Starting a drug detox program can feel daunting, but much of your anxiety might stem from misperceptions about the withdrawal process. Many people think that “going cold turkey” is similar to going to a professional program, that both are dangerous and unnecessarily painful.
The truth is that professional detox can be much safer, partly because of the FDA-approved medications that manage severe symptoms. Benzodiazepines, Clonidine, and other options can control seizures and blood pressure that are common for many people during detox.
What is medical detox?
Medical detox involves receiving specialized medications under the 24/7 supervision of addiction treatment professionals. When you enroll in a medical detox program, you benefit from a safer detox experience and often less severe symptoms.
However, it is important to remember that treatment at a detox facility is only the first step. To maintain long-term recovery and build on the progress made during your stay, a transition to a comprehensive rehab program is the best next step.
Why medication is used during detox
Some people choose to quit substances abruptly (go “cold turkey”), but most find it difficult. This is where drug detox programs provide a clear advantage. Using medication during the detox process:
- Reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms
- Manages intense cravings that often lead to early relapse
- Lowers the risk of life-threatening complications, such as seizures
- Can make it easier to engage in therapy
Medications are especially helpful for people detoxing from benzos or alcohol because they can cause life-threatening symptoms.
Medications used for alcohol detox
For those in medical detox for alcohol use disorder (AUD), medications are used to minimize complications like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs).
Benzodiazepines (Librium, Ativan, Valium)
Benzodiazepines are the gold-standard medication for alcohol withdrawal.1 Commonly used benzodiazepines for medical detox from AUD include:
- Librium
- Ativan
- Valium
Each of these medications helps ease the intensity of withdrawal-induced anxiety and tremors, allowing you to remain calm as your body clears the alcohol. They also help manage seizures.
Benzos themselves can cause withdrawal symptoms, so if given, they are tapered gradually to keep people safe.
Anti-seizure medications
Anti-seizure medications are also an important component of medical alcohol detox. While benzodiazepines reduce seizure risk, severe cases of AUD may require additional anticonvulsants or phenobarbital. These medications provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring your safety throughout the most critical stages of the process.
Medications used for opioid detox
While opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, the physical intensity can be overwhelming, making the risk of relapse exceptionally high without medical intervention.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex)
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that satisfies the brain’s receptors to prevent withdrawal symptoms without producing a “high.” A Suboxone detox program is effective for many people overcoming opioid use disorder, as it combines buprenorphine with naloxone to discourage misuse.
Some inpatient detox programs may instead prescribe Subutex, which is buprenorphine on its own. Because Subutex does not contain naloxone, it is typically administered in a controlled, professional detox facility, lowering the risk of relapse.
Methadone
In some inpatient detox programs, methadone may be used for those with a long history of heavy opioid use. As a long-acting opioid, it provides significant relief from cravings and is often used as a transitional tool before moving into long-term maintenance or therapy, as part of a regulated program.
Clonidine
Although primarily a blood pressure medication, an opioid detox program may use Clonidine to manage common withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, and sweating.
Medications used for benzodiazepine detox
As with alcohol, suddenly discontinuing benzodiazepines can threaten your safety. People who quit benzos cold turkey can experience severe anxiety, seizures, and other serious complications. To ensure safety, a detox facility typically requires a carefully managed tapering process.
Long-acting benzodiazepines for tapering
The tapering process in a benzo detox program works by switching from a short-acting benzo like Xanax to a longer-acting one like Valium or Librium. This allows you to have your dose slowly tapered, minimizing the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Supportive medications used across all types of detox
The primary goal of an inpatient detox center is to help you feel more comfortable as you go through the withdrawal process. In addition to the medications listed above, your care team may provide other medications depending on your individual needs. These inpatient detox programs use pain relievers, sleep aids, anti-nausea medications, and anti-diarrheals to address headaches, muscle aches, insomnia, and digestive discomfort.
Frequently asked questions about detox medications
Some drug or alcohol detox medications can be addictive, but your care team is experienced with carefully managing and tapering your dose so you won’t have to worry about developing a dependence on your treatment medication. Their goal is to help stabilize you, not put you at risk of developing a new addiction.
Each person has different medical detox needs, so the length of time you will be on medication varies. Most medical detox programs last about 5 to 10 days, but if your condition is severe, you may continue receiving the medications as you transition into rehab.
Although you may prefer to avoid medications, going through withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids can be dangerous. It is much safer to undergo medical detox under the supervision of addiction treatment professionals.
Many health insurance plans cover medical detox as a necessary medical service. Be sure to consult your provider to verify your benefits before enrolling in treatment.
What happens after detox depends on the severity of the substance use disorder and your unique needs. Detox is the first step—the next is finding the right treatment program to help maintain your recovery. For some people, that means transitioning into a highly structured inpatient program, while others may find a more flexible outpatient program suitable. Discuss your options with your care team to find the right fit among various drug detox programs.
Get safe, medically supervised detox at Tides Edge
If you are looking for detox programs in Jacksonville, Florida, you can trust Tides Edge Detox. With 24-hour medical monitoring, personalized treatment plans, and a comfortable environment, we have everything you need to detox safely from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids. Call us today at 866.723.3127 or enroll online.
