Drug Detox: What are the Facts and Falsehoods?
Separating myth from fact is essential if you are considering Drug Detox. In order to make the right choice you need to arm yourself with the correct information. Medically Assisted Drug Detox – one of the more prevalent and popular forms of detox used – has many myths surrounding it and suffers from some controversy due to misinformation. With this form of detox, you will keep regular appointments with a doctor. While there, you will either receive a dose of medication or a new prescription for you to administer at your home. These Medications can be used to help re-establish normal brain function, diminish cravings, and prevent relapse.
What is the truth about Medically Assisted Drug detox?
For alcohol, three medications have been FDA approved. They are naltrexone, disulfiram, and acamprosate. Naltrexone works by blocking the opioid receptors involved in the satisfying effects of drinking and for the desire to drink alcohol. It diminishes the propensity to relapse to heavy drinking and has proven to be extremely effective in some but not every patient. Acamprosate reduces the symptoms of anxiety or depression and Disulfiram impedes the degradation of alcohol which results in the accumulation of acetaldehyde producing unpleasant reactions such as nausea and palpitations if you drink any alcohol.
Treatment that consists of medication is frequently the best choice for opioid dependence. To treat opioid addiction such as heroin and morphine, methadone or buprenorphine is an effective medication, as is for some people naltrexone. Both methadone and buprenorphine suppress withdrawal symptoms and relieve cravings by acting on the same targets in your brain as opioid’s do. Naltrexone, which should only be used once a patient has already been detoxed, works by obstructing the effects of opioids at their receptor sites. Due to the issues of compliance, naltrexone is not as widely used. These medications help you disengage from drug related behavior and help you become more open to behavioral treatments.
There are two prescription medications that have been FDA approved for tobacco addiction. They are bupropion and varenicline. Both help to avert a relapse.
The Myths:
There are many myths that surround Medically Assisted Drug Detox and some false information that has made its way through the system. Here we debunk some of the beigest culprits for you.
Myth #1: Medically assisted addiction recovery is like substituting one addiction for another
Addiction is considered a chronic condition and as such the treatment which is supervised via professionals is thought of as a medication not a substitution.
Myth #2: Methadone is more dangerous for you than heroin
Methadone can be dangerous when used improperly, however Methadone is a legal medication produced using quality control standards by approved pharmaceutical companies. Methadone produces effects that are far less debilitating or dangerous then the effects of heroin. Methadone is taken orally in a safe environment, while heroin is often injected in un-sanitary environments and as such methadone treatment significantly reduces the rate of HIV infection and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Methadone does not deplete your calcium or rot your teeth. People may actually become healthier in methadone treatment. Methadone is the only approved medication for treating opioid addiction in pregnant woman.
Myth #3: After a Medically Assisted detox is complete, everything will automatically be fine again.
Effective treatment attends to not just your drug abuse issue, but also to the various needs of you as an individual. Medication is an important part of treatment for many patients but it should be coupled with counseling and other behavioral therapies to be truly efficient.
Get The Right Advice.
Speak to a qualified medical practitioner or councilor if unsure about anything. Try Beachside Rehab’s confidential 24/7 helpline 866-349-1770.