Medically-Assisted Detox in Tennessee
When people are addicted to substances like drugs and/or alcohol, they spend a large portion of their time devoted to how and when to obtain their substances of choice and when and where they can use them. They focus on what they can do to increase the feeling of being under the influence and have little trouble blocking out anything that might stand in the way of that goal. The disease of addiction is one that can completely take over an individual’s life.
The longer that an individual uses for, the more tolerance he or she will build to the substance. Tolerance refers to when the body becomes accustomed to a certain amount of the chosen substance that it no longer produces the same high that it once did. Instead, an individual must increase how much he or she is using in order to achieve those desired effects. As one’s tolerance increases, so do his or her dependency on the substance. When dependent, an individual must continue to consume the drugs and/or alcohol in order to prevent the body from going into a state of withdrawal.
The symptoms associated with withdrawal, regardless of what type of substance was being used, are known for being very painful, both physically and mentally. They can be so distressing that any attempt that an individual makes to stop using can end in him or her using again just to get relief. This can be a very demoralizing experience, causing a user to keep abusing his or her substances of choice.
However, our medically-assisted detox in Tennessee can help those individuals stop using once and for all.
What is a Medically-Assisted Detox?
Our medically-assisted detox is a specific form of detox designed to help those who are attempting to stop abusing certain substances but are experiencing difficulties in doing so.
Different than traditional detox, medically-assisted detox utilizes specific prescription medications that can help clients in a detox program slowly wean off of substances. By allowing clients to taper off of a substance that they have abused affords them the opportunity to have a much better detox experience than if they would if they did not have the use of medications.
When enrolled in a detox program, medical professionals like nurses and doctors will approve and administer these medications to clients in an effort to help the detox process along. Medically-assisted detox is not to be confused with medication-assisted treatment, as medically-assisted detox utilizes medications for a short period of time while medication-assisted treatment incorporates medications into the duration of a client’s entire treatment plan (and then some).
Types of Medications Used
Not everyone requires or can even benefit from medically-assisted detox, as there are not medications developed to help treat people addicted to certain substances. Instead, the medications used in this type of detox are often prescribed to those who are detoxing from opioids/opiates, alcohol, and/or benzodiazepines. Consider the following:
- Buprenorphine – Buprenorphine is a medication known as an opioid agonist, which produce similar effects as opioids do but do not cause individuals to become under the influence. This is only true when used as prescribed by a medical professional, as abusing these substances can cause a high. However, when taken as directed, buprenorphine can help settle painful withdrawal symptoms and decrease cravings.
- Naltrexone and Acamprosate – Both used to help those ending their alcohol addictions, naltrexone and Acamprosate help minimize cravings to keep drinking.
- Benzodiazepines – When someone is coming off of benzodiazepines, he or she can be at risk for suffering serious withdrawal symptoms that can be fatal. Therefore, a medically-assisted detox center utilizes lesser-strength benzodiazepines to help wean clients so that they do not experience these dangerous symptoms.
When used as prescribed, these medications can help clients better manage their withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Benefits of JourneyPure’s Medically-Assisted Detox Center
Many people take issue with medically-assisted detox, stating that supplying another medication in place of another does nothing to treat the problem. While understandable, studies have proven that the use of medications like methadone and naltrexone are effective in helping clients make it through the period of detox and into recovery that is longer-lasting and more successful. Other benefits of our Tennessee medically-assisted detox program include the following:
- Helps clients complete the process of detox without going back and forth to use
- Allows clients to focus on the many other areas of their recovery without being distracted by withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- Reduces the physical and psychological stress that can result from detoxing cold-turkey
- Encourages individuals to seek professional treatment because they know the period of detox will be more comfortable
- Gives clients a solid foundation for recovery through the provision of support and compassion
As stated before, not everyone who is looking to stop his or her addiction can benefit from medically-assisted detox, as only certain over-the-counter medications can help those with addictions to substances like marijuana and ecstasy. However, when utilized for those who struggle with opioid, alcohol, and benzodiazepine addictions, a detox program can make a world of difference.
Get the Help You Deserve From Our Medically-Assisted Detox
If you are addicted to one or more substances and do not feel like you will ever be able to stop, take a moment right now and reach out for help. It is extremely common to feel like this disease will continue to go on without an end in sight, however that does not mean that you cannot play a role in changing that outcome. By asking for help from a professional treatment center, you can begin on a road to recovery that will not only help you end your active addiction, but also encourage you to develop a life of sobriety and good wellbeing.
Do not wait one more day to get the help that you deserve. Contact our medically-assisted detox in Tennessee to learn more about your treatment options.