The medical detox program combines FDA-approved medications with evidence-based behavioral therapies to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The primary goals are to stabilize patients medically, minimize the discomfort and risks of withdrawal, prevent potentially life-threatening complications, and build motivation for continued engagement in therapeutic treatment.
Key Medications Used
- Methadone – A full opioid agonist that activates opioid receptors in the brain to a controlled degree. It helps prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings while blocking the effects of other opioids.
- Buprenorphine – A partial opioid agonist that produces weaker opioid effects than full agonists like methadone. It helps control withdrawal and cravings with a lower risk of misuse and respiratory depression.
- Naloxone – An opioid antagonist used to rapidly reverse opioid overdose by displacing opioids from their receptors. In detox settings, it is available as an emergency medication to address overdose situations.
- Suboxone – A combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine manages withdrawal and cravings, while naloxone discourages misuse by precipitating withdrawal if injected.
- Naltrexone – An opioid antagonist that blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids while still allowing other forms of pain management. It is often used after detox to support relapse prevention.
Program Benefits
- Addiction education – Patients receive clear information about the risks of substance use, how addiction affects the brain and body, and the importance of ongoing treatment.
- Withdrawal and relapse risk reduction – Medications and monitoring help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and lower the likelihood of early relapse.
- Peer support and relationship building – Group sessions and shared experiences foster healthy connections, accountability, and encouragement from others in recovery.
- Motivation for continued treatment – Structured support, early successes in symptom relief, and therapeutic engagement increase readiness to continue with counseling, therapy, and long-term recovery planning.
- Safe medical supervision – Continuous monitoring during the critical first 48–72 hours of detox helps identify and manage complications quickly, ensuring safety and comfort while transitioning into the next phase of treatment.