Meet Alex. Alex has been struggling with opioid addiction.
This struggle has become all-consuming, pushing Alex to the brink of despair. Hopelessness has settled in deep, marked by lying to friends and family, losing his job, and suffering through the agony of interdose withdrawals.
What started as taking medicine for pain after an accident turned into something Alex couldn’t stop. Now, it’s affecting everything.
Alex is finding it hard to keep up at work, and things with family and friends just aren’t the same. They argue more, and Alex often feels alone in this.
It’s tough and Alex’s head is full of worries like “What if things never get better?” The depth of despair has even led to suicidal thoughts. They leave Alex feeling trapped and utterly lost.
Health-wise, it’s been hard on Alex too. Not sleeping well, feeling tired all the time, and just not feeling like yourself can really wear you down. The grip of addiction has made Alex a slave to the drug. Alex knows that the risk of overdose and death is real and looming – it could happen anytime if he doesn’t stop.
Why Choose a Drug Detox at Home?
The idea of withdrawal and the journey toward being sober is terrifying to Alex. For him, the thought of detoxing in an unfamiliar, clinical setting feels scary and this is a significant barrier to seeking help. The fear of facing the detox process and the uncertainty of life without substances is paralyzing.
But despite these fears, a part of Alex longs for change. And there might be a better option for Alex to get out of the grips of his opioid addiction: a home detox.
The idea of a drug detox at home feels less scary. It promises a recovery process within the walls of his own home. Here, Alex doesn’t have to face the journey alone but can stay in a familiar environment.
A drug detox at home means Alex can still see family and maybe even keep things a bit more normal while working on getting better.
While Alex’s story might be fictional, this is also the reality of millions of Americans. According to the 2022 United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 46.8 million (16.7%) Americans aged 12 and older battled a substance use disorder in the past year. That indicated a huge problem with addiction in the US alone.
In our example, Alex struggles with an opioid addiction. This is a very common scenario, especially for people who have been prescribed these medications for pain management (for example, after an accident). However, substance use disorders can involve a variety of substances – it’s not limited to opioids.
Many people struggle with other substances: alcohol, cocaine, meth, heroin (another form of opioid not typically prescribed), fentanyl (often found in illicit drug markets), and benzodiazepines, which are usually prescribed for anxiety.
For an appropriate patient dealing with alcohol, opioids, fentanyl, kratom or Ambien, medically managed detox at home can make the first step feel more private and manageable. Each case is considered individually. Detox Concierge does not offer the same service or medication plan for every substance and make taking this step toward getting better easier and more comfortable.
If detoxing at home makes recovery seem less scary to you, then that’s already a big win! And, in a lot of cases, it is indeed the more comfortable, more private, and even more effective choice than a traditional inpatient detox.
What Is Medical Detox, and How Does It Work?
So, when we step back from Alex’s story and look at the broader picture, what exactly is a medical detox? Essentially, it is the first step in overcoming addiction. It is when medical professionals support you through the withdrawal process safely and possibly help make it more comfortable and safe with the help of medication.
Think of it as pressing the reset button on your body. While there is a dedicated team with you 24/7 that makes sure that everything is done correctly, they will monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
The Detox Process – Essential Medications
When it comes to medications during the detox process, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The types of medications used are carefully chosen to match your needs, the substance involved, your medical history and what happened during prior withdrawal. Medication used for an acute detox is not automatically the same as a continuing Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT, program.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
A formal MAT program may combine medication with counseling and behavioral support. Detox Concierge provides acute medical detox at home; counseling and behavioral therapy are not included as part of the onsite detox service. It can include medications that manage blood pressure and muscle relaxation, but it always depends on the individual situation and the specific substance that has been used by the person undergoing MAT.
Why is MAT Important?
- Eases Cravings: It helps manage those intense desires to use, which makes the path to recovery easier.
- Softens Withdrawal Symptoms: Detox can be tough, but MAT works to lessen the discomfort and helps you focus more on healing.
- Keeps You Safe: Detoxing from drugs can be risky and sometimes lead to serious health issues. During MAT we use medicines that make detox safer. It helps prevent serious problems or quickly treats them if they happen, so we can avoid emergencies.
Who Benefits from MAT?
Medication can play different roles in alcohol and opioid treatment. Some medications manage an acute withdrawal period, while others may be continued as treatment for alcohol or opioid use disorder. There is no single MAT protocol for every substance, and there is no FDA-approved medication for stimulant use disorder.
You’re Not Alone in This Journey
Remember our friend Alex? If they were looking for help, Detox Concierge would be ready to offer support with a home detox program.
Just like for Alex, our approach to your drug detox at home is personal. We make sure that you’re comfortable and safe while you detox at home. No matter if you’re dealing with opioids, alcohol, or other substances – our team is here for you.
Ready to ask how medically managed detox works? Call or text the Detox Concierge care team at (310) 484-4803 to discuss the process, availability and cost. Let’s make change happen together, in the comfort and security of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About MAT Home Detox
What does MAT stand for?
MAT stands for Medication-Assisted Treatment. This is a way to help people beat addiction with the use of medicines, which can make a detox (or the recovery process as a whole) much more comfortable, safe, and effective.
What is the benefit of MAT?
The biggest benefit of MAT is that it helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This makes it easier to focus on recovery and rebuilding your life. MAT also makes a drug detox at home (or anywhere else) much safer as it can prevent complications before they arise.
How effective is MAT treatment?
Medication can be an effective part of treatment, particularly for opioid use disorder, but no responsible program can promise that a particular percentage of patients will remain substance-free for a fixed period. Choosing evidence-based medication is not a sign of weakness. It is a medical decision that should be made with an appropriate prescriber and an honest understanding of the patient’s needs.
What are the disadvantages of medicated assisted treatment?
Medication can involve side effects, interactions and misuse risk. During Detox Concierge care, the onsite nurse keeps custody of the medication, records and administers each dose, watches the patient’s response and contacts Dr. Reitman when the condition changes. That is different from sending the patient home to interpret and manage controlled medication alone.