The Role of Medical Detox Drugs
in Addiction Treatment

Skyline Recovery Center partners with trusted LA facilities for incorporating medical detox drugs into treatment. Get in touch with our team today.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

Understanding Medical Detox Drugs

For many individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUD), the first step towards lasting recovery is safely and comfortably detoxing from drugs or alcohol under medical supervision.

A key component of this process is the use of medical detox drugs to manage withdrawal symptoms and support the body and mind during this challenging time.

medical detox drugs

What are Medical Detox Drugs?

Medical detox drugs are medications prescribed by addiction medicine physicians or psychiatrists to help manage the often severe and uncomfortable symptoms that arise when someone stops using drugs or alcohol after a period of heavy use.
The goals of using medical detox drugs are to:
  • Reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, anxiety, insomnia, and pain
  • Prevent dangerous complications that can occur during withdrawal from certain substances, such as seizures or delirium tremens (DTs) from alcohol withdrawal  
  • Make the detox process as safe and comfortable as possible to prevent immediate relapse
  • Begin to normalize brain chemistry and restore healthy neurotransmitter balance

Types Of Medical Detox Drugs

There are several different types of medical detox drugs that may be used depending on the substance of abuse and the individual’s unique medical needs.
Some of the most common include:
  • Opioid Agonists: These drugs activate opioid receptors in the brain to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing a high.1
  • Benzodiazepines: These drugs enhance the effects of certain neurotransmitters to reduce anxiety, prevent seizures, and help with sleep.2
  • Clonidine: This is a blood pressure medication that reduces anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, and cramping from heroin or prescription opioid withdrawal.3
  • Ondansetron and Metoclopramide: These are used for nausea and vomiting.4
  • Antidepressants: These help with insomnia and can begin addressing any co-occurring mood symptoms.5

Medical Detox Drugs: Detox Regimens

Each individual’s specific medical detox drugs regimen will be tailored based on a comprehensive assessment of their unique needs and circumstances.
Our experienced medical team at Skyline Recovery Center carefully considers several key factors when developing a personalized detox plan, including:

The Individual’s Substance(s) of Choice

Different substances require different approaches to detox, including what medical detox drugs are used. For example, alcohol and benzodiazepines, like Xanax or Valium, can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms and often require a gradual tapering with help from medications like phenobarbital.
On the other hand, opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers are typically treated with medications like buprenorphine or methadone to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.6

Additionally, stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine generally do not have specific detox medications. Instead, treatment focuses on supportive care, sleep aids, and addressing any co-occurring mental health symptoms.7

Length and Intensity of Substance Use

The duration and intensity of substance use can significantly impact the severity of withdrawal and the necessary level of medical detox drugs.
For example, someone who has been drinking heavily for decades may experience more severe alcohol withdrawal than someone who has only been drinking for a year.8

If Individuals Struggled With Polysubstance Use

Polysubstance use is very common, with many individuals simultaneously using alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants in various combinations. This can complicate the detox process and increase the risk of adverse interactions between substances and medical detox drugs.9
In these cases, our medical team carefully assesses all substances involved and develops a comprehensive plan to safely detox from each one, prioritizing the most dangerous substances first.

An Individual’s Age and Overall Physical Health

Older adults and those with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, liver disease, or diabetes may be more vulnerable to complications during detox. They may require more intensive monitoring, specialized medical detox drugs, and a slower pace of detox to ensure safety.10
For example, someone with severe liver disease may not be able to safely metabolize certain detox medications, so alternatives may need to be used.

Any Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder frequently co-occur with addiction. Individuals with co-occurring disorders may require specialized medical detox drugs and therapeutic interventions during detox to address both their substance use and mental health symptoms.11

Prior History of Complicated Withdrawal

Some individuals may have a history of severe or complicated withdrawal syndromes like delirium tremens (DTs) from alcohol, seizures from benzodiazepines, or extreme agitation and psychosis from stimulants.12
In these cases, a more intensive level of medical care and monitoring may be necessary, along with higher doses of detox medications to prevent life-threatening complications.

How Skyline Recovery Center Prioritizes Care

At Skyline Recovery Center, we understand that every individual’s path to recovery is unique. That’s why our expert medical team takes the time to thoroughly assess each client’s specific needs and develop a personalized detox plan that takes into account any relevant factors.
Our state-of-the-art detox facilities and experienced staff are equipped to handle even the most complex cases, ensuring that each client receives the highest level of medical care and support throughout the detox process.
Whether you’re struggling with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or a combination of substances, we’re here to help you take the first step towards a healthier, substance-free life with medical detox drugs and other needs.

Accessing Medical Detox Treatment for Treatment

If you or a loved one are considering medical detox for a substance use disorder, it’s crucial to understand that not all detox programs are created equal.
There are a variety of settings where detox may take place, including:

Inpatient Detox Facilities

These are standalone facilities that provide 24/7 medical care and monitoring during the detox process. They are best suited for individuals with severe addictions, those at risk for complicated withdrawal, or people with co-occurring physical or mental health disorders.

Inpatient Rehabs

Many inpatient rehabs have a detox unit within the facility where clients can undergo withdrawal before transitioning to the residential treatment program.

Outpatient Detox Programs

These programs allow individuals to attend the facility during the day for medications, monitoring, and support, then return home in the evenings. They are best for mild-to-moderate addictions and those with a strong support system at home.

Hospital Settings

In some cases, individuals may need to be hospitalized for detox due to the severity of their addiction or if they have acute medical or psychiatric needs that require a higher level of care.

How Do You Know What Program Works Best?

When evaluating a medical detox program, look for one that is staffed by licensed medical professionals and addiction specialists who are experienced in treating your particular substance of abuse. The facility should be clean, comfortable, and well-equipped to handle any potential medical emergencies.
It’s also important to choose a program that includes a comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluation, individualized treatment planning, and seamless transitions to the next level of care after detox.
At Skyline Recovery Center, we recognize that navigating the complex world of addiction treatment can be overwhelming. That’s why our team is dedicated to being a trusted resource for anyone seeking quality medical detox drugs, treatment, and comprehensive addiction help in the Los Angeles area.

Our Comprehensive Continuum of Care

While Skyline Recovery Center does not provide medical detox services directly, we have strong partnerships with reputable detox facilities throughout the Los Angeles area.
Our experienced clinicians work closely with these facilities to ensure our clients receive the highest quality medical detox drugs, along with a seamless transition into our structured outpatient programs.
Some of the medical detox services we can provide or connect our clients with include:

Medically-Supervised Detox

Our partner detox facilities employ experienced addiction medicine physicians and nurses who specialize in managing withdrawal from a wide range of substances. They use evidence-based protocols and medications to ensure safety and comfort throughout the detox process.

24/7 Medical Monitoring and Symptom Management

During medical detox, clients are closely monitored around-the-clock by nursing staff who assess vital signs, monitor withdrawal symptoms, and provide medications and comfort measures as needed.
This high level of medical supervision ensures that any complications or emergencies can be quickly addressed. For instance, if a client detoxing from alcohol experiences a spike in blood pressure, the medical team can immediately intervene with appropriate medications to stabilize their condition.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For individuals detoxing from opioids, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone can be a game-changer. These medications help to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize bodily functions.13

MAT has been shown to increase treatment retention, reduce illicit opioid use, and decrease overdose risk.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

Many individuals struggling with addiction also have co-occurring mental health disorders that require specialized treatment. We have psychiatrists and mental health professionals on staff who can diagnose and treat these conditions during the detox process.

This may involve starting medications like antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or mood stabilizers to alleviate symptoms and lay the groundwork for ongoing mental health treatment. Addressing co-occurring disorders from the start of treatment is crucial for long-term recovery success.

Comprehensive Aftercare Planning

As clients near the end of their medical detox stay, our partner facilities work closely with Skyline Recovery Center to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan that includes a seamless transition into one of our structured outpatient programs.
This may involve coordinating with our admissions team, scheduling intake appointments, transferring medical records and medication prescriptions, and arranging for transportation.
Our goal is to make the transition from detox to outpatient treatment as smooth and stress-free as possible, so clients can focus on their recovery.

Options for Outpatient Programs

Once a client has completed medical detox, they can transition to one of our specialized outpatient programs for ongoing care.
We offer several levels of outpatient treatment to meet each client’s unique needs, such as:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

This is a structured, full-day treatment that occurs five to seven days per week. It includes individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, and medical services as needed. This option is often best for those stepping down from inpatient treatment or who need a high level of support.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

This consists of half-day treatment a few days per week that includes individual and group therapy, case management, and aftercare planning. It allows clients to live at home or in a sober living while attending treatment.

Outpatient Drug Program

This type of flexible outpatient care occurs one to three days per week that includes therapy, drug testing, and peer support groups. It is ideal for those who have completed higher levels of care or have less severe addictions.
medical detox drugs

Individualized Treatment At SRC

At SRC, our compassionate team of medical professionals, licensed therapists, and certified addiction counselors are experts in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
We believe in individualized treatment that addresses each client as a whole person – mind, body, and spirit. We work closely with our clients and their loved ones to create personalized treatment plans that build on their unique strengths, needs, and recovery goals.
Some of the therapeutic modalities and services we offer include:
  • Individual, group, and family therapy
  • Trauma-focused therapies
  • Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques  
  • Art and music therapy
  • Life skills development and vocational support
  • Medication management for co-occurring disorders
  • Family education and support groups
  • Aftercare planning and relapse prevention
  • Alumni and peer support programs

The Sky’s The Limit At SRC

At Skyline Recovery Center, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone and that it happens through a combination of professional treatment, personal growth, and connection with others.

If you or someone you love needs help for a substance use disorder, we encourage you to reach out to our caring admissions team to learn more about our programs and how we can support you on your journey to lasting recovery.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. The compassionate professionals at Skyline Recovery Center are here to guide you every step of the way, from medical detox through our comprehensive outpatient programs and aftercare.

With our support and your dedication, a brighter, healthier future is within reach.