Depending on the drug, drug detox is never the same and medical concern can come in many forms. While the detox of particular drugs requires medical detox, it is highly recommended that an addict have professional and medical supervision while undergoing the detoxification process and beginning their journey for a long and permanent recovery. The following table depicts the different drugs that do and do not require medical detox; however, it is never recommended that an addict attempt a detox without the appropriate professional or medical supervision.
Drugs that require medical detox:
- Heroin (opiate)
- Marijuana
- Methadone (opiate)
- Crystal Meth
- And, other Opiate drugs*
- Cocaine, crack
- Prescription medications
- And, other illegal drugs
Opiate drugs directly affect the central nervous system and opiate addiction is actually quite common. It is an illegal drug or prescribed medication that originates from the opium poppy, unless it is a synthetic that merely mimics the effects of a true opiate. Prescription drug addiction is becoming a more increasingly growing problem everyday due to the increased availability either through over-the-counter prescriptions or sale over the Internet. Opiate usage is quick to develop a physical dependency for its users over long term usage or high dosage. Whether or not a person has the mental strength to handle stopping the use of an opiate drug, serious physical reactions are happening to the body that must be monitored by a doctor to eliminate the chance of the body going into complete shock and severe reactions taking place.