Medically-Managed Detox
Stopping
Abruptly Can Be Dangerous
Substances such as alcohol, opiates and Benzodiazepines, when
stopped abruptly, can produce withdrawal symptoms that are so
severe the person cannot bear them and it seems easier to return
to the substance(s) rather than complete the detox process.
Discontinuing
the use of these substances abruptly can also be very dangerous.
However, medication can be used to medically manage these severe
withdrawal symptoms and minimize the physical suffering while
keeping the patient safe.
Medically-Assisted Detox
 Managing
these withdrawal
symptoms through the use of medication is what takes place
in a medically-assisted detox center. Some centers have a medical
staff on site, while others have enlisted the assistance of a
nearby Addiction Medicine Specialist that either visits the detox
center on a regular basis or the detox staff transports the clients
to the doctors office.
The
doctor completes an assessment of the situation that usually includes
blood work to check for liver damage or other drug-induced complications
and then orders the appropriate medications for the situation.
They return to the center and the detox staff monitors the use
of the medication along with the clients progress and reports
back to the doctor.
The
plan is to stabilize (determine the dose of the medication that
makes the client comfortable) and then titrate (step down) the
client off of the detox medications in a safe and comfortable
manner, while being monitored 24/7 until the client is out of
danger.
Medically-Supervised Detox Staff
Staff members of a medically-supervised
detox are required to be trained in CPR and First Aid. They
are also trained to handle emergency situations like seizures
and convulsions. If an alcoholic or addict has limited or no insurance
coverage at all, a medically-supervised, assisted, monitored or
managed detox center can be a reasonably priced alternative to
a costly hospital detox.
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