Last Updated:
June 19th, 2025
Medications for Detox | How Are They Used?
What are detox medications?
Detox medications are prescribed to help people safely withdraw from substances while reducing uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. When a person stops using drugs or alcohol, their body goes through an adjustment period, which can bring on symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe health risks. Detox medications are designed to ease this process, making withdrawal more manageable and lowering the risk of complications.
Some detox medications work by mimicking the substance in a safer way, helping to taper off use, while others block the substance’s effects to discourage further use.
The different types of detox medication
Below, we explore a range of detox medications used to manage withdrawal from various substances.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate is used in alcohol detox to help reduce cravings and prevent relapse by stabilising brain chemistry disrupted by long-term drinking. It does not ease withdrawal symptoms but supports long-term recovery by reducing the desire to drink.
Acamprosate
Baclofen
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can help reduce alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It works by affecting GABA receptors, calming the nervous system and making it easier for individuals to remain abstinent during and after detox.
Baclofen
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used in opioid detox to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. It binds to opioid receptors, preventing severe withdrawal while lowering the risk of misuse compared to full agonists like heroin or methadone.
Buprenorphine
Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant sometimes used to assist with nicotine and stimulant detox. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine levels, making it easier to manage cravings and mood disturbances during recovery.
Bupropion
Disulfiram
Disulfiram is an alcohol deterrent that causes severe reactions if alcohol is consumed. It is used after detox to reinforce abstinence, creating a strong psychological barrier against relapse by making drinking an unpleasant experience.
BUTTON TEXT
Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid used in opioid detox and maintenance therapy. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings by activating opioid receptors without causing the same euphoric high as heroin or other opioids.
Methadone
Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine is an antidepressant sometimes used in detox to help manage anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. It can support emotional stability during withdrawal, especially for those detoxing from alcohol or stimulants.
Mirtazapine
Modafinil
Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting medication that may be used in stimulant detox to combat fatigue and cognitive impairment. It helps regulate dopamine levels, reducing withdrawal-related exhaustion and improving focus during recovery.
Modafinil
Naltrexone
Naltrexone blocks opioid and alcohol effects, reducing cravings and preventing relapse. Used after detox, it stops opioids and alcohol from producing their usual effects, discouraging use and supporting long-term recovery.
Naltrexone
Paxil
Paxil is an antidepressant that may be prescribed during detox to manage withdrawal-related anxiety and depression. It stabilises mood and helps reduce emotional distress, particularly in those detoxing from alcohol or stimulants.
Paxil
Topiramate
Topiramate is used in alcohol and stimulant detox to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It affects neurotransmitters linked to addiction, making it easier to stay sober and manage withdrawal discomfort.
Topiramate
Zoloft
Zoloft is an antidepressant sometimes used in detox to help with anxiety, depression and mood instability. It supports emotional regulation, making withdrawal from alcohol or stimulants less overwhelming.
Zoloft
Can detox medications stop withdrawal symptoms entirely?
Detox medications can significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms, but they don’t always eliminate them entirely. Their main purpose is to make withdrawal safer and more manageable by easing discomfort, stabilising the body and reducing cravings. The extent to which they help depends on the substance being withdrawn from, the severity of dependence and individual factors like overall health and metabolism.
Some medications, like buprenorphine for opioid withdrawal or benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal, can greatly minimise symptoms and prevent severe complications. Others, such as naltrexone or disulfiram, don’t stop withdrawal symptoms but instead help prevent relapse by blocking the effects of drugs or alcohol.
Are detox medications something I can take myself?
Some detox medications can be taken at home if prescribed by a doctor but in many cases, it’s strongly recommended to detox in a medical setting like rehab. Withdrawal can be unpredictable, and symptoms that seem manageable at first can escalate into something far more severe.
Some substances, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines and opioids, carry significant health risks during withdrawal. Seizures, extreme agitation or dangerous fluctuations in heart rate can develop unexpectedly, making it crucial to have medical support available.
In rehab, healthcare professionals carefully monitor progress and adjust treatment to keep the process as safe and comfortable as possible. If you’re thinking about detoxing at home, speaking with a doctor first is the safest way forward.
How are detox medications used in rehab?
We understand how concerning it might feel to enter rehab and suddenly be introduced to medications you didn’t even know existed, let alone know if they’re the right choice for you. It’s completely normal to have questions or even doubts about whether you have to take them or what their role is in your recovery.
The good news is that detox medications are there to support you, not control you. They are carefully prescribed to ease withdrawal symptoms and help you feel as comfortable as possible during the early stages of rehab.
These medications are not given the moment you walk through the door. Instead, they are introduced when necessary, based on a full medical assessment that considers your substance use history, health and any withdrawal risks. In some cases, such as alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, detox medications may be strongly recommended to prevent severe complications like seizures.
However, they are not mandatory, and you will never be forced to take them if you’re uncomfortable.
If you’re unsure, you will have the chance to talk everything through with the medical team. They will explain any questions you have about detox medications and what alternatives might be available. The goal is to make withdrawal as manageable as possible while giving you full control over your care.
Take the first step towards recovery today
Withdrawal can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Addiction Helper, we provide expert guidance on detox medications, rehab options and the best treatment plan for your needs. Whether you’re seeking medical support or just need advice, we’re here to help.
Speak to a compassionate advisor today and take control of your recovery journey with confidence. Call us now for free and confidential advice. Your path to a healthier future starts today.
Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.
