The Benefits of IV and Oral Medication Protocol

When someone is going through the detox process, they will most likely experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Intravenous Therapy (IV) Therapy is a way of delivering a liquid directly into a patient’s vein so medications or supplements can go to work as soon as possible. At Gallus Medical Detox Centers, we prefer the IV and oral medication protocol method of detoxification because it helps to manage symptoms before they get out of control. It is far easier to manage a symptom like nausea before it gets to the point of the patient vomiting. We believe this is not only the safest but the most effective method of detoxification.

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from drugs and alcohol is often an inevitable response to the sudden absence of a substance’s declining concentration. Withdrawal symptoms may develop when a person quits a substance “cold turkey” or substantially reduces their use. During withdrawal, the body is attempting to reach a new state of homeostasis as it dispels the substance. This can result in large fluctuations in brain chemicals and may accompany significant mental and physical health repercussions.

Gallus’s IV and oral medication protocol can minimize some of the impacts of withdrawal from drugs and alcohol. It helps the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that occur by balancing electrolytes and keeping you hydrated. As a result, individuals feel less of the physical impact.

Efficient and Effective Hydration

When medication is administered through IV and oral medication protocol, patients will begin to feel their symptoms alleviating within five to ten minutes. The medication will not have to be processed by the gut, a process that takes longer to bring relief. Generally, every patient who comes into our care, regardless of what they are detoxing from, will get an IV unless they refuse.

Someone who has been heavily consuming alcohol will likely be dehydrated. Even a slight dehydration level will make withdrawal symptoms even worse. Because a patient will already be feeling poorly, it is essential to ensure they become hydrated as quickly as possible. However, they may not feel up to consuming much food or water due to their symptoms. IV and oral medication protocol is a great way to get fluids into the patient without them feeling like they have to force anything down to vomit it back up potentially. It’s also a great way to ensure medication gets into their system even if they are physically unable to take a pill orally.

IV Vitamins

An individual who has been using a substance such as alcohol will likely be deficient in specific vitamins such as thiamine, folic acid, pyridoxine, and Vitamin B. These deficiencies can prevent cells from functioning normally. It may lead to anemia and nervous system (neurologic) problems. For example, a disease called Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (“wet brain”) occurs when heavy alcohol use causes a lack of vitamin B1.

Alcohol isn’t the only substance that can deprive the body of vitamins. Stimulants like cocaine, methamphetamine, Adderall, and Ritalin can suppress appetite. Many people who use stimulants simply don’t feel hungry and end up underweight and undernourished. Cocaine use can lead to deficiencies in B vitamins and vitamin C. Long-term use of marijuana can lead to zinc deficiency and cause problems with the metabolism of omega-3 fatty acids.

Because of these deficiencies, vitamin supplements are sometimes used to treat alcohol use disorder. These vitamin supplements can administered through IV and/or oral medication protocol. In doing so, it can be ensured your central nervous system, heart, and even muscles are getting the balanced vitamins and minerals they need to operate correctly. The types of vitamins a person may need will be dependent upon a wide range of factors such as what substance they were using, what their symptoms are, and what they are deficient in.

Providing Protection in Case of an Emergency

Some patients may come in that are already highly hydrated but face the possibility of emergency events such as seizures. If a patient already has an IV in and they experience a seizure, that staff will quickly give them the medication they need to stop the seizure. The end of the seizure will come more swiftly than if that medication had to be processed by the body.

Avoiding Cross-Addiction

A severe issue to avoid when a person is released from the facility after detox is cross-addiction. Cross-addiction occurs when a patient becomes addicted to another substance used to treat their previous addiction. Our method of inpatient IV and oral medication protocol, oral treatments, and an individualized recovery plan help prevent cross-addiction. We believe it also gives our patients the best chance of lifelong successful recovery.

Long Term Success

The goal of IV and oral medication protocol is not for the patient to use it over a long period. It will primarily be utilized during the first 24 to 48 hours the patient spends at the facility. The patient is slowly weaned off the IV until they can begin hydrating orally. Doctors will carefully monitor the patient to ensure they are eating and drinking enough before their release from the facility. The typical length of stay is around four days.

At Gallus Medical Detox Centers, our mission is to provide the highest quality inpatient medical detox services and be the best first step in overcoming substance use disorders. Our IV therapy technique under 24/7 medical supervision is the safest option for detox. It will give you the best chance at a full and lifelong successful recovery. This fast-acting treatment will relieve your symptoms effectively and efficiently so that you can start feeling better right away. Come recover in a private, comfortable room surrounded by a caring and knowledgeable staff.

If you are ready to take the first step to recovery, contact us at (720) 669-8178 today. Our staff will be more than happy to give you more information about the benefits of IV and oral medication protocol and all the treatment plans we offer. While detox is a challenge, we will make it as easy and comfortable for you as possible. Contact us today, and we can help you get on the path to living a happier, healthier life.

Shannon Weir, RN

Shannon Weir, RN is the Chief Nursing Officer at Gallus Medical Detox Centers. She has been a Registered Nurse for 30 years, Shannon’s experience ranges from critical care to flight nursing, medical detox, sexual assault exams, and SWAT nursing. Shannon has been with Gallus Medical Detox Centers since 2010 and is a vital part of our organization.