While detoxification is not always required before starting medication-assisted treatment, it may be recommended in some instances. Detoxification, also known as detox, is a process that helps to manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare the body for MAT safely. During detoxification, the body undergoes a series of changes as it eliminates toxins and adjusts to the absence of the substance it has become dependent on. This process can be challenging and uncomfortable, as withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe.
The decision to undergo MAT should be made in consultation with an addiction specialist or healthcare provider. They will consider various factors, such as the type and severity of substance use disorder, your overall health, and your readiness for treatment. In some cases, detoxification may be necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of MAT.
Depending on the substance abused, withdrawal can be fatal. For example, long-term alcoholism can result in seizures upon quitting drinking. This is why you can’t start a medication like Disulifram which makes alcohol putrid, because you will end up quitting alcohol cold turkey leading to potentially dangerous consequences. So while the goal is MAT, you will need to detox first and then start a medication.
