Most people who are dependent on opioids need the help of a comprehensive treatment program that starts with supervised medical detox (also known as withdrawal stabilization) to safely remove the substance(s) from the body before beginning treatment.
Both during and after the medical detox process, patients may be prescribed anti-addiction medications such as Antabuse to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and decrease the likelihood of relapse.
Please note that medical detox alone is not considered treatment.
Once the detox process is complete, patients can then start fully participating in a treatment plan of ongoing pharmacological support, psychological treatment, and behavioral therapy to address the physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual aspects of addiction.