Addiction Medication in Richmond
Medication can make it easier for recovering addicts to stay sober. Many people trying to give up drugs or alcohol relapse because they can’t cope with withdrawal symptoms.
How Medications Help with Addiction Treatment
Different medications are used to treat different withdrawal symptoms. Some of the drugs that physicians prescribe in detox include:
- Benzodiazepines - These drugs reduce anxiety and irritability. Anxiety is a common symptom of withdrawal from many drugs, including cocaine and opiates like heroin. Benzos have a sedative effect, which helps ease alcohol withdrawals. Doctors are cautious about prescribing benzos because they are addictive.
- Antidepressants - Without drugs, an addicted person cannot produce natural amounts of happiness-inducing chemicals in their brain. Because they’ve relied on drugs to keep them happy for so long, people in detox often experience depression. Antidepressants like Zoloft and Prozac can help relieve these feelings until the brain is able to produce happiness-inducing chemicals on its own again.
- Clonidine - Used to treat alcohol and opiate withdrawals, Clonidine reduces sweating, cramps, muscle aches and anxiety. Clonidine can also stop tremors and seizures.
What Makes Us Different
Our team of family doctors are more than ready to welcome patients of all ages. We provide complete medical care in a modern office with up-to-date equipment. Book an appointment with us, today. We are easily accessible via phone or our online contact form. Alternatively, you may go directly for an office visit.