Medical detox is the safest form of detox for substance use disorder. Alcohol, heroin, opioids, fentanyl, and benzodiazepines are some of the main substances people seek detox and recovery from. Medical detox is the first step in the sobriety journey. This allows people struggling with addiction to rid their body of drugs and alcohol in a safe and controlled environment. Once detox is completed, patients can move on to the next phase of treatment which is residential or inpatient rehabilitation.
Understanding Medical Detox
Detox is a complex process and looks differently for everyone. In medical detox situations, a doctor is present at all times in the process. They can prescribe certain medications that make the client more comfortable. Medication is also beneficial when it comes to more acute detox and withdrawal symptoms like seizures and co-occurring mental health conditions.
The medications prescribed will depend on the substance of choice, whether it be drugs or alcohol – or both. It will also depend on how long the addiction has been taking place, and how frequently the client consumed.
Medical detox is safest, because unlike holistic methods or quitting “cold turkey,” the client is supervised by experienced medical professionals who are managing symptoms and complications. Instead of being at risk for seizure, respiratory failure, or Delirium Tremens – the client is safe, stable, and on the journey to recovery.
Medications Used in Detox
Medications used will vary on the substance being abused, the client’s medical history, and other factors like family genetic history.
For alcohol medical detox, common medications used include:
- Ativan
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
- Naltrexone
Approved medications for opioid detox include:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
As for fentanyl detox, approved medications are:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Clonidine
Like other opioids, heroin detox medications typically involve:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
Benzodiazepine detox medications include:
- 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 integrates:
- Benzodiazepines
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
These medications are the most commonly prescribed medical detox substances. When a client arrives at Solution Based Treatment’s detox centers they are evaluated by a doctor to determine the best course of action.
Medical Detox Timeline
The detox timeline is different for each substance and from person to person. For most drugs and alcohol, it can last up to a week – but withdrawal symptoms typically peak within 72-96 hours. Once medical detox is complete and the doctor managing the client’s case feels they are ready to transition, they will move on to inpatient rehab treatment. Inpatient treatment can last anywhere from one to two months, more or less.
It is crucial that clients enter inpatient rehab after detoxing from drugs and alcohol to prevent relapse and/or overdose. Post-detox is the most vulnerable phase of addiction recovery, and if clients relapse it is often with their pre-treatment dosage – which their body cannot tolerate as it once did.
After medical detox and inpatient rehab have been completed, clients can safely move to an outpatient program. These could be either an intensive outpatient treatment or a partial hospitalization program. This phase of treatment comes after clients have been set up for success with coping mechanisms and sobriety strategies to begin getting reacquainted with their community. Outpatient programs allow clients to apply what they have learned to real life applications in work, academic, and social settings.
Take the Leap of Faith
Choosing to go to addiction treatment is a complicated choice. It’s important to choose a facility that offers medical detox for the safest outcomes. At Sobriety Options, we find you a medical detox and rehab facility that takes your insurance and meets your needs. Whether you’re inquiring for yourself or a loved one, taking the leap of faith and choosing recovery is the first step in your sobriety journey that will last a lifetime.
About Sobriety Options
Sobriety Options is open 24/7 to provide support and care for those seeking substance abuse or mental health treatment. A branch of Solution Based Treatment, we serve as a central admissions office for seven different branches throughout Southern California. Our team is able to help you find the best sober living option for yourself or your loved one to help them get the care they need. For more information visit our website at sobrietyoptions.com or give us a call at (855) 485-0071.
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