The first step in treatment for opioid addiction is detox. Encompassing both psychological and pharmacological methods, opioid detox under the supervision of medical professionals is essential to safely stop using. Learning the ins and outs of opioid detox is helpful for anyone considering drug addiction recovery treatment.
Opiate Addiction
Opioid addiction is complicated, partly because some people begin using after receiving a prescription for managing short- or long-term pain. The line between using prescribed medications safely and developing a dependency can be tricky. It is important to know that anyone can become addicted due to the addictive nature of an opioid/opiate-based medication.
Opiate Withdrawal Process and Signs of Opioid Withdrawal
A person will typically start experiencing the symptoms of opioid withdrawal 12 hours after their last use. However, for someone who is using methadone, symptoms may take up to thirty hours to appear. The symptoms are usually at their worst 72 hours after last use.
An individual going through the opiate withdrawal process may initially have flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches, insomnia, uncontrollable sweating, and a runny nose. They might also have teary eyes, and they can become more prone to yawning, even if they do not otherwise feel tired. Some people will develop rapid heart rates and experience anxiety and agitation.
As the withdrawal process continues, painful digestive symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps, will occur. The pupils of their eyes will appear dilated, and they might also shiver and have goosebumps.
As the withdrawal process progresses, it may be extremely uncomfortable. Due to the intense physical symptoms, medications are often prescribed to ease the symptoms and keep people comfortable during the opioid withdrawal process.
Treating Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Individuals should not attempt to detox from opioids independently. It is a process that can become dangerous for some patients. Even with a stable home environment and support network to support someone through the detox process, research has shown a person will be likely to successfully recover through medical detox and treatment.
Buprenorphine is frequently used to detox individuals from opiate/opioids. Medical professionals will also use medications that specifically address the symptoms of opiate withdrawal, even if they will not necessarily help the body become less dependent on the opiates themselves. Clonidine will alleviate some of the flu-like symptoms that patients may experience when going through opioid withdrawal.
Simple things can help in the process. Getting more sleep and staying hydrated can undoubtedly help a patient who is going through this process. Some people have found that herbal treatments were able to help their symptoms. A person should always discuss these options with a medical professional even if it appears to be a harmless natural treatment. Some herbal remedies can be toxic if taken in large quantities, and there can be unexpected drug interactions that occur. A medical professional can help patients anticipate what happens during the opioid withdrawal and treatment process.
The Need for Opioid Detox
Patients who are dependent upon opioids are risking their long-term health, both physical and mental. The damage associated with chronic opioid use can be much more damaging than the potential health risks associated with the withdrawal process. With careful medical supervision and a rehab recovery program, they can withdraw from opioid medications safely.
The withdrawal process can indeed be difficult, and it is also true that many people can move on with their lives while being in recovery from opioid addictions. When someone has reached the point where they need to detox from a substance, the substance usually interferes with their essential activities of daily living. The effects of opioids on a person's life can be difficult to measure, making it that much more important for a person to get treatment.
Are you or a loved one struggling with an opioid addiction? You are not alone. We are here for you and we are here to help.