What Medications Help with Detox?

When you consider opioid detox, you are considering a number of different methodologies. Some people opt for all-natural detox. Others may prefer “cold turkey.” Still others may choose to seek out medication assisted treatment, or MAT. MAT is a combination of medication, medical oversight, and behavioral therapy. Many people mistakenly assume it is simply taking medication to cease withdrawal, but the process is more holistic than that. If you are considering MAT, you may be curious about what medications help with detox.  You have four main options: buprenorphine, morphine, naloxone, and naltrexone. Each has its own benefits and the one that will work for you will depend upon you, as an individual, and your addiction.

When making your decision, you should consult with experts. Detox.com can give you the guidance that you need. Call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) to connect with addiction specialists who can direct you to resources, answer questions, and connect you with a detox program. If possible, you should also consult with your physician.

Medication Assisted Treatment

Many experts argue that MAT is the best choice for people battling an opioid addiction.

Medication allows addicts to recover a stable state of mind that isn’t subject to the extreme highs and lows caused by drug use. You can be freed from the constant impulses to find and use drugs. MAT also reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings. When you take the medication and achieve mental stability, you can concentrate more fully on the counselling aspect of MAT and truly focus on the behavioral changes that will carry you through recovery.

Keep in mind that you aren’t simply replacing one drug with another drug. It is more like you are taking medication for heart disease or diabetes. Used as directed, the medication will not become addictive.

Buprenorphine

MAT reduces withdrawal symptoms so you can focus on counseling and other aspects of recovery.

Buprenorphine is the latest advance in MAT; it was approved for clinical use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. The medication is safe and effective when used as prescribed.

It is the first medication available for opioid treatment that can be prescribed or dispensed by doctors, rather than in an extremely structured clinical setting.

Buprenorphine helps to:

• Decrease the potential for misuse
• Decrease withdrawal symptoms and cravings
• Increase safety in instances of overdose

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), buprenorphine is available in the following forms:

• Buccal film: buprenorphine and naloxone—brand name Bunavail
• Film: buprenorphine and naloxone—brand name Suboxone
• Sublingual tablets: buprenorphine and naloxone—brand name Zubslov
• Transmucosal products

Methadone

Methadone has a long history of use, spanning back decades. The medication is also safe and effective when used as prescribed.

It is dispensed in a highly structured clinical setting. After a period of use, patients may be allowed to take their medication at home between visits, rather than under the supervision of a clinician.

Methadone helps to:

• Change how the nervous system and brain react to pain
• Decrease symptoms of withdrawal
• Block the euphoric effects of opioids

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), methadone is available in the following forms:

• Pill
• Liquid
• Wafer

Naloxone

Naloxone is most often used in connection with buprenorphine. The medication is also safe and effective when used as prescribed.

Doctors may prescribe naloxone to MAT patients, especially if the patients are already participating in MAT or poses an overdose risk.

Naloxone helps to:

• Prevent overdose
• Bind to and block opioid receptors
• Block the euphoric effects of opioids

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), naloxone can be given via:

• Intranasal spray
• Intramuscular injection (into the muscle)
• Subcutaneous injection (under the skin)
• Intravenous injection (into the vein)

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is used for both opioid use disorders and alcohol use disorders. The medication is also safe and effective when used as prescribed.

Naltrexone may be prescribed by any provider licensed to prescribe medication.

Naltrexone helps to:

• Bind to and block opioid receptors
• Decrease cravings
• Block the sedative effects of opioids
• Block the euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), naltrexone is available in the following forms:

• Pill: 50mg once per day—brand names: ReVia and Depade
• Injectable extended-release—380mg once per month—brand name Vivitrol

If you are ready to receive MAT as part of your detox process, call Detox.com at 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) and get started.

Sources

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Buprenorphine.
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Methadone.
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Naloxone.
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Naltrextone.