Medications for detox

Below is a list of available detox medications for both alcohol and drug detoxes – click on any to learn more:

 

 

Acamprosate
Acamprosate is a medication that is used to help treat alcohol dependence. However, it should be used as part of a comprehensive recovery programme, working best when used in conjunction with behav…

Acamprosate

Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is seen as a better alternative to methadone in the treatment of opioid addiction because there is a much lower potential for abuse and addiction. Moreover, while methadone must be ad…

Buprenorphine

Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant drug often used to help aid in the cessation of smoking. Bupropion has been tested without success for the treatment of specific cocaine withdrawal symptoms and detox…

Bupropion

Chlordiazepoxide
Chlordiazepoxide is also part of the benzodiazepine family of drugs. Its sedative effects mean it is effective in treating symptoms of alcohol and drug withdrawal such as anxiety and insomnia. It i…

Chlordiazepoxide

Clonazepam
Clonazepam is a member of the benzodiazepine family of drugs and is intended for use in the treatment of conditions such as panic disorder and seizures. Due to its sedative effects, it may be used …

Clonazepam

Clonidine
Although created as a medication to treat high blood pressure, Clonidine is regularly used to treat conditions such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). However, although clonidine w…

Clonidine

Disulfiram
Disulfiram is taken by those who want to stay away from alcohol. It is a medication that produces an acute sensitivity to alcohol. This means that those who drink after taking it will experience un…

Disulfiram

Lofexidine
Lofexidine is commonly used in conjunction with a detox programme for the treatment of heroin or opiate addiction. It can help to reduce symptoms of withdrawal and may be used with methadone or nal…

Lofexidine

Methadone
Methadone is commonly used for heroin withdrawal symptoms. It can also be used to reduce the symptoms associated with other opiate withdrawal symptoms.

Methadone

Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine is an antidepressant drug that can be prescribed during a drug detox to help relieve symptoms of anxiety. It has been found to be useful in helping addicted individuals maintain abstine…

Mirtazapine

Nalmefene
Nalmefene is an opioid antagonist and is typically used in the treatment of those with alcohol addiction. It is usually used in the treatment of those suffering from alcohol dependence but without …

Nalmefene

Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a detox medication that has been widely used to aid individuals in overcoming addiction to opioids and alcohol. It functions as an opioid receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks the ef…

Naltrexone

Topiramate
Although not yet approved for the treatment of either alcoholism or drug addiction, topiramate is regularly used for this purpose. Studies have shown it to be effective in the treatment of alcoholi…

Topiramate

The treatment of addiction requires a comprehensive approach that includes detox and rehabilitation. Included within both detox and rehab programmes, however, is the use of medication where appropriate.

Treatment for addiction is different for everyone and depends on the type of substance being abused, how severe the addiction is, and other factors such as mental and physical health. For some, a combination of medication and behavioural therapies can be the most effective form of treatment.

In the first instance, a medically-assisted detox may be needed. The use of medication at this stage is typically intended to minimise the effects of withdrawal but can also help to reduce cravings, therefore making the detox more effective and easier to sustain.

Once detox has been completed, a programme of rehabilitation can begin, which may also include the use of medication. Certain medications used at this point can help the addicted individual avoid a return to drug or alcohol use and therefore preventing a relapse.