LGBT Drug Treatment Blog

Medical  Detox

Withdrawal is caused by stopping or dramatically reducing drug use after heavy and prolonged use. The reaction frequently includes sweating, shaking, headache, drug craving, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, inability to sleep, confusion, agitation, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral changes. Certain types of drugs require a period of medical detox, others do not. Opiates, such as heroin and methadone do require medical detox. Prescription medications, of all classifications, also require a medical  detox. Other illegal drugs, such as marijuana, crystal meth and cocaine (crack) do not require medical detox. Often, there is a significant, self induced, psychological dependence associated with these substances and therefore, a period of stabilization is advisable. Prescription drugs such as Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Xanax, Vicodin and Lortab, all require medically supervised detox. Treatment of withdrawal (detox) includes closely monitoring the person’s vital signs, supportive care and medications. The most commonly used medication, Klonepin, primarily reduces physical symptoms. Buprenophex, anticonvulsant medications are some of the commonly used medications for drug detox. The time period for medical detox is 3 to 7 days of medically monitored supervision.