Opiate Detox Basics
When use of opioid-based drugs—opiates like heroin and prescription painkillers including methadone, OxyContin, codeine, Vicodin, morphine and others—is abruptly stopped or use is severely reduced, opiate withdrawal symptoms begin. This experience of withdrawal is called opiate detox, and there are a number of opiate detox options you can choose from to limit the intensity and duration of these debilitating symptoms.
At Michael’s House, we are dedicated to helping men who struggle with opiate addiction by providing a number of successful opiate detox options. If you have questions about how we can help you or your loved one, contact us at Michael’s House today.
Opiate Detox: How it Starts
Everyone is different, so it should be understood that each individual will become physically reliant on different drugs on different time schedules depending upon a number of factors. There is no way for anyone, even a doctor, to know when a person will cross the line from opiate use to opiate addiction. It will depend upon which drug you are using, if you combine it with other drugs, the amount of the dosage, how often you take the drug, your size and metabolism, et cetera. But after a period of regular use, one thing is certain: opiate addiction will eventually set in. Once this occurs, opiate detox is the only way to break free from opiate addiction.
Opiate Detox: Withdrawal Symptoms
Just like the rate of opiate addiction onset, the onset and experience of opiate withdrawal symptoms during opiate detox is extremely personal as well. Generally, opiate addiction withdrawal symptoms feel very much alike a serious case of the flu, however, the severity of the symptoms and how quickly they begin will vary dramatically from person to person. Some of the physical withdrawal symptoms that come with opiate detox may include severe pain focused in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, diarrhea, dilated pupils and goose bumps.
It is important to note that withdrawal symptoms during opiate detox are not just physical. Opiate addiction is, in part, defined by psychological dependence upon the drug of choice. This means that opiate detox is characterized by withdrawal symptoms that include psychological cravings, agitation, paranoia and more.
Opiate Detox and Opiate Addiction Treatment
Opiate detox is usually done on an inpatient basis. Whether you choose an opiate rehab that provides opiate detox only or opiate detox in addition to opiate addiction treatment, your few days in the facility will focus on the physicality of opiate addiction through opiate detox. Medications including methadone and Suboxone may be an option, essentially replacement medications that are difficult to abuse that will allow you to more comfortably step down your dose until you are drug free. Another option is a “cold turkey” opiate detox in which you will stop taking your opiate of choice without a substitution prescription other than non-addictive, non-opiate medication prescribed to alleviate the effects of individual opiate withdrawal symptoms that you experience.
You and your medical team will determine the opiate detox option best for you based upon the specifics of your opiate addiction.
Opiate Detox at Michael’s House
At Michael’s House, we know that the fear and uncertainty of opiate withdrawal is what keeps many addicts from seeking treatment. Although symptoms and craving are intensely difficult when undertaken alone, it is neither fatal nor overwhelming when done safely under medical supervision.
If you would like more information about opiate detox or have any questions about how we can help you at Michael’s House, contact us today.
