Detox IV Therapy for Drug Detox and Addiction

Last Updated: June 22, 2024

Dr. Norman Chazin Reviewed by Dr. Norman Chazin
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Despite the availability of FDA-approved treatments for nicotine, alcohol, and opioid addiction, between 45% and 56% of individuals relapse after initiating treatment for substance use disorders.

This high relapse rate is often caused by the desire to avoid withdrawal symptoms, which can be intense in the first week and persist as post-acute withdrawal symptoms for up to 6 months or longer. Intravenous (IV) detoxification, also known as IV detox for drugs, is an effective method used in substance abuse centers to flush toxins and replenish nutrients and fluids during drug withdrawal.

Continue reading to learn about how detox IV reduces withdrawal symptoms, diminishes cravings and revitalizes the body, making it a powerful tool for addiction recovery.

What is Detox IV Therapy?

Detox IV therapy involves administering intravenously nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and sometimes oxygen directly into the bloodstream during addiction recovery. This method helps to purge drugs and neutralize toxins in the body.

While not a substitute for regular medical detoxification for substances like heroin, alcohol, or cocaine, IV detox therapy can be a valuable complement. Traditional detox medications, medical assistance, and inpatient care are still necessary, but IV therapy can ease residual withdrawal symptoms and support recovery after initial detoxification.

Why Choosing a Detox Drip for Drugs and Alcohol Addiction?

Chronic substance abuse impacts nutritional status and body composition by reducing nutrient intake and absorption and disrupting hormones that regulate appetite and food consumption.

Over time, drug addiction depletes the bodyโ€™s nutrient stores and releases free radicals that can harm organs and health. In alcohol addiction, a rundown of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, thiamine, vitamin B, and pantothenic acid is very common. Particularly since heavy alcohol consumption causes vomiting and diarrhea, leading to rapid fluid loss and dehydration.

Administering nutrients intravenously speeds up the withdrawal process and reduces the severity of symptoms. Unlike oral vitamins, which result in only 30-40% absorption, IV therapy ensures almost 100% nutrient absorption. This high bioavailability makes nutrient drips highly effective for drug detoxification.

How Does IV Therapy for Drug Detox Work?

Often referred to as โ€œdripsโ€, during IV therapy for drug detox, the fluids are supplied via intravenous method into the bloodstream drop by drop through an IV drip system.

This method ensures a controlled and steady administration of the nutrients, allowing for optimal absorption and effectiveness. There are different types of IV fluids, each with unique components and mechanisms of action.

Letโ€™s list them:

Amino Acid Therapy

This therapy replenishes essential amino acids that are often depleted due to substance abuse. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play a crucial role in neurotransmitter production, which can help stabilize mood and reduce cravings.

Vitamin Detox IV Therapy

Vitamins such as B complex, vitamin C, and D are administered to correct deficiencies caused by chronic substance use.

Vitamin therapy supports immune function, the bodyโ€™s energy production, and overall health for a faster and safer recovery. This IV detox for alcohol use disorder can be highly beneficial.

Antioxidant Therapy

Antioxidants like glutathione are infused to fight oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals generated by substance abuse. This helps protect and repair cells, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

NAD Therapy

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme critical in energy metabolism and cellular repair. NAD therapy helps restore cellular function, boosts energy levels, and may reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Key points about NAD therapy:

  • Typically requires one infusion per day for ten days.
  • Provides an immediate boost in energy levels and improved brain function.
  • It is most effective when combined with amino acid and vitamin infusions.
  • After the initial detox, follow-up injections may be needed a month or two later.
  • Most patients need 6-10 drips to achieve complete relief.

Itโ€™s safe to remember that while most of the ingredients for these infusions are available over the counter, they are not entirely safe for self-medication.

This type of nutrient administration should be performed only by medical personnel under supervision. Incorrect procedures or dosages can result in severe consequences, including allergic reactions to some ingredients. Detox IV drips should never be attempted as an at-home detox method.

IV Detox Treatment Administration

Liquid IV detox treatment is typically administered in outpatient rehab facilities for drug addiction, where a trained nurse oversees the process.

Here’s a step-by-step outline of how the treatment is administered:

  • Preparation: The nurse first cleans the IV site to ensure sterilization.
  • Insertion: An intravenous line is inserted into the patient’s vein.
  • Infusion: Each session can last an hour or more, depending on the liquid composition.
  • Mobile units: Some detox IV therapies offer mobile IV units for patient convenience.

Patients may require multiple drip infusions to achieve optimal results. The exact number and frequency depend on individual needs and the detox protocol. Always verify the medical license of the person administering the detox. Some fraudulent organizations falsely claim to provide these services in the market.

Will An IV Flush Your System And Help You With Addiction?

There is clinical evidence that NAD+ and other amino acids, including D-phenylalanine, glycine, alanylglutamine dipeptide, and Myers’ cocktail (B complex) infusions, significantly reduce substance-craving behavior and psychiatric symptoms in poly-drug abusers.

Another study showed that after six months, 91% of patients receiving intravenous KB220IV amino acid drips at least five drips over seven days in a residential program remained sober. Yet, IV detox is not a standalone therapy for addiction. A comprehensive addiction treatment must include behavioral therapy, counseling, and support groups.

Detox IV Therapy for Drug Detox and Addiction โˆ’ Bottom Line

IV detox is a safe and standard procedure during substance dependence recovery when performed by trained medical staff. This therapy delivers essential nutrients, fluids, and energy while eliminating free radicals and drugs from the body. It offers fast recovery, enhanced immune and brain function, and no complications when appropriately administered.

However, IV drug detox is not a foolproof solution for addiction. It is an important first step but must be combined with other behavioral therapies that address the root causes of drug abuse for full recovery. Without additional therapies, the chances of relapse increase. To find IV cleanse therapy, you can Google โ€œIV detox near meโ€ or use our local rehab center locator.

People Also Ask

Does liquid IV help detox?

Detox is a multi-step process requiring medically supervised IV therapy for effective drug detox. Liquid IV is one of these steps, hydrating and replenishing essential nutrients, aiding in a safer drug-free state.

Can an IV clean out your system?

Medically supervised IV therapy can help detoxify by flushing out toxins and replenishing essential nutrients, aiding in the body’s natural detoxification process.

How does the hospital flush your system?

Hospitals use IV fluids, medications, and treatments tailored to detox the body, often including saline solutions and specific nutrient infusions to support organ function and remove toxins.

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Page Sources

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  2. Bahji, A., et al. (2022). Neurobiology and Symptomatology of Post-Acute Alcohol Withdrawal: A Mixed-Studies Systematic Review. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 83(4), 461โ€“469. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsad.2022.83.461
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  5. Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin K. (n.d.). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/
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  7. Badgaiyan, R. D., et al. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and enkephalinase inhibition (IV1114589NAD) infusions significantly attenuate psychiatric burden sequalae in Substance use disorder (SUD) in fifty cases. Current Psychiatry Research and Review/Current Psychiatry Research and Reviews, 18(2), 125โ€“143. https://doi.org/10.2174/2666082218666220527114427
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Retrieved on June 21, 2024.

Published on: October 25th, 2019

Updated on: June 22nd, 2024

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