Addiction to drugs or alcohol can have a devastating effect on a person's emotional and physical well-being. Many people think that recovery is as simple as putting aside the abused substance. For addicts, it's not that easy. Not only can quitting drugs or alcohol be mentally challenging, it can be physically taxing as well.

A medical detox is the best option for those looking to reduce the negative impact withdrawal side effects can have on their bodies. During a medical detox, a physician may prescribe certain medications that are designed to help soothe the mind and body during detox.

Benzodiazepines

Some of the more common medications used by facilities that specialize in helping addicts through the detoxification process can be classified as benzodiazepines, which are sometimes referred to as benzos.

Benzos have a sedative effect on patients, which makes it easier to cope with the anxiety that is a classic withdrawal symptom for addicts trying to get clean. Doctors will use benzos sparingly because they can be highly addictive themselves.

These medications are usually reserved for the beginning stages of a medical detox, when withdrawal symptoms are most intense.

Antidepressants

Many of the drugs that people become addicted to can create a state of euphoria. With these drugs no longer coursing through their veins during detox, addicts can experience severe depression as part of their withdrawals.

Antidepressants can be used by physicians in a medical detox center to help bolster feelings of contentment and well-being in addicts going through withdrawals. An addict may continue taking antidepressants until the brain is able to produce its own feel-good hormones once again.

Muscle Relaxers

Some addicts experience tremors, seizures, cramping, and other ailments as they begin to detox from their drug of choice. Theses withdrawal symptoms can be quite painful. Painkillers are not utilized during detox because they can interfere with the body's recovery process. To promote increased comfort, a physician may use muscle relaxers to help a recovering addict find relief.

Muscle relaxers work at several different sites throughout the body to relax tense muscles and reduce muscle tone on a temporary basis. Eliminating some of the pain that comes with detoxification can help addicts better endure withdrawals.

Quitting some drugs cold-turkey could be deadly. It's always best to detox in an addiction medication facility where physicians can oversee the process. You will have access to medications that can help ease your transition from addiction to recovery.