What is Medical Detox?
Natural detoxification and medical detox are the two most common detoxification methods. Detoxification, or “detox,” is the procedure through which a person’s system is cleansed of narcotics. Going cold turkey is a common term for the all-natural detox method. However, there are substances for which a cold-turkey detox is not only not unrecommended but actively discouraged. It is commonly sensitized that those who abuse substances like benzodiazepines, opioids, and alcohol undergo a medically supervised detoxification process. Medical detox can take place in a variety of locations, such as:
- A freestanding medical detox facility.
- A rehab center with a detox facility.
- A hospital with a detox facility.
- A social service setting that offers medical detox.
Most Commonly Used Medications at a Medical Detox Setting.
- Acamprosate
The FDA has authorized the use of acamprosate (marketed as Campral) for the treatment of alcoholism. It’s one of the three drugs the FDA licensed to manage alcohol use disorder, and it works by altering the neurotransmitter systems in the brain to lessen the brain’s cravings for alcohol.
- Disulfiram
Disulfiram is a drug that blocks alcohol from being metabolized in the body, making it useful in managing AUD and alcoholism. When coupled with alcohol, this drug creates a severe sensitivity to ethanol since it is made and engineered to have such an impact. Antabuse is the brand name for disulfiram.
- Benzos
Benzos are a class of drugs used to manage panic disorders, anxiety, seizures, panic attacks, and insomnia by producing a sedative effect on the patient. Some common benzodiazepines are Ativan (Lorazepam), Diazepam, Chlordiazepoxide, Librium, Valium, Librium, and Xanax. Numerous drug detoxification programs make use of them. However, benzodiazepines must be taken cautiously and under close supervision during detox since they may be addictive. Those with a benzodiazepine abuse history or who are currently misusing it may utilize these drugs during medical detox, but they should be properly watched.
- Suboxone
It is used in the management of opioid addiction treatment drugs. A sublingual pill or film that dissolves beneath the tongue or inside the cheek is used for administration. The two medications that makeup Suboxone are buprenorphine and naloxone. It works by reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms from opioid and opiate substances like heroin, OxyContin, Percocet, and others.
- Methadone
Methadone is a medicine used to treat opioid use disorder and opioid addiction. It is also useful as a short-term detox treatment for opioid abuse. Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that works by lessening both the withdrawal symptoms and opioid cravings.
Seek Help from The Best Detox Facility in Houston.
Depending on its mission, a medical detox center may provide various treatment options alongside the detoxification process. Medical detox at Skyward Treatment Center involves using medications to mitigate the discomfort of drug or alcohol withdrawal. As the first step to recovery, detox is an important part of addiction therapy and should be individualized to ensure the client’s safety and comfort. Quitting ‘cold turkey’ can be hazardous. Instead, visit Skyward Center and discover a safer option. Our caring team is committed to making your rehabilitation as smooth, safe, and fruitful as possible.
