Detoxification is the first step in the addiction recovery process. Medical detox is the safest way to go through drug detoxification. Attempting detox without professional support increases the risk of relapse and unnecessary discomfort.
Understanding Medical Detox
In medical detox, doctors and nurses oversee the patient’s condition and provide targeted medications to ease the withdrawal process.
These medications help manage symptoms and make the experience more tolerable. Some of the key symptoms that can be treated with medication include:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Body aches
- Seizures
- Heart palpitations
- Psychosis and/or anxiety
Medical detox should ideally take place in a controlled environment, such as an inpatient facility or hospital, to ensure the highest level of safety. An inpatient setting ensures that a medical team is on hand for any emergencies that may arise.
The Importance of Detox
Substance use disorder is not a matter of personal choice. Despite the awareness of harmful side effects and significant health risks, individuals struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol often continue using. This disorder alters thought patterns and behaviors, eventually reshaping the brain itself. If left untreated, substance use disorder can result in lasting damage.
Medically supervised detox is a crucial first step in any addiction recovery program. Its goal is to safely stop the intake of drugs and/or alcohol in a controlled environment, preparing individuals for the next phases of treatment without the added burden of withdrawal symptoms.
Detox and withdrawal can be challenging, but medical detox offers support. Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurse practitioners, and clinicians, help manage discomfort during this critical phase. Clinicians can also closely monitor and address any life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, ensuring a safer detox process.
Medications Used in Detox
As noted, medical detox is the safest and most effective form of detox available. Being under medical supervision allows clinicians to monitor conditions and ensure that vital signs stay stable. Medical supervision ensures 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 will monitor each client’s status closely. Adapting their medication plan and dosages as needed. It is important for recovering addicts to take their detox medications exactly as directed.
Addiction Treatment After Detox
The three main types of treatment programs are inpatient or residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient treatment. Each offers a different approach to supporting recovery and helping individuals achieve their sobriety goals.
- Inpatient/Residential Treatment: Ideal for first-time treatment clients and those who have recently relapsed, this option provides round-the-clock access to medical and clinical teams. Inpatient programs typically last from several weeks to 90 days, with clients residing at the treatment center full-time. This 24/7 care ensures support is available whenever it’s needed, as crises can occur at any moment.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): This day treatment program takes place in a medical setting, with clients attending most weekdays. However, after each day’s structured therapy and activities, clients return home or to a sober living facility. PHPs help individuals develop coping strategies and provide continued support during recovery without requiring overnight stays.
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP): Offering more flexibility than PHP, IOP is suited for those who need support but cannot commit to more time-consuming programs. Clients participate in therapy and structured programming designed to teach effective coping mechanisms and help build a sober community. Afterward, they return home or to a sober living environment.
Effective treatment teams create personalized plans for each stage of recovery, starting with detox. Most individuals spend some time in inpatient treatment following detox to reduce the risk of relapse or overdose.
A “detox only” approach is dangerous because, after detox, an individual’s tolerance for substances decreases significantly. This period is the most dangerous in recovery, as relapse often leads to using the original dosage, increasing the risk of overdose. Continuous treatment after detox is critical for long-term recovery.
Find Addiction Treatment Near You
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 all levels of care for all different needs. In these different programs we use a combination of medically approved 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 combination with medical supervision. Take back control of your life and detox safely with Solution Based Treatment.
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.