Beating addiction takes more than just willpower. Long-term drug or alcohol use can cause physical dependence, and stopping drug use cold turkey without any medical supervision can be dangerous. However, substance abuse is a serious issue, and in 2023 alone more than 105,000 people died from drug-involved overdoses. A medically assisted drug detox program can help people beat substance abuse by detoxing safely and lead a healthier lifestyle.
Why Detoxing Alone Can Be Dangerous
Quitting drugs or alcohol alone, especially by simply stopping the drug use abruptly, can be dangerous in some cases. Some drugs can be stopped cold turkey. For example, many people have a high success rate quitting nicotine in this way instead of tapering off. However, abruptly stopping the use of alcohol, opioids and benzodiazepines can be dangerous.
Some side effects associated with abruptly stopping these drugs include:
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Panic disorders
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paranoia
- Infections
- Anxiety disorders
In some cases, the side effects of abrupt drug cessation can be fatal. Even in cases where the side effects aren’t life-threatening, their severity can make relapse more likely.
What to Expect in a Medically Supervised Drug Detox
Medically supervised detoxing is a way for people to safely withdraw from drug dependency. It involves gradually tapering off the use of the drug in question while being monitored by medical professionals. Those who experience severe or unpleasant side effects may be given medication to help reduce the symptoms they’re going through.
The types of detoxification treatment offered depend on the substance in question and the severity of the addiction. Those battling severe addiction to drugs with dangerous withdrawal symptoms may undergo inpatient treatment so they can receive round-the-clock monitoring. With some drugs or addictive prescription medications, it may be possible to taper off the drug as an outpatient.
The start of a medically supervised detox program typically involves:
- A full physical health screening
- Blood tests to measure the level of drugs in the system
- An intake interview asking about the duration and severity of drug use
- A mental health assessment
After this, detoxing treatment begins. This may involve an inpatient stay in a rehab facility for 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, the medical team works to manage the withdrawal symptoms and also helps clients learn coping strategies to stay drug-free when they leave the facility.
How Medical Teams Manage Withdrawal Symptoms
The drug detox process usually involves three steps:
- Evaluate the person’s health and the nature of their addiction to determine a long-term treatment plan.
- Stabilize the person to prevent them from suffering severe withdrawal symptoms or complications. This is a crucial step because the goal of any medical professional is to prevent further harm.
- Prepare the person for long-term rehab so they have a chance to stay clean and healthy in the future.
Common Medications Used During Detox
Many medications can be used to help a person go through a detox, depending on the type of drug they’re trying to stop taking. These medications include:
- Anticonvulsants. Carbamazepine, gabapentin and vigabatrin are commonly used in alcohol detox to prevent or reduce seizures.
- Benzodiazepines. Valium, Ativan, Librium and oxazepan can help reduce the risk of delirium tremens and also reduce other alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Methadone. This is commonly used to help reduce heroin cravings and the withdrawal symptoms associated with other opioids.
- Phenobarbital. This anticonvulsant is sometimes used as a sedative or to ease alcohol withdrawal. Addictive in its own right, phenobarbitol is only used if other options are contraindicated.
- Buprenorphine. This drug blocks the euphoric effects of other opioids. This can help those recovering from opioid addiction stay clean, as there’s no longer a “reward” for taking the drug.
Detox as the First Step in a Larger Recovery Plan
The detox process helps with the physical aspect of addiction by making withdrawal a safer and less unpleasant process. However, even after a person no longer has drugs in their system, they may experience cravings for several months or even years after the detox.
Cravings can be triggered by many external factors, including stress, trauma and fatigue. Some individuals may be tempted to indulge in drugs or alcohol after a detox simply out of habit or due to external pressure if their friends or family members are still abusing such substances. According to a report published by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, as many as 65%-70% of recovering opioid addicts have at least one relapse.
For this reason, detoxification treatments shouldn’t be used in isolation. During and after the detox, it’s wise to get additional support. Rehab facilities often provide counseling, life skills training and other general advice to help people find ways to stay clean in the long term.
Building new, healthy habits to fill the time that might otherwise be spent using drugs can reduce the likelihood of a person relapsing. Some individuals may find they need to change their social habits to avoid situations that trigger cravings. Others might be unable to avoid being around those who use drugs or alcohol. In this case, they may be best served by learning strategies to say “no” and deflect questions or removing themselves from difficult situations.
These are all things that can be learned as part of a rehab program. In the long term, outpatient rehabs might also offer support and accountability to help people stay the course.
How to Access Safe, Professional Detox Services
If you or someone you care for needs help with substance abuse, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Don’t try to go through the detox process alone.
Sunlight Recovery Can Help
At Sunlight Recovery, we offer a full range of medically assisted detox programs, inpatient care and outpatient rehab. To learn more about our programs, find out if your insurance covers treatment with us or see if our rehab centers suit your needs, call the Sunlight Recovery admissions line today. We’re here to offer compassionate, confidential advice and support.
