When a person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol stops using, he or she can experience agonizing withdrawals. The painful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can influence the individual to use the substances again for relief. Withdrawals can last for up to several weeks and make a person physically sick. The urge to use drugs or alcohol to avoid withdrawals can be very strong.
Medication assisted detox is a method of recovery which reduces the severity of withdrawals and helps the person to eliminate any cravings for his or her drug of choice. Medication assisted detox has stirred up a lot of controversy because it replaces one drug with another to relieve withdrawals. To clarify, “medications are available by prescription and are used to treat an illness, disorder, or disease, whereas drugs are illicit psychoactive substances that are used to achieve a high. Medications are used to treat every disease or disorder” including addiction,” according to NAADAC.
We are in an opioid epidemic with overdoses happening more frequently. In an attempt to avoid more overdoses, medication assisted detox offers a more comfortable way to experience withdrawals. Some emergency response officials in various jurisdictions are able to administer a medication called Narcan, an opiate antidote to save the lives of overdose victims.
Medication assisted detox does have its advantages:
- A medical professional supervises the medication administered to the person.
- It lessens the excruciating pain caused by withdrawal symptoms. The person feels more comfortable and is more likely to follow through with treatment.
- It helps medical professionals to monitor the effects of its use.
- The withdrawal time frame is reduced and can help the individual on their way to recovery.
Medication assisted detox allows an individual with an addiction to move forward with treatment and recovery and avoid an overdose or death. If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, get help today.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or substance abuse, get help today. Nexus Recovery Services is an exclusive experience for individuals who truly want a change and specializes in treatment for addiction. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started:310-881-9151