Potent Detox Drugs

The process of transitioning from a state of chemical dependency or addiction should involve a medical doctor specializing in addiction. This is especially true in the case of rapid drug detoxification (detox), which involves intense discomfort and potentially life-threatening consequences. Each detox process requires the use of various combinations of therapeutics to alleviate a constellation of symptoms arising from a drug in which tolerance and physical dependency have occurred with the patient. The detox process varies according to the particular type of drug, dose, length of use, and genetics also play a significant role.

Major Drugs That Require Detox

• The primary drugs of public health importance that often require a drug detox process include the opiates, benzodiazipines, alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine and barbiturates. It is important to appreciate that all drugs can be slowly titrated or tapered in dose over time as to avoid an arduous detox process. However, this is nearly impossible for most individuals given the powerful nature of chemical dependency.

Detox From Depressants

• Alcohol, benzodiazipines (such as sleeping pills, Valium and Xanax), and barbiturates (tranquilizers) represent drugs that can lead to death upon rapid discontinuation. Seizures can cause fatal heart attack or stroke and detox from abuse at high levels requires inpatient care for a period of at least two to five days for stabilization. Typically alcohol detox involves the use of a benzodiazipine which is tapered over several days up to a two-week period plus basic supportive treatment. The typical detox process for benzodiazipines involves the use of a long acting benzodiazipine (diazepam or chlordiazepoxide) and lowered doses over a gradual period.

Detox From Stimulants

• Cocaine and methamphetamine do not require active medical management, although the use of blood pressure lowering medications and sleeping pills is often employed. As with all drug detox processes, the following supportive actions will hasten recovery: drink fluids, plenty of them; maintain electrolytes (salt balance); eat carbohydrate rich food and a full complement of vegetables and fruits; take supplemental vitamins; get as much sleep as possible; and work out. Engaging in physical exercise is essential to a successful drug detox process, as it accelerates the metabolism to increase excretion of drug metabolites and provides the brain with endorphins, which will attenuate the pain accompanying withdrawal.

Detox From Opiates

• There are two major types of detox from opiate dependency: a combination drug detox and opiate substitution therapy (OST). Typical drug detox includes a benzodiazipine, soma for muscle cramps, imodium for gastrointestinal discomfort, clonidine for lowering blood pressure, and trazodone for sleep induction. All drugs are lowered in dose after the first to second week and stopped after 20 days. OST involves methadone, a long-acting, full opiate receptor agonist or suboxone, which contains a partial opiate agonist as the active ingredient. Opiate replacement therapy involves induction and stabilization, that is followed by taper to limit severe side effects. It can extend from 30 days to years depending on patient preference. Exercise is essential to opiate recovery, especially because opiates provide euphoria and replacing this sensation naturally is vital.

Safety Under Medical Supervision

• No panacea exists for a completely painless drug detox process and all drugs referenced require a prescription and medical supervision. Many products sold via the Internet claim to provide rapid drug detox, but you must not trust those that have not undergone clinical trials and regulatory approval. Detox drugs are generally indicated for individuals who are dependent on certain classes of drugs. As such, this is a medical disease that should not involve self medication or treatment.