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Medically-Assisted Detox vs. Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medically-Assisted Detox Treatment

As the U.S. continues to struggle with the devastation of this ongoing opioid epidemic, the current demand for effective and comfortable medically-assisted detox grows exponentially. While overdose has reduced the national life expectancy, the deaths of so many young adults have also left thousands of orphans for grandparents to take care of. Substance abuse is a significant public health crisis that devastates families throughout our nation.

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To effectively combat this nationwide drug and alcohol abuse emergency, it is paramount that we provide access to safe and reputable medically-assisted detoxification programs. Unfortunately, a large part of society distrusts drug treatment and recovery programs generally due to dishonest business practices, unsubstantiated statements, and impossible promises. To improve the quality of care and results, we need to regulate medical detox facilities and rehab centers better.

In an attempt to end the opioid epidemic, we’ve provided a comprehensive guide on the differences between medical detoxification services and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Understanding available treatment options for overcoming physical dependency and beginning an emotional recovery allows you to make a wise and healthy decision for yourself, your loved ones, and, most importantly, your future. Start on the path to sobriety today by familiarizing yourself with the various treatment options.

What Is Medically-Assisted Detox?

Medically-assisted detox programs provide ongoing medical support to detoxify patients from drugs or alcohol. During the withdrawal phase, individuals receive medical assistance and supportive medications to alleviate discomfort while controlling the body’s physical response. Patients also have access to around-the-clock support from healthcare professionals. For these reasons, medically supervised detox programs provide the safest and most comfortable detoxification processes.

Medical detoxification programs that start in hospitals provide a much higher safety level than medication-assisted detox programs. Patients can undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation at a hospital to assess their health condition and choose the safest detox protocol. Furthermore, medical specialists are widely available in case of any complications that may arise during detoxification. In contrast, programs offered in non-medical facilities lack on-site medical support and make it more challenging to manage any potential health concerns that may arise.

Most people seek inpatient medical detox programs because they provide potent medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. However, as pleasant as it is to bypass much of the painful withdrawal symptoms, knowing that medical professionals are safeguarding your health is a worthwhile bonus! Additionally, medically-assisted detox programs improve your physical health on a grander scale. Labs can show certain nutritional deficiencies at the hospital, which patients often ignore because opioids can mask the symptoms. Addressing those deficiencies intravenously at a hospital is also a huge benefit that can make recovery much more comfortable.

The Importance of Medically Assisted Withdrawal

Most people seek inpatient medical detox programs because they provide potent medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. However, as pleasant as it is to bypass much of the painful withdrawal symptoms, knowing that medical professionals are safeguarding your health is a worthwhile bonus! Additionally, medically-assisted detox programs improve your physical health on a grander scale. A comprehensive medical evaluation can show health issues and certain nutritional deficiencies at the hospital, which patients often ignore because opioids can mask the symptoms. Addressing those issues is also a huge benefit that can make a recovery much more comfortable and, in some cases, save a life. 

In short, there are many reasons beyond mere comfort to consider an inpatient detox program when beginning your journey to recovery. Medical professionals will help you rebuild your life on a solid foundation of physical and mental well-being. Overall, medically-assisted detox programs offer superior safety and comfort compared to other types of detoxification protocols. By providing around-the-clock medical supervision and supportive medications, these programs offer the best chance for a safe and successful detoxification experience.

Naltrexone or Vivitrol for Craving Management

A great benefit of accelerated medical detox is that you can start Vivitrol or Naltrexone immediately post-detox. These two types of FDA-approved medical detox medications have been shown to be highly effective in reducing craving intensity and preventing relapse in people trying to abstain from opioids. They work by blocking the opioid receptors, reducing the effects and cravings for opioids and also alcohol. This can help to make abstinence more tolerable and increase the likelihood of success in recovery. If you are struggling with addiction, talk to your doctor about whether Vivitrol or Naltrexone could be right for you.

 

We include a Vivitrol shot after sedated opiate detox, which allows for a much better chance of long-term success. While these are great medications to manage physical cravings, it’s wise to participate in individual psychotherapy after a medical detox procedure to improve your chances of a full recovery

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What Is the Difference Between Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Medical Detox Programs?

What Is the Difference Between Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Medical Detox Programs?

While both treatment options use medications as part of a plan to help people struggling with opioid use disorder, there are several key differences between the two.

For instance, medically-assisted detox is a process that involves the administration of medication to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms that occur when an opioid-dependent patient stops using opioids. The principal purpose of medically-assisted detox is to help patients get safely and successfully through the acute withdrawal period and reach a state of freedom from opioid dependence. Doctors can manage and eliminate medically dangerous withdrawal symptoms at a hospital, reduce the physical discomfort associated with withdrawal using medical detox medications, and manage any coexisting medical conditions. Medical detox treatment can help patients get through the withdrawal period more safely and effectively and ultimately achieve their goal of freedom from opioid dependence.

On the other hand, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of replacement opioid medications for those who struggle with opioid use disorders (OUD) to sustain some kind of stability. Although this type of treatment can significantly help with addiction and behavioral issues, unless the patient titrates and comes off the MAT medications, they will still be opioid dependent. The goal of medication-assisted detox is to help patients lead more stable lives while they work on recovering from their addiction, but it is not a cure. Patients who receive MAT need to commit to counseling and other therapies in order to make progress in their recovery. 

Here are some examples of available MAT drugs that we are able to detox you from while under sedation with the Waismann Method®:

 

  • Bunavail (buprenorphine and naloxone) buccal film
  • Probuphine (buprenorphine) implant for subdermal administration
  • Sublocade (buprenorphine extended release) injection for subcutaneous use
  • Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film for sublingual or buccal use or sublingual tablet.
  • Methadose (methadone hydrochloride)
  • Subutex (buprenorphine) sublingual tablet
  • Zubsolv (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual tablets

 

All too often, medication-assisted detoxification programs are confused with medically-assisted detox. Since the difference in their names is only a few letters, it’s understandable why people have trouble distinguishing between the two treatments. However, the differences between both treatments are substantial, and so are the results.

Which Drugs May Require Medically-Assisted Detox?

Withdrawal symptoms associated with substance use disorders can be severe, unpleasant, and sometimes life-threatening. Because the severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the substance used, medical detox procedures are recommended more frequently for some disorders than others. At Waismann Method®, we specialize in the following medical detoxification services:

 

These are only a few of the treatment programs we offer. We can also provide medically supervised detox for those struggling with kratom and alcohol use. For a complete list of drugs for which we offer treatment, reach out to our team today.

Are You Searching for “Medical Detox Facilities Near Me”?

Although a close location might be convenient, convenience should not be your number one priority when trying to find the best medical detox treatment program for you. You must carefully evaluate all potential medical drug detox centers to select the one that is right for you; the one that can offer the amount and level of medical care you need; the one that is reputable, safe, and thorough.

When researching “treatment facilities near me,” make sure they offer the following:

  • Treatment Provided by a Board-Certified Physician — Board certification is voluntary, but it’s a marker of excellence that patients can use to judge the quality of their care. Patients can be assured that their doctor has been thoroughly evaluated and meets the highest standards in his or her field.
  • Private Room — You will want to feel as relaxed as possible during detox, and being in a comfortable setting will help.
  • JCAHO-Accredited Hospital — If your hospital is not accredited, run the other way. Accreditation is vitally important as it allows one to exhibit the excellence of services and safe and effective care.
  • A Comprehensive Approach to Detox — This means that the facility should offer multiple detox options based on each patient’s health needs.
  • Around-the-Clock Medical Care — Withdrawal can be unpredictable, and you will want to have around-the-clock access to medical assistance if needed.
  • Multiple Healthcare Specialists — Healthcare providers have different ways of seeing and treating patients. By sharing their observations and perspectives, providers can gain a complete picture of the patient and provide more comprehensive care.
  • A Few Days of Inpatient Recovery Care — A recovery center can provide professional support to get you through the first days during the physical and emotional adjustment period.

 

Once you’ve evaluated each program based on these criteria, you can narrow your list of medical drug detox centers down to one — the one that will set you on the path toward full recovery

Find Out if a Medically Supervised Detox Program Is Right for You

Before committing to any sedated opiate detox program, do your due diligence and thoroughly research detoxification options. Understand the clear difference between medically-assisted detox and medication-assisted treatment. Furthermore, discuss your medical history and recovery goals with your doctor. But more importantly, do not attempt to detox on your own. Alcohol and opioid withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening. Beyond the health risks of detoxing cold turkey, the intense pain of withdrawal may lead to a dangerous relapse.

Waismann Method® helps you safely overcome the adverse side effects, pain, and discomfort of an opioid drug and alcohol withdrawal. Furthermore, it removes the barriers which often impede you from beginning the recovery process. For more information about medical detox and how it could help you or someone you love achieve sobriety, reach out to our team today.

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