Can You Use Tobacco or Take Medications While Undergoing Detox

Detox Rules About Meds and Tobacco Are Flexible

Now that you’ve taken the step to enter a detox program, expect there to be certain rules in place. One may ask can you smoke cigarettes while detoxing? Many detox programs know that clients might rely on tobacco use to relieve stress during detox. Going through detox can create feelings of stress and anxiety. The thought of not having access to a smoking habit may make the stress worse.

For this reason, many rehabs will provide special smoking zones outdoors where people going through detox can still smoke if needed. Being allowed to smoke may help them to carry on with the detox until it’s over. However, most detox and rehab programs will suggest that the client think about quitting smoking.

A recent study reviewed the effect of stopping smoking versus is you smoking during drug detox. The study reports some useful findings. It found that client smoking during detox resulted in higher levels of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This was when compared with those not allowed to smoke during detox. It made a strong case for not smoking during detox.

Are You Allowed to Take Meds in Detox?

When going through detox it might seem that any and all meds would not be allowed. The reality, though, is not so cut and dry.

Many who enter into treatment are on prescription drugs for either a health or mental health issue. All meds will need to be reviewed by the doctors on staff. A judgment is then made as to which drugs are allowed during detox.

If the individual takes a med, such as for long-term pain management, these would not be allowed during detox. Detox programs only permit non-narcotic drugs. It is best to simply ask the program director at the outset. Find out if you can smoke or take meds while in detox, just to be clear about it.

So What Drugs are Used During Detox?

Meds do play a role in helping to manage withdrawal symptoms. This is based on the type of substance being detoxed and the length of time of the substance abuse. the following drugs may be used during detox:

• Benzos. This type of drug is useful for managing many of the symptoms. These may include Ativan, Valium, or Klonopin.
• NSAIDs. These drugs include Aleve and Advil. They are used to reduce muscle and joint pain, headache, and fever.
• Antidiarrheal. These meds are used to assist with gastric upset and diarrhea. They might include Imodium and Pepto Bismol.
• Acetaminophen. Under the brand name Tylenol, this drug is used mostly for headache and fever.
• Opioid antagonists. These drugs, such as naltrexone (ReVia or Depade) can be started toward the latter phase of detox. They are used to help suppress cravings or desire for the substance.

Partial agonists. Buprenorphine can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and block the feelings of euphoria.