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Opiate Detox

Heroin, Vicodin and OxyContin are three of the most potentially devastating drugs in the world. What these drugs share, other than their opiate nature and the euphoric effects they provide, is the ability to destroy both the health and well-being of the individual.

In order to combat opiate addiction, it is important that the individual receives professional help in the form of a drug rehab program. And the first step in that process is opiate detox.

Opiate detox is the cleansing of the system of the harmful toxins associated with opiate use. These toxins build up during heavy use of drugs and are commonly found in:


Opiate detox helps the individual overcome their physical addiction to drugs. It is an important first step in the addiction recovery process and one that greatly reduces the chance of relapse. Drug detox makes people healthier and provides the clarity needed to make real, long-term life changes via a drug rehab program.

Where does Opiate Detox take Place?

Primarily, opiate detox will take place either at the drug rehab facility itself, or if the facility is not equipped to handle detox services, an outside provider. In the latter case, the individual will be referred to a detox facility and asked to complete the process there before they begin treatment.

Withdrawal Symptoms associated with Opiate Detox

There are a number of withdrawal symptoms shared by most individuals who go through the opiate detox process. These common withdrawal symptoms include:


While the majority of these conditions are not life-threatening in and of themselves, they can be extremely uncomfortable and may often lead to relapse into drug use. The exceptions would be if the individual suffered from such a deep depression during withdrawal that they were to attempt suicide – or relapsed and overdosed due to strong drug cravings.

Depending upon the drug in question, and the depth the individual’s addiction, these withdrawal symptoms will generally come on within 24-72 hours after the last dose of the opiate. Opiate withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks.

The Importance of Opiate Detox

Opiate detox is one of the most important parts of the drug rehab process. Detoxification helps purge the system of all the harmful toxins associated with drugs, but more than that it builds confidence and promotes good health. In order to truly get the most out of any drug rehab program, it is absolutely essential that the individual completes opiate detox first. As long as there are harmful drugs in the system, there is too strong a chance of relapse – and a lack of true purpose in the recovery effort.

The Different Types of Opiate Detox

Individuals who wish to engage in opiate detox generally have one of two options. For Vicodin addiction, OxyContin and other prescription painkillers, natural detox is the most popular choice. With natural opiate detox the individual stops using the drug while in the care of counseling and medical professionals. Natural detox tends to illicit the strongest withdrawal symptoms (listed above) but represents the most direct path the detoxification.

Those suffering from a heroin addiction may opt for medical detox using a synthetic opiate – most commonly methadone. Methadone detox has the individual visiting a clinic on a daily basis to receive carefully monitored doses of this drug that mimics the effects of heroin. Medical detox using Methadone reduces the intensity of withdrawal symptoms but also leads to addiction for a small percentage of those individuals who take part in the procedure.

Who Should Consider Opiate Detox?

Anyone who is using opiates such as heroin or Vicodin and is unable to stop, despite an understanding that it is causing them harm should consider entering into a drug rehab program (with an opiate detox component) immediately. Also, those who have developed a tolerance to a drug – so that it takes more and more over time to deliver the desired effects – is a prime candidate for detox and rehab. Finally, those who have seen their relationships or careers damaged by opiate addiction should seek professional help. There is still time to turn things around – but it requires action to do so.

Michael’s House offers natural opiate detox as part of a comprehensive residential drug rehab program. Located in Palm Springs, California, Michael’s House is home to some of the finest addiction treatment professionals in the United States. These caring, knowing individuals understand that every patient is different and provide customized care that truly enhances the recovery process. For more information, contact Michael’s House today.

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