Opioids dependence is dangerous, and those who become dependent on these drugs can experience severe side effects, such as withdrawal symptoms that occur as a result of stopping one’s opioid use suddenly. Addiction can also occur if a person has been abusing these dangerous drugs. No matter what, it is absolutely necessary that you seek treatment for opioids dependence, even if you were not abusing these drugs. Treatment comes in the form of opioids detox. If you or someone you love is grappling with this disorder and needs help, there is no time like the present to get it. Don’t wait until things get worse; call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) today to seek safe, effective care for opioids withdrawal.

Understanding Opioids Detox

Opioids are medications that contain specific chemicals that bind to the brain and body. These chemicals create a relaxing sensation as well as treat the sensation of pain. A person who has been in an accident and is dealing with extreme pain may be given these drugs. A person who has just had surgery will also be likely to receive opioids as a treatment option. Some people are given very intense opioids to treat their pain, but this is usually just for people who are already used to these drugs and take them round-the-clock.

As stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, some of the most popular opioid drugs in the United States today—as well as some of the most highly abused medications—include

All of these drugs are highly abused for their ability to cause a euphoric high when taken in large doses. Similar to these substances are heroin and opium, which are no longer used medically and are considered to be illicit opioids. Still, all of these drugs cause a dependency in those who take them regularly and often, even those who do not abuse them. This is why doctors try to avoid putting patients on a regular treatment regimen with opioids for more than a few weeks, although sometimes this is necessary.

Opioids detox is one of the treatment options people who become dependent to these drugs will require. It is a professional option for recovery where patients are given medications and other treatment options to minimize their withdrawal symptoms, reduce their cravings, and help them become more stable. It is always safer to put a patient in an opioids detox center, rather than to let them go through withdrawal alone.

We want to help you find local opioids detox centers available in your area. Whether you need help for yourself or a loved one, call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) today.

Opioids Withdrawal Symptoms

The symptoms of opioids withdrawal are well known by most individuals. According to the National Library of Medicine, they are very uncomfortable and feel similar to the flu. The main symptoms include

These symptoms are not a sign of addiction but of dependence. Anyone who uses opioids often and regularly for a long period of time—at least a few weeks—is susceptible to dependence. Even if you haven’t been abusing these drugs, you will likely still require treatment in a professional detox center, as this is the safest way to undergo withdrawal. However, detox on its own is not a cure for addiction and must be followed up by rehab treatment.

Cause of Opioids Withdrawal

Opioids withdrawal can be caused by a number of different issues. As stated previously, even someone who has not abused these drugs but who has taken them as prescribed for a prolonged period of time can become dependent and therefore experience withdrawal. Someone who starts out taking them as prescribed and ends up abusing them—as well as someone who has been abusing these drugs all along—also is in serious danger of becoming dependent, as well as addicted.

There is another form of opioids withdrawal that is also very dangerous. This occurs when a pregnant individual takes opioids and the baby becomes dependent. When the baby is born, it can experience severe withdrawal symptoms such as

• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Sneezing
• Seizures
• Rapid breathing
• Vomiting
• Excessive sucking and crying
• Fever

According to the NLM, this is a potentially life threatening syndrome called neonatal abstinence syndrome that requires treatment immediately. Still, no matter the reason you are experiencing opioids withdrawal, it is highly recommended that you seek professional care. It can be very dangerous to try and detox on your own so always make sure you talk to your doctor about the possibility for dependence.

If you are already dependent on these drugs and afraid of experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms, call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) now. We can help you locate opioid detox programs that will allow you to recover according to your personal needs.

How Long Will Opioids Detox Take?

The timeline of opioids detox usually depends heavily on the methods used to treat the issue. While some detox treatments are focused on making the process as short as possible, others are more intent on helping the patient become stabilized. However, the general timeline of medical detox for opioid drugs takes about a week or two.

• The onset of withdrawal usually begins when the person would have next used the drug, according to the Division on Addictions. With short-acting opioids, like heroin, this could be as soon as 4-6 hours after the last dose. With longer-acting drugs, like methadone, this could be as long as 12-24 hours after the last dose.
• Once withdrawal begins, most patients experience the intense pain and discomfort that is dreaded among opioid-dependent individuals. This is because the drug is no longer there to prevent painful symptoms. Pain and flu-like symptoms are the breakout experiences during this period of withdrawal. It usually lasts about 2 to 3 days.
• The second stage of opioids withdrawal usually sees the patient experiencing diarrhea and vomiting. They may also experience lingering symptoms from the first stage of withdrawal. This stage usually lasts 3 to 4 days.
• The final stage of withdrawal sees a minimization of these intense symptoms, but it is still uncomfortable. It is also dangerous for patients to leave treatment early, as they cannot know for certain if they have stopped experiencing these effects. The final stage can last as long as 5 days in some cases or as little as only 1.

As previously stated, different withdrawal treatments have different timelines. Certain opioids detox programs may offer more intensive treatment focused on getting the patient through withdrawal as quickly as possible, even going so far as to induce withdrawal under sedation. These facilities are called rapid detox programs. Also, treatment centers that provide medication-assisted treatment will focus more readily on stabilizing the patient rather than getting them through withdrawal as quickly as possible.

The most important thing to remember is that treatment is always safer than going it alone. Whatever method you choose to withdraw, make sure it is in a safe, professional opioids detox program where you can be watched over by healthcare professionals. Call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) now to learn more about your options for treatment.

Are There Dangers?

Many people mistakenly believe opioids detox to be safe and not as life threatening as some of the other types of detox syndromes. Although the symptoms usually don’t create a deadly side effect, this is a possible outcome of opioids withdrawal, which means there is always a potential for serious issues to occur. That being said, it is always better to go through withdrawal in an opioids detox center.

The most commonly dangerous symptoms associated with opioids withdrawal include

Vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating

These symptoms may seem benign, but if an individual starts to experience them all at the same time, it can make the body extremely dehydrated. What’s more, this can even lead to serious dehydration requiring hospitalization if the individual is not prepared.

Depression

Some people become very sad or depressed when they go through opioids withdrawal. Some people become so depressed that they begin to experience suicidal thoughts. This can be extremely dangerous, especially if the individual doesn’t understand why they are feeling this way and doesn’t have proper care.

Decreased appetite

Certain individuals will stop eating altogether when they experience this syndrome. This can lead to malnutrition or even anorexia. It isn’t common, but some individuals can experience this side effect.

Anxiety

Similarly to the depression caused by the syndrome, some individuals experience severe anxiety to the point where they endanger themselves. This often requires not only professional care but inpatient treatment in opioids detox centers. According to the World Health Organization, clonidine may be used in treatment to help alleviate anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms.

Psychosis

As stated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, about 10 percent of the population that becomes dependent on the opioid drug tramadol can experience a severe form of opioid withdrawal. This can cause serious symptoms such as

• Panic attack
• Fear
• Confusion
• Severe anxiety
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Numbness and tingling in the extremities

You can clearly see that opioids withdrawal is not something that is safe to go through at home and without medical supervision. Though you can buy a detox kit, this can sometimes make the results even worse. This is why it is so important to seek treatment for opioids detox.

We want to help you make sure you or your family member can safely navigate withdrawal. Call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) now to begin looking for a safe, effective opioids detox facility.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Withdrawal?

Detox treatment for opioid dependent individuals takes time and patience. Fortunately, there are many different treatment options available for those looking to make a safe recovery in a detox center.

Medications

Medications are used to treat withdrawal symptoms and to maintain a patient during detox. Depending on the individual and program they choose, different medications may be used in different ways. Also, medications are also available to treat co-occurring mental disorders. The main medications used in opioids detox include methadone, buprenorphine, and clonidine. While each medication is effective, patients can experience varying results. For example, according to the Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, many patients report having more energy and emotional awareness while on buprenorphine compared to methadone.

Behavioral therapies

Behavioral therapies are necessary to help patients make a smoother transition from detox to rehab. They can also help treat co-occurring mental disorders and teach patients healthy ways to cope with the issues that occur during withdrawal. Behavioral therapies in detox can also help reduce one’s likelihood of relapse.

Holistic treatments

Holistic treatments are options such as journaling, pet therapy, yoga, art therapy, etc. These programs help patients in ways traditional treatment options cannot. Most inpatient centers utilize these programs during detox.

In addition, it is important to understand that there are many different types of local opioids detox centers. Some of the main options include

• Ultra-rapid detox: A program that only lasts a day or 2 and helps patients go through withdrawal quickly under sedation
• Rapid detox: A program that is similar and usually takes 3 to 4 days
• Medical detox: A program that utilizes the treatment options stated above and helps patients go through withdrawal, treating them as they go
• Medication-assisted detox: A program that helps patients become stabilized on medications like methadone or buprenorphine
• Natural detox: A program that does not use medications of any kind
• Spiritual detox: A program that focuses on spirituality during detox treatment

Inpatient or Outpatient Opioids Detox

Most opioids detox centers also fall under the category of either inpatient or outpatient care. The former provides 24-hour treatment while the latter does not. Ask yourself the questions below in order to determine if you will need inpatient care.

1. Is this my first time going through detox?
2. Am I nervous that I will relapse?
3. Do I not have a home environment conducive to recovery?
4. Is my home unsafe?
5. Do I have easy access to drugs at home?
6. Do I lack a strong social support system of friends and family members at home?
7. Am I suffering from any comorbid disorders?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, inpatient care may benefit you. Call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) to learn more about inpatient opioids detox.

Benefits of Inpatient Opioids Detox

Not everyone needs inpatient care to recover safely in a detox situation, but it is often the better, safer choice. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stresses the importance of having a safe place to go when you are in recovery, and an inpatient center will provide you with this. You will also be surrounded by a community of other people in recovery, and you will benefit from all the healthy treatment and living options provided to you in this program. In general, it is normally the best choice to seek inpatient opioids detox.

Find a Local Opioids Detox Center

Local opioids detox centers are all around you if you know where to look. We can help you find opioids detox. Before you call, make sure you have your insurance information ready and any information that may pertain to your treatment (including medical records). Also, make sure you consider which type of treatment will suit your needs. Then, just call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) .

Sources

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Opioids: The Prescription Drug & Heroin Overdose Epidemic. 
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Commonly Abuse Drugs Charts.
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2016). Opiate and Opioid Withdrawal.
4. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2017). Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. 
5. Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance. (2006). Substance Abuse Information Card.
6. World Health Organization. (2009). Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings- 4 Withdrawal Management. 
7. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2014). TRAMADOL (Trade Names: Ultram®, Ultracet®).
8. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. (2007). Pharmacologic treatments for opioid dependence: detoxification and maintenance options.
9. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2017). Recovery and Recovery Support.