Guide
Medically Assisted Opioid Detox
Joint Commission accredited · In network with most major insurance · Admissions answered 24 hours a day
Published September 21, 2022
Reviewed and updated July 29, 2026
Table of contents
- Medically Assisted Opioid Detox
- Clonidine
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Codeine Phosphate
- Which Opioid Detox Medication is the Best?
Opiate withdrawal is a very difficult and potentially devastating process. It’s only natural to try and seek out methods that lessen the severity of symptoms.
If you or someone you love needs more than detox, Briarwood Detox Center also provides alcohol rehab austin.
Briarwood Detox Center’s opiate opioid detox program provides medically supervised, evidence-based care.
While some may try to withdraw from opioid addiction alone, it’s much safer and more comfortable to do so under medical supervision. Additionally, a medication that lessens symptoms typically accompanies medically assisted opioid detox. Let’s discuss some of these medications and their applications in detox treatment.
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Verify InsuranceMedically Assisted Opioid Detox
As stated above, opioid withdrawal is a very taxing process that ideally most would want to avoid if at all possible. Medically assisted opioid detox is recommended depending on the severity of the opioid addiction. If the addiction is long-term—lasting years or decades—the withdrawal is likely to be more severe and therefore requires a more hands-on approach to treatment. Withdrawal begins roughly 24 hours after the last dose and some common symptoms include:
- Muscle spasms
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Agitation/Mood changes
- Constricted pupils
- Irregular blood pressure
- Vomiting
- Tremors
Clonidine
Physicians prescribe Clonidine to provide relief for physical opioid withdrawal symptoms like sweating, insomnia, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and tremors. However, it’s the most effective in treating symptoms of anxiety and stress. Clonidine is administered as an oral tablet or a patch and has very little potential for abuse or addiction. This makes it an excellent candidate for a long-term opioid substitution medication even after detox. Some side effects of clonidine include drowsiness, dizziness, and low blood pressure.
Methadone
Physicians prescribe methadone to provide relief from opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Some individuals may need to reconsider methadone as a detox treatment option if they have acute alcohol dependence, respiratory deficiency, or a head injury. Respiratory issues are the main concern of prolonged methadone use and should be monitored closely by a medical professional.
Methadone became a popular method of treating symptoms of long-acting opioids like morphine and chronic opioid addiction. It was a mainstay of the average detox program with entire facilities dedicated to methadone, commonly called methadone clinics. However, methadone is highly addictive and requires substantial preventative measures. As a result, methadone has largely been replaced by Buprenorphine as an opioid withdrawal medication.
Where we are
Detox centers across Texas
Three locations, each with its own admissions line and its own clinical team. Pick the one nearest you — or call and we will tell you which has a bed tonight.
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Inpatient Austin, TX
11711 N Lamar Blvd · 78753
- 15 beds
- On-site labs
- 24-hour medical staff
Drug & Alcohol Detox in Austin, TX
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Inpatient Houston, TX
1019 Ashland St · 77008
- On-site labs
- 24-hour medical staff
Drug Detox Center in Houston, TX
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Outpatient San Antonio, TX
6707 W Hausman Rd · 78249
- Outpatient detox with scheduled medical visits
- Outpatient treatment
Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Detox in San Antonio
Buprenorphine
Physicians most commonly prescribe Buprenorphine (Suboxone/Subutex). It is the most efficient in treating both moderate to severe opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Additionally, Buprenorphine is highly effective in treating alcoholism.
Ready to talk to someone now? Briarwood Detox Center's admissions team is here 24/7, and every call is confidential. Call (866) 710-7710.Buprenorphine should only be administered once an individual has experienced the initial effects of withdrawal to prevent complications. Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, respiratory issues, or urethral obstruction should proceed with caution when using Buprenorphine. Some common side effects of buprenorphine include insomnia, body aches, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Codeine Phosphate
Codeine phosphate also alleviates both withdrawal symptoms and cravings brought on by opioid dependence. However, its chance of effectiveness is less reliable as up to 10 percent of people experience no reduction in symptoms or cravings after taking it. It is considered a much less reliable form of opioid withdrawal management and therefore less commonly used in treatment.
Which Opioid Detox Medication is the Best?
There is no best or better option for opioid treatment and detox because it’s all relative. What might be the best medication for one person is the absolute worst medication for another person. The best thing to do is discuss options and preexisting conditions and concerns with a medical professional. After discussing options, medical staff will decide on an appropriate medication with a dosage tailored to the specific needs of the individual and monitor them closely through the process.
Detox With Briarwood
Briarwood Detox Center offers detox treatment for alcohol, opioid, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and much more. Our experienced clinical staff provides round-the-clock monitoring throughout the detox process and our therapy team provides support to help manage the emotional response to treatment. Additionally, we have detox facilities located in Austin, Houston, and Colorado Springs with state-of-the-art amenities.
Briarwood is dedicated to facilitating a healthy and safe environment that empowers people to make significant and lasting changes in their lives. We look forward to supporting you or your loved one on the journey to recovery. Call (866) 710-7710 today for more information on our programs and admission process.
Ready to Start Your Recovery in Austin?
Briarwood Detox Center offers medically supervised detox in Austin. Explore our locations, see the facility, and verify your insurance in minutes.
See our locationsRelated Resources on Opioid Detox and Treatment
Understanding medically assisted opioid detox is just one part of the recovery journey. Explore these related resources to learn more about comprehensive detox services, treatment approaches, and what to expect during the detox process:
- Drug Detox: Understanding the Process and Finding Support — A comprehensive overview of the detox process and the professional support available throughout withdrawal management.
- Overcoming Addiction: Understanding Withdrawal Management at Briarwood Detox Center — Learn how Briarwood's medical team manages withdrawal symptoms safely and compassionately.
- The Science Behind Prescription Drug Detox: What You Need to Know — Explore the clinical and neurological aspects of prescription opioid detox.
- Tramadol Addiction: Signs of Abuse, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Treatment — Detailed information on a commonly misunderstood prescription opioid and its detox requirements.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid dependence, medically supervised detox is the safest first step toward recovery. Call Briarwood Detox Center at (866) 710-7710 to speak with an admissions specialist about our evidence-based opioid detox programs in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs.
In network with most major insurance
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Most plans cover medical detox. Coverage varies by plan, so we verify it for you before you commit to anything.
Don't see your plan? We work with out-of-network benefits and offer self-pay options — (866) 710-7710
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