Medically Assisted Detox

Anyone who suffers from drug or alcohol addiction can find great benefits in the care that is offered by medically assisted detoxification. These programs offer medical care, supervised treatment and the necessary intervention methods that many recovering addicts need in order to get well. Doctors, trained treatment professionals and qualified staff work together to observe the physical and mental health of patients while in treatment further ensuring complete safety and sobriety during the withdrawal process.

Medical detox programs offer added security that cannot be found in natural detox or certain, less invasive methods of treatment. During medical detox, the patient will receive medical advice, medical services, medications and other methods of treatment that will help patients to overcome addiction. Many different medications can be used in medically assisted detox including:

• Methadone
• Suboxone
• Naltrexone
• Naloxone

Medically assisted detox may be needed for more intensive treatment recovery.

While there are many other types of detox available to assist patients in the recovery process, medically assisted detox provides the safest means of recovery especially for those who suffer from addictions that are extremely physical such as heroin addiction, prescription drug addiction or similar disorders.

Who Needs Medical Detox?

Anyone who is physically addicted to drugs or alcohol should consider medical detox. Medically assisted detox is further recommended for those who suffer from co-occurring mental or physical health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or other substance abuse problems. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, medical detox is a viable treatment for patients who suffer from heroin addiction, prescription drug addiction, marijuana addiction, cocaine addiction, methamphetamine addiction, alcoholism and a range of other substance abuse problems.

How Long Will Detox Take?

Each case of addiction is different and there is no real way to pinpoint how long detox will take. For some, the process of medical detox will only take 5-7 days. For others, the overall process of overcoming physical drug dependence can take a few weeks or as long as a few months. The actual amount of time that it takes an individual to completely detox ranges based on the severity of the addiction, the length of time the user has been abusing drugs or alcohol, the individual health or well-being of the patient, and various other factors. During detox, various challenges may arise which can add to the length of time that it takes to recover.

What Does Medical Detox Cost?

Every detox program provides varied levels of treatment and care and will have a different cost associated with it. Some programs, especially those that only provide a short term solution to recovery will be affordable and can be priced very low. Others, such as those that provide 30 days or more of treatment, may cost a bit more but offer patients with the added benefit of being able to begin counseling and therapy while they are in detox which can help to improve recovery chances.

Keep in mind that cost is not the only factor that should be considered when you decide on the right type of detox for your individual needs. Medically assisted detox, though it can be costly, is your best chance at recovery from addiction because these programs provide you with the adequate treatment and medical care that you need for safe, lasting recovery. Hospitals, clinics, and a wide range of treatment centers all offer medical detox methods to help patients to feel better, safely recover and overcome the burdens of addiction to drugs or alcohol.