Which Substances Require Medical Detox?
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
One of the most common addictions where medical detox is necessary is alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder. Severe alcoholism affects all age groups and medical detox is effective. When the addiction is out of control and the individual needs alcohol to manage their daily life, this is the time to look into a medical detox.
Medical detox is the best approach to manage severe alcoholism because of the potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- High fever
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
- Hallucinations
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
The use of large quantities of prescription opioids and heroin creates dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Because of the physical dependence, the drug user needs more and more of the drug just to not experience the withdrawal symptoms. These can cause a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Depression
- Rapid heart rate
- Anxiety and depression
- Diarrhea and abdominal cramps
Although not necessarily life-threatening, these symptoms can be hard to handle on your own without medication.
Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that help treat anxiety and panic. Like opioids and alcohol, your body develops a tolerance to these drugs, and withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Tremors and muscle spasms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chills or sweating
- Seizures