Medical Detox in West Palm Beach FL (877) 804-1531
Alcohol and drug medical detox is a process where any illicit substances are eliminated from the body. Medications are administered in a medical environment to minimize withdrawal symptoms and health complications.
Learn about detoxification and find out about treatment options that are available when you call Drug Treatment West Palm Beach at (877) 804-1531.
How does Medical Detox Work?
Medical detox breaks the physical dependence on substances by slowly clearing the body of illicit substances. Medications that are used replace the illicit substances mimic them and alleviate any withdrawal symptoms. It is done slowly, in a controlled way, so an abrupt and possibly harmful shock to the body doesn't occur.
It is dangerous to detox at home as medical emergencies cannot be dealt with immediately and health complications can easily result. Also, prescribed medications to help the process are not available in a home detox.
The main types of detox programs are detoxing from alcohol and detoxing from drugs. Each type of detoxification plan uses different medications to control symptoms. Depending on the type of drug, different medications are used to help a person clean their body out safely. Nutritional supplements given intravenously are another type of detox program.
Withdrawal Symptoms Associated with Medical Detox
- Meth withdrawal: Inactivity, sleeplessness, drug cravings, carbohydrate cravings, depression and psychosis are all symptoms of withdrawal from methamphetamines.
- Alcohol withdrawal: Hallucinations, seizures, agitation, insomnia, tremors, delirium tremens (DTs) are some of the symptoms people withdrawing from alcohol may experience.
- Heroin withdrawal: Goosebumps, nausea, cravings, lethargy, muscle pain, vomiting, coma and even death are possible, uncontrolled heroin withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment Medications Used in Medical Detox
Withdrawal is inevitable, but at a treatment center, patients can experience less discomfort through medical care. Some common medications that are prescribed during this process include:
- Suboxone is a prescription medication combining buprenorphine and naloxone. It's used to treat opioid addiction such as heroin.
- Methadone is used to prevent withdrawal symptoms from opiate drug addiction such as morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl.
- Naltrexone supports abstinence, prevents relapse and decreases alcohol consumption.
- Antabuse is prescribed to help people stop drinking by causing negative reactions if the person drinks while they are taking Antabuse.
- Neurontin is used with other medications to prevent and control seizures that may occur during detox.
- Bupropion is used to treat depression, a common symptom of different types of detox.
Seeking Treatment After Detox
A detoxification by itself most likely will lead to a relapse. Since there is a psychological component to addiction that must be treated, just a physical break from substances isn't sufficient. A person needs more treatment, counseling and aftercare services to stay sober.
Residential treatment centers are the recommended option for a detox as these facilities offer around the clock medical supervision for health and safety reasons. These centers also offer the prescribed medications needed for a person to stay safe and comfortable.
Medical staff can continually assess and administer medications based on the person's changing needs. Since it is difficult to predict what a person will experience when detoxing, residential treatment centers have the tools to respond in the moment. Anything less is dangerous and could lead to death.
It's best to seek treatment as soon as possible to begin overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol. For help finding available treatment options, reach out to Drug Treatment West Palm Beach at (877) 804-1531.