Medical detox is the safest method to rid the body of toxins. Having medical supervision during detox prevents acute symptoms and makes the client more comfortable. A better detox experience leads to a more sustainable sober journey that is likely to last.
The Purpose of Medical Detox
Undergoing medical detox is the most important step in any addiction recovery program. The purpose of it is to cease the use of drugs and/or alcohol in a controlled, safe environment. It allows individuals to enter the next phases of treatment without experiencing withdrawal that could lead to relapse.
The detox and withdrawal process can be quite uncomfortable. Medical supervision allows doctors, nurse practitioners and clinicians to help clients feel at ease during this phase of recovery. It allows these professionals to monitor life-threatening withdrawal closely and intervene if necessary.
Alcohol Medical Detox
There are many alcohol detox symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, irritability, depression, and loss of appetite. Along with these common symptoms, when someone undergoes alcohol detox they can experience more serious symptoms such as a rapid heart rate, clammy skin, tremors, head and body aches, nausea, and vomiting.
The most serious effect of alcohol detox to look out for is delirium tremens (DT) which appears as altered mental status and autonomic hyperactivity. This can develop into cardiovascular collapse. This condition is not very common, but when it occurs it can be deadly. Medical supervision is very important for alcohol withdrawals to prevent life threatening side effects.
Frequent medications used in medical detox for alcohol include:
- Ativan
- Disulfiram
- Naltrexone
Benzo Medical Detox
Benzodiazepine or “benzos” are prescription drugs, and the most frequently abused ones are Ativan, Xanax, and Valium. They are highly addictive and many users abuse them. Benzos target the nervous system, and they are known to lower blood pressure and reduce the heart rate.
Common benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms include anxiety or panic, insomnia, muscle spasms or tension, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, mood swings or agitation, and decreased appetite. Those undergoing benzo medical detox may experience one of these symptoms or all of them. Acute side effects include seizures, hallucinations, short-term memory impairment, and drug cravings.
Medications often used in benzo medical detox are:
- Anticonvulsants
- GABA receptor agonists
- Low-dose alternative benzodiazepines
Opioid Medical Detox
Opioids are some of the most dangerous substances that require medical detox to navigate the withdrawal process.
The most common opioid detox side effects include nausea and vomiting, muscle aches and pains, sweating and chills, anxiety or irritability, insomnia, runny nose, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Some of the more serious and potentially fatal side effects include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, seizures, and depression or suicidal thoughts. If one does not detox from opioids under medical supervision, withdrawals could result in heart failure.
Medications often used in opioid medical detox include:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
If fentanyl is the opioid of choice, Clonidine may also be used in detox.
Find a Medical Detox Center Near You
If you or someone you know could benefit from medical detox to break out of drug or alcohol addiction, connect with the Solution Based Treatment team. We offer detox, residential rehab, as well as intensive outpatient treatment and partial hospitalization programs. All of our programs are accredited and conducted under the supervision of licensed medical doctors to ensure the safest protocols. Take the first step towards a sober future, begin your detox journey.
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.