Have Questions?
Give Us a Call
Opioid drugs, also called opiates, are synthetic substances used for chronic pain relief and sedation, especially after major surgery.
Due to their euphoric feelings and sedative effects on the central nervous system, these drugs are highly desired by opioid users. Illicit opioids can cause substance abuse and addiction after a few uses.
Opioid detoxification is the process of medically managed withdrawal from opioids and typically involves medications, therapy, and other treatments needed to eliminate the opioids from your body.
Oftentimes, a drug detox center can be a valuable resource for detoxing safely and with minimal physical and psychological opioid withdrawal symptoms. The primary goal of medically managed opiate withdrawal is to get the patient to a point where they are medically stable.
During the opiate withdrawal process, staff will monitor the client to mitigate any physical side effects of detox. Individuals also receive counseling in order to transition to a drug rehab program, which can provide more comprehensive treatment options for opioid addiction.
Because your body has become reliant on opioids to feel okay, undergoing withdrawal from opioids can result in a variety of acute withdrawal symptoms. Most likely, the severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend on how physically dependent you are on opioids, as well as the duration of your opioid use.
You will likely start experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle aches and pains, anxiety, insomnia, and excessive sweating, in the first 24 hours after discontinuing opioid use.
Short-acting opioids have a fast half-life in the body, which means opioid withdrawal occurs almost immediately after the body eliminates the last dose.
After the first 24 hours, you might experience withdrawal symptoms that are more intense physical symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure.
The goal of medication-assisted treatment is to minimize the physical effects of these withdrawal symptoms and make your detox experience safer and more comfortable. Once you have completed medication-assisted treatment, you can begin to develop a maintenance treatment plan.
While prescription opioids are often used for pain relief, they can cause addiction and physical dependency. As you begin an opioid withdrawal program, similar to other prescription drug rehabs, the staff will evaluate both your psychological and physical health to determine further treatment needs.
To do so, the staff must ask you several questions about your opioid addiction, so be prepared to answer with honest information about the last time you used opioids, how long you used them for, any other drugs you use, and other details they might need about your opioid dependence.
Medical detox professionals need this information in order to provide you with the best course of treatment for opioid use disorder.
The staff will also choose appropriate medication for managing your withdrawal symptoms and to help you begin working through the root causes of your opioid addiction.
These medications are used to minimize withdrawal symptoms and curb opioid cravings, allowing for a higher success rate of complete withdrawal. Some medications work by blocking the effects of opioids to keep patients from experiencing highs associated with the drug.
The medications that treat withdrawal from opioids work through the same opioid receptors but are safer alternatives that are not as addictive. During treatment, the staff will slowly taper you off medication to ease withdrawal symptoms while helping your body adjust.
Going “cold turkey” can be dangerous for an individual with a physical dependence on opioids. Stopping in a controlled manner is important not only for preventing relapse but also for your overall health and well-being.
If you discontinue opioids outside of a controlled environment, you are at an increased risk for severe and life-threatening side effects.
Those addicted to opioids may experience symptoms such as persistent vomiting and diarrhea during withdrawal, which can lead to dehydration, elevated levels of sodium in the blood, and heart failure.
While quitting opioids outside of a medically assisted environment doesn’t typically life-threatening or fatal, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms and side effects that make the withdrawal process more difficult.
Quitting opioids suddenly can make you more prone to relapse because you are not equipped to handle cravings. It is recommended that you consult with a doctor or addiction specialist regarding the best approach for quitting opioids.
Healthcare professionals can help you find resources on drug detox programs and other substance abuse treatment services to help you conquer your drug addiction.
A detox program isn’t a cure for addiction. Remember that recovering from addiction to opioids is a lifelong struggle. Detox is only the first step. Some people may find it helpful to participate in a rehab program at an opioid treatment center.
Certain behavioral therapies and support groups, like Narcotics Anonymous, can be useful as you work through any underlying mental health disorders that may intensify your desire to abuse opioids.
Rehab can help you work through the issues at the core of your opioid addiction. Remember that every person is different, and what works for you may not work for someone else. You are not alone: The opioid epidemic has brought attention to the prevalence of opioid abuse in the United States.
Rehab can be a valuable tool for navigating life without opioids. During rehab, you’ll learn healthy habits and coping mechanisms to help you maintain abstinence from opioids. Addiction treatment is a valuable resource on the journey toward living the happy, healthy life you deserve.
By better understanding your addiction, you can take what you’ve learned and apply it in order to repair the relationships that have been damaged by your drug abuse. This knowledge can help you reclaim your life and approach addiction as a chronic illness and lifelong journey.
Keep in mind that if a relapse happens, it’s part of the recovery journey. Adjusting your current course of treatment and changing your behaviors might be necessary in order to continue recovering from substance abuse and living a drug-free life.
If you are struggling with opioid addiction, you shouldn’t have to battle your addiction alone. If you need assistance withdrawing from opioids or other drugs, Future Now Detox can help. Contact us today if you’re ready to get healthy and start your recovery journey to live life on your terms.
We understand the importance of accessibility and affordability, which is why we have partnered with several insurance companies to better service you. We accept most major insurance providers and private health insurance. Our team is available 24/7 to assist you in navigating your insurance coverage. If you don’t have insurance, we are here to help you understand the options available for you or a loved one.
Take the first step toward recovering from addiction by calling Future Now Detox at (866) 419-3899, or verify your insurance by clicking the button below.
We strongly believe in the work we do. We are committed to the health and well-being
of every soul we treat. We don’t just want to get you sober. We want to help you
recover in body, mind, and spirit, so you can awaken to a new life.
