People with moderate to severe addiction may need to enroll in a detoxification program to safely withdraw from drug and alcohol abuse under medical supervision.
May treatment programs allow clients to bring legitimately prescribed medications to detox with them, provided certain standards for safety are met.
Are Prescription Medications Allowed In Drug Detox?
Most drug and alcohol detox and rehab centers will allow people to bring prescription drugs for diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and a host of other health issues.
Highly addictive substances such as opioid painkillers, prescription stimulants, and sleeping medications such as Valium will likely not be allowed.
It’s important to communicate openly with healthcare providers and detox staff prior to arrival at the facility about any prescribed meds you’re taking.
Getting Approval To Bring Prescription Medications To Detox
In order to get approval to bring prescription medications to a detoxification program, you’ll need to contact the admissions department before checking in.
The medical staff can inform you of any rules and regulations they have regarding medications. Once approved, the next step is to have the drug inspected and stored once you arrive at the facility.
The medications will then be dispensed as needed by medical professionals to minimize the chance of drug abuse.
It’s important to remember that most rehab facilities will require medications to be brought in their original, secure packaging with detailed pharmacist information.
This policy minimizes the chance that illicit substances will be brought into treatment, and will also ensure that treatment is not interrupted to refill a prescription.
What Is Not Allowed In A Detox Program?
In addition to not allowing addictive substances into detox, there are many other items that are prohibited in most programs.
Some of the other things you can’t bring to detox include:
- weapons such as guns, tasers, and knives or other sharp objects
- food or drinks, because most detox centers provide their own nutritious meal options
- anything that contains alcohol such as mouthwash, nail polish remover, and perfume
- inappropriate clothing, which includes revealing clothing or clothes with profanity
- expensive items such as cash or jewelry
- vaping devices, but most rehab programs do allow tobacco use
For a more accurate list of prohibited items, contact the medical detox or rehab facility directly.
Addiction Treatment Options
Detox is just the first step in the recovery process. Once the detoxification process is completed, you or your loved one will likely be transitioned into an inpatient or outpatient program to continue treatment.
Below are some of the evidence-based treatment services commonly offered to people with substance use disorder.
Substance use treatment plans may include:
- methadone, Suboxone, or buprenorphine treatment for opioid drug addiction
- general healthcare services
- 12-step programs for drug or alcohol addiction
- behavioral therapy
- counseling
- dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders
If you have questions about drug withdrawal symptoms, alcohol withdrawal side effects, or the detox process in general, contact our team at DetoxRehabs.net and start on your recovery journey.
Find A Substance Abuse Treatment Program Today
Reach out to DetoxRehabs.net for more helpful information about addiction treatment centers.
Article Sources- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Treatment
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/treatment - National Institute of Health (NIH) — Detoxification From Alcohol and Other Drugs
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22514824/ - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Medications for Substance Use Disorders
https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders
