 days, providing 24/7 access to medical and therapeutic support. With clients residing at the facility full-time, the program ensures they receive immediate help when needed—especially during critical moments that may arise at any time.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHPs are structured day programs held in a clinical environment. Participants attend treatment during most weekdays but return home or to a sober living environment each evening. PHPs focus on therapy, life skills, and coping strategies to strengthen clients’ sobriety and aid their transition into everyday life.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs are designed for individuals who cannot commit to full-time treatment but still need structured support. Clients attend sessions that include therapeutic work and skill-building exercises to establish healthy coping mechanisms and connect with a sober support network. After each session, clients can return home or to a sober living arrangement.
Successful treatment involves customized plans for detox and ongoing recovery. Many individuals benefit from spending some time in inpatient treatment after detoxing to minimize the risk of relapse or overdose.
Medical Detox is the First Step in a Bright Future
Medical detox can feel overwhelming, as it’s the first and often toughest step toward a sober life. Different substances impact the body in unique ways, requiring specialized approaches to treatment. That’s why choosing a skilled, well-qualified detox program is essential.
Detoxing from drugs or alcohol alone or at home is not only risky—it can be life-threatening. Professional supervision from trained medical and clinical staff provides the safest path through the detox process.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use disorder, know that help is always within reach. The Solution Based Treatment team is here 24/7, ready to support anyone on the journey to recovery.
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.