Medically Assisted Detox

Huntington Beach Detox provides medically-assisted detox programs to help individuals safely wean or taper off their substance of choice through 24/7 medical supervision and ongoing clinical and medical support. In many instances, individuals become physically dependent on a substance and a medical detox is recommended in order for them to safely detox.

A medically-assisted detox is a process by which medications and nutritional support are used to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal. Medications are administered to patients by a team of highly skilled medical staff. The use of any of these medications is monitored. A medically-assisted detox program is structured for the safest tapering process in order to provide comfort and allow individuals to detox their bodies in the way that is right for them.

Why Do I Need a Medically-Assisted Detox?

Detoxing from drugs and alcohol can be an unpleasant experience. Withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable for the individual detoxing and may include: anxiety, sweats, nausea, shakiness, irritability, and a variety of other symptoms.

Before enrolling in an inpatient treatment program, it is always recommended to enroll in a medically-assisted detox program prior to starting inpatient treatment.

A medically-assisted detox is focused on ensuring that you are safe and comfortable while detoxing. The detoxification process is focused on ridding the body of toxins, as well as the symptoms around physical dependence. The emotional and mental dependence on a substance must be addressed during and after medical detox. Cravings to drink or use for a person who suffers from substance abuse can occur after and while detoxing.

What Medications Are Used for Withdrawal?

The exact medications used for an alcohol detox or drug detoxwill vary depending on which inpatient treatmentprogram you are enrolled in. Below, we will share some of the common medications that are used in various detoxes including alcohol detox, opiate detox, benzoxepine detox, and stimulant detox.

As discussed above, the medications used in a medically-assisted detox are available to help cope with the uncomfortable feelings associated with alcohol or drug withdrawal. The type of drug used, the severity of the disease, and the individual’s commitment to recovery all play a role in determining the correct medications used during a medically-assisted detox.

Opiate Detox

9% of the population misuses opiates at some point in life. Commonly used opiates are morphine, heroin, and painkillers like OxyContin. Common medications used in a medically-assisted detox for opiate detox are:

clonidine,
buprenorphine, and
methadone.

These drugs don’t negate withdrawals symptoms, but they make them more manageable. Medications like buprenorphine can shorten the opiate detox length and be used like methadone in long-term treatment plans.

Stimulant Detox

Stimulant abuse is related to depression, which is similar to the depression experienced with alcohol addiction. Antidepressants are often used when detoxing off stimulants, but aren’t necessarily good for long-term use. Desipramine (Norpramin) is an antidepressant that is used for major withdrawal symptoms and would be appropriate in a medically-assisted detox facility. Diazepam is used for mild to moderate withdrawals, and isn’t suggested for severe withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepine tranquilizers are also used to treat methamphetamine and cocaine addictions.

Alcohol Detox

Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol addiction can range from shakiness and irritability to death. People with alcohol addictions tend to be depressed, and during an alcohol detox those depressive symptoms can increase. Diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and Phenobarbitals are medications that show promise in helping with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The medications most commonly used in a medically-assisted detox program are diazepam and chlordiazepoxide. These medications help an individualtransition through withdrawal safely. Benzodiazepines also help with the effects of alcohol withdrawal. Librium and Valium are two examples of benzos that assist with withdrawal.

Benzodiazepine Detox

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Short-acting benzodiazepines include Xanax and Ativan, while longer-acting benzodiazepines include Valium and Klonopin. Benzodiazepines or Benzos can be addictive and have the propensity to be abused.
The withdrawal symptoms from a Benzo detox can be severe and may include seizures, insomnia, tremors, and hallucinations. This is why it is recommended to enroll in a benzo detox at a medically-assisted detox program.
The medications used to help an individual taper include Klonopin, Phenobarbital, Buspar, and Tegretol. Typically, the medical team at an inpatient drug detox will taper down the dose of the current benzodiazepine and/or administer a longer acting benzo that may help reduce symptoms and cravings.

Huntington Beach Detox in Orange County provides a medically-assisted detox to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal. You will detox in a luxurious environment surrounded by medical professionals who will monitor your detox symptoms 24/7.

Please call us at (855) 790-7418 to understand how a medically-assisted detox program will help you safely detox from your substance of choice.