Anyone who has been there will attest that getting through detox is one of the most challenging parts of overcoming addiction. And they couldn’t be any more spot-on in that assertion. Abruptly quitting any substance can open the door to an onslaught of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, some of which can give way to relapse. Some of these withdrawal symptoms include changes in appetite, congestion, anxiety, depression, and muscle pain. It is also not uncommon for some people to experience severe dehydration and insomnia or hypersomnia when they suddenly stop taking their preferred drug. In light of all this, it’s pretty easy to see why going through detox is collectively viewed as the most challenging aspect of overcoming addiction.
How Rehab Facilities Are Making It Easier for Individuals to Get Through Detox
Former users are not the only ones who appreciate just how difficult detox can be; rehab facilities across the U.S. share the same appreciation. And this explains why many of them offer one of two types of detox assistance, medical detox or medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Medical Drug Detox
Medical drug detox is ideal for those showing signs of being physically or psychologically dependent on a given substance. When someone stops using, their body naturally starts to rid itself of drugs and harmful contaminants. This process happens naturally within a few hours or days after they’ve consumed their last drink or have taken the final dose of their drug of choice. Medical detox entails having medical and, in many cases, mental health professionals monitoring one’s detox journey. And this is important since some of the withdrawal symptoms that can present while individuals are detoxing can be life-threatening. Substances that often require medical detox as individuals work toward breaking the cycle of addiction include the following:
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines
- Opioids
- Stimulants
- Certain synthetic drugs
Studies show that medical detox significantly improves an individual’s chances of overcoming addiction to these substances and simultaneously lowers their chances of falling victim to relapse.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
In many ways, medical detox and medication-assisted treatment are the same, particularly when it comes to the things essential to helping individuals quit drugs or alcohol so that they can better their lives. Both types of detox assistance provide individuals with round-the-clock monitoring by licensed medical and mental health professionals. However, alongside round-the-clock monitoring, MAT is an aspect of addiction recovery that utilizes prescription-based, FDA-approved medications to help individuals cope with severe withdrawal symptoms. Some of the ones commonly prescribed by rehab facilities that offer this type of detox assistance include the following:
- Naltrexone
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Lucemyra
How Effective Are the Medical Detox and Medication-Assisted Treatment Services Offered in Rehab?
According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, medical detox and medication-assisted treatment contribute to better addiction recovery outcomes, especially among those trying to quit prescription or street-level opioids. The study found that medication-assisted treatment reduced the risk of relapse by normalizing an individual’s brain chemistry and blocking the euphoric effects they would otherwise derive from having opioids in their system. It further revealed that medical detox and MAT are both helpful in alleviating the psychological cravings that most individuals encounter while going through detox.
Bottom Line
In summary, medical detox and medication-assisted treatment can significantly improve an individual’s chances of achieving short and long-term sobriety. That said, which of these two options is the best will depend on several things, including the substance involved, how long the individual has been using, and their withdrawal symptoms. Irrespective of which option someone chooses or has chosen for them, quitting drugs and getting one’s life back on track is well worth the effort. To learn more about how a medical detox or medication-assisted treatment program can put the odds of achieving sobriety in your favor, consider speaking with one of our friendly associates today at 833.970.2054.
