Detoxification

Before beginning treatment at Renaissance Ranch, it may be necessary for some patients to undergo detoxification. As a matter of fact, if an individuals has been using copious amounts of alcohol, opiates, or benzodiazepines (or all of those at the same time), then we require detoxification before admitting a patient to treatment. While Renaissance Ranch does not offer detoxification at our facilities, we have strong relationships with many detoxification centers in the area, and can make an appropriate referral.

A person who is in need of detoxification is at severe medical risk. Heading directly into a treatment center means that intense withdrawals will impact your treatment experience. A detoxification center can provide a medical purge of illicit substances from your body, as well as use less severe drugs to help your body work itself off of stronger ones. The detoxification process usually takes between 2-5 days, although this can vary.

Alcohol Detoxification

Of all dangerous substances, alcohol is definitely the most abused. Alarmingly, nearly 9% of adults in the United States have an alcohol abuse disorder! However, sometimes it can be dangerous to simply stop drinking, once the body has become accustomed to having alcohol, continuously, for an extended period of time. Indeed, in heavy alcoholics, withdrawals can even be fatal, if the individual is not under medical supervision. Alcohol detoxification processes use cross-tolerant drugs to help the body safely transition to an absence of alcohol.

Drug Detoxification

Drug detoxification is currently a hot topic in our country, as addiction to prescription opiates and stronger opiates, such as heroin, continues to spread throughout nearly every demographic. Opiates produce a powerful high, and cause our bodies to develop a severe dependence, which cause even more severe withdrawals. Fatalities are common when people go cold turkey on opiates, particularly heroin. Because of this, detoxification processes are absolutely a necessary first step towards addiction recovery.

How Medication Helps Opiate Addiction Recovery

When treating opiate addiction, it is at times necessary to incorporate medical management into an addiction recovery plan. Medications such as Naltrexone and Vivitrol® are opioid blockers. These work by blocking the opiate receptors in the brain which stops the user from getting that euphoric or “high” effect. This is also effective in helping to prevent future relapse. These medications and others like them are prescribed by doctors who specialize in addiction medicine.

Most of these medications are taken orally every few days, as is the case with Naltrexone. Vivitrol® however is an extended release medication that is injected into the buttocks by the prescribing physician every 30 days as long as this treatment is needed.

Integrated Opiate Addition Treatment

Opiate addiction is one of the biggest challenges facing Utah individuals and families today. Our facility utilizes every tool in order to offer a comprehensive plan for long-lasting opiate addiction treatment, customized to our patients’ needs.

At Renaissance Ranch Outpatient we understand that opiate addiction, like any other addiction, can’t be overcome alone. Dr. Sellers and Tim Sorenson, RN are trained and certified in addiction medicine. They stay up to date on the latest medical advancements and prescribing methods. We will use every tool at our disposal to help you get your life back in control so you can start living the life you’ve always wanted. For more information on medication-assisted opiate dependency treatment methodology and techniques, call us today.
Most of these medications are taken orally every few days, as is the case with Naltrexone. Vivitrol® however is an extended release medication that is injected into the buttocks by the prescribing physician every 30 days as long as this treatment is needed.