Opiates, also known as “opiate painkillers,” include prescription drugs such as Codeine, Dilaudid, and Tramadol. Those who take these drugs in higher quantities or for longer durations than prescribed run a greater risk of developing physical dependence.
A person who develops a physical dependence on opioid drugs will feel compelled to continue taking them to function normally. If they abruptly stop taking the drug, they will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms as their bodies attempt to adjust.
Withdrawal happens when an individual suddenly quits using a substance or significantly reduces their dosage. The withdrawal symptoms vary on various factors, including the type of drug being abused, the person’s tolerance to the drug, the duration of their addiction, and their mental and medical history. Most withdrawal symptoms are flu-like, including fever, sweating, and vomiting.
While withdrawal symptoms are typically not life-threatening, they can still cause a great deal of physical and mental distress to the individual experiencing them. Due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms, individuals attempting to quit drugs on their own may relapse to escape the withdrawal process.
However, the pattern of stopping and resuming drug use can make it more challenging to quit in the future because the cycle can develop into uncontrolled patterns of abuse.
The Opioid Epidemic
Statistics surrounding the opioid epidemic in the United States are shocking. In 2018, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), over 10 million Americans over 12 abused opioids. The majority of this abuse included prescription painkillers.
The epidemic has developed in stages over the past two decades, beginning with the over-prescription of a new class of opioids in the late 1990s. At the time, doctors erroneously believed that these opioids had a low risk of addiction.
As a result of the widespread prescription of opioids, substance abuse disorders have surged. To combat the epidemic, doctors reduced medications, and patients desperate for relief from withdrawal symptoms turned to heroin. Later, synthetic opioids exploded in popularity. While the number of overdose deaths has slightly stabilized, they are still relatively high.
What Is Opiate Detox?
Detox is the initial phase in recovery from opiate addiction. During detox, the body eliminates toxins while recovering from opiate abuse. This is possibly the most critical part of your recovery. However, it can be unpleasant and painful.
The most common opiate withdrawal symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Muscle aches
- Anxiety or depression
- Runny nose or increased tearing
- Nausea or vomiting
Typically, detox lasts between three to ten days, with the most intense withdrawal symptoms happening between days three and five. Even when your early symptoms begin to lessen, prolonged opiate abuse may leave you craving for several weeks. A treatment program for opiate addiction can help you maintain your recovery and avoid relapse.
Opiate Detox Program At The Haven
Our opiate detox programs begin with a telephone assessment that helps us determine the individual’s specific needs. After that, the doctors and nurses on our staff use this evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan and propose a level of care.
The majority of opioid addicts undergo detoxification. We use medications and therapies to alleviate withdrawal symptoms as effectively and comfortably as possible. Our cutting-edge detoxification facility can handle even the most difficult situations.
Typically, detoxification lasts between five to seven days. After detoxification, many enter residential treatment. This allows comprehensive inpatient treatment and stabilization after the detoxification process.
Getting therapy while under medical supervision is valuable for those quitting opiates. We are delighted to have helped thousands of people achieve sobriety and recovery via comprehensive treatment.
We usually recommend outpatient care as a continuation of treatment after residential care.
Medications Used In MAT During Opioid Detox
Suboxone or Subutex is a medication that contains buprenorphine, which alleviates withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings and post-acute withdrawal symptoms that typically last for weeks to months following drug abstinence.
This medication must be used correctly, under the supervision of an experienced doctor, and with the assistance of a knowledgeable support team. This approach is preferred by many since it significantly reduces the suffering associated with opiate withdrawal.
After completing opiate withdrawal, some people want or are required to be entirely free of medication. The Haven Detox also offers non-Subutex/Suboxone methods of opiate withdrawal if the preferred technique is judged safe by the medical team. The specifics of this procedure can be explored with our intake and evaluation staff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which drug has the most withdrawal symptoms?
Opiates, heroin, and methamphetamine are some of the most powerful substances that result in withdrawal symptoms that can be fatal. During withdrawal, extreme delusion and hallucinations may force a person to harm oneself or others.
How many days do withdrawal symptoms last?
Typically, withdrawal symptoms last three to seven days. However, the precise duration depends on the substance abused and the severity of the abuse. In rare cases, it may take days, weeks, or months to eliminate a drug from the body entirely.
How many months does it take to get rid of an addiction?
It requires 21 days to overcome an addiction. According to psychologists, while it takes around 21 days of conscious and continuous effort to form a new habit, it takes far longer to break an established one.
What is rapid opiate detox?
During a rapid detox treatment, a patient is placed under anesthesia for four to six hours while opioid antagonist medications (such as naltrexone) “kick out” the opioid substances, such as heroin or prescription opioids. As the individual is sedated during the process, this method is intended to circumvent the discomfort and pain of opioid withdrawal.
What is the long-term success rate of rapid opiate detox?
The long-term success depends on various factors, including the rapid detox treatment, the patient’s physical and mental condition, and the availability of appropriate support. The quality of aftercare a patient receives after a detoxification process is crucial.
Although the objective of rapid detox is to eliminate the body’s physical reliance on opioids, not all centers provide the same degree of care. Researching the rapid detox center’s reputation and services is essential.
Find Support At The Haven
The Haven Detox is a respected detox center that offers a comprehensive range of detox programs. These programs are tailored to the individual needs of our patients.
Our opiate detoxification program provides the most advanced ambulatory care and therapies to aid those with opioid dependence and addiction. However, treatment concentrates on cleansing the mind and body as quickly and safely as feasible.
If you or a loved one are addicted to painkillers and want to quit, you should enroll in our reputable detox program. Contact us at (561) 328-8627 for more information about our addiction treatment programs.
