While opioid overdose remains the biggest threat for opioid users, withdrawal is a difficult and often painful road to navigate when trying to stop using opioids. Withdrawal symptoms can be overwhelming and are one of the main reasons it’s so challenging to break the addiction cycle. Your body becomes conditioned to expect the chemicals as part of daily life, and it can react negatively when you try to change that routine for the better.
At the Addiction Recovery Institute of America, our drug detox center provides you with the best chance for a successful detox. You’ll be in an environment where taking the substance is not an option, ensuring that you are removed from temptation. While trying to detox alone at home is commendable, it cannot offer the same level of support, accountability, or safety as being surrounded by medical professionals and peers who can relate to your journey and provide the encouragement you need.
WHAT ARE OPIOIDS?
Opioids are a class of drugs that include heroin, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, and morphine. While opioids are commonly prescribed for pain management and sometimes for anti-anxiety purposes, illegal opioids are frequently found on the street. These illegal opioids go by many names, including:
- Happy pills
- Oxy
- Percs
- Vikes
WHY MAY AN OPIOID DETOX PROGRAM BE NEEDED?
Detox is a series of interventions designed to remove toxins from the bodies of individuals who are acutely intoxicated and/or dependent on opioids. The primary goal of detox is to minimize the physical harm caused by drug abuse and to safely manage withdrawal symptoms as the body clears the substance.
The physical and mental symptoms caused by opioid withdrawal are challenging to handle and differ significantly from the withdrawal process of stimulants or sedatives. However, these symptoms are a necessary part of the journey to getting clean. Understanding what opioid withdrawal looks like and when it occurs is crucial for anyone navigating this process.
Common opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
HOW DOES AN OPIOID DETOX PROGRAM WORK?
Detox is the first step in a lifelong process. Addiction is not something that magically disappears after detox; it is a chronic disease that lasts a lifetime. Without the right tools and knowledge to manage the problem, relapse is likely. Each substance affects the body in a unique way, so the detox method for one drug may not be the same for another. Additionally, if you abuse multiple substances, this creates a more complex set of considerations for managing withdrawal and ensuring your symptoms remain manageable.
The three most common forms of detox are:
COLD TURKEY
This method involves abruptly stopping drug use. Due to changes in your body chemistry, this approach often leads to relapses as you experience significant withdrawal symptoms. This method is especially risky with alcohol, as it can cause seizures, hallucinations, and body tremors. As a result, most medical experts strongly advise against using this approach.
SLOW WEANING
This method involves gradually reducing your intake of the substance over time, allowing your body to adjust to lower levels. While this approach still results in some withdrawal symptoms, they are typically less severe than quitting abruptly. It provides a smoother transition as your body adapts, making the withdrawal process more manageable.
MEDICALLY-ASSISTED DETOX
This method involves the use of medication and medical assistance to guide you through the detox stage of addiction treatment. A professional team typically supports you throughout the opioid detox program, providing the necessary care to make the detox process safer and more manageable. They help manage withdrawal symptoms and begin developing a treatment plan for the next steps in your recovery journey.
TREATMENT AT ARIA
Treatment is most effective when administered in a professional medical setting. Medical professionals can provide the highest level of care, offering a comprehensive treatment program during drug rehab that includes medication, counseling, and follow-up support. While proper aftercare is essential for all types of addiction, such as prescription drug abuse, it is especially crucial for opioid users. Prolonged or excessive use of opioids chemically alters the brain, requiring a significant commitment to overcome the addiction.
Once the drug is out of the body, brain functions begin to return to normal. At this point, clients in drug rehab start to recognize that substance abuse is a significant problem. This realization often leads to a greater willingness to commit to therapy to address psychological dependence. After completing a medically supervised detox program, you or your loved one may undergo therapy or dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. Other programs, treatments, and therapies may include:
CONTACT ARIA TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR OPIOID DETOX PROGRAM
Abusing opioids can significantly alter the way your brain functions. Our opioid detox program is designed to help reset your brain and guide you back on the path to recovery. Overcoming addiction is challenging, but we are here to support you every step of the way.
Start your journey to a sober life at the Addiction Recovery Institute of America. Our treatment team is here to help you find the best path forward to achieve lifelong recovery. Call (606) 462-3001 or complete our confidential online form to learn more about your opioid detox and recovery options.