The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates approximately 2.1 million people suffer from drug use disorders related to prescription opioids. Opiate detoxification is an important step in treating these disorders. The process helps reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings and prepare individuals for long-term recovery.
Opiate detox is a crucial first step in the recovery process. It’s important to detox under medical supervision, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening. That’s why you need to consult Mountain Gate in Riverside County, California.
Mountain Gate is a detox and treatment center specializing in helping people safely and effectively detox from opiates and other drugs. We offer various services, including medical detox, counseling, and therapy. Our goal is to help patients get through detox and start on the road to recovery.
What is Opiate Detox?
Opiates are a type of drug that can be derived from the opium poppy plant. They are typically used to relieve pain but can also be used to treat other conditions such as diarrhea. Opiates work by binding to pain receptors in the brain, which reduces the perception of pain.
While opiates are effective at treating pain, they can also be addictive. When someone becomes addicted to opiates, they may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using the drug. Opiate detox is a process that helps people to stop using opiates and to cope with withdrawal symptoms.
Why is Detox Necessary?
Detoxing from opiates is a process of ridding the body of toxins built up from drug use. This can be a difficult and uncomfortable process, but it is necessary in order to recover from addiction. Opiate detox can cause several symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms can be difficult to cope with, but treatments are available to help make the process more bearable.
Detox is important because it helps to break the physical dependence on opiates. It is an important step in recovery, as it helps reduce the risk of relapse. It also helps cleanse the body of toxins, improving overall health. Finally, detox can help to prepare the body and mind for further treatment, such as therapy or medication-assisted treatment.
Opiate detox is a necessary phase in recovering from opioid addiction. It can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and make it easier for people to stop using opiates.
With chronic use, opioids lead to the development of a dependence that severely impairs the user. This imposes a significant economic burden on society. This burden manifests in neglected responsibilities, increased healthcare costs, unemployment rates, and premature mortality.
How to Know If a Loved one needs detox?
If a loved one is struggling with an addiction to opiates, it is important to know when to get help. Opiate addiction can be difficult to overcome, but it is possible to recover with the right treatment and support. Here are some signs that it may be time to seek out opiate detox:
1. Increased Drug Intake
If you find an increase in their consumption of certain drug, it’s a sign that their body is developing a tolerance. This means that they will need more and more of the drug to get the same effect. This can be a dangerous situation, increasing their risk of overdose.
2. Increased Frequency of Use
If your loved one is using the drug more often, it is likely they are becoming more dependent on the substance. This can lead to a dangerous spiral of addiction.
3. Negative Experiences
When your loved ones start to experience negative consequences because of drug use, it’s time to suggest detox. Some negative consequences include financial problems, relationship difficulties, or legal trouble. These are signs that their addiction is spiraling out of control.
4. Unsuccessful Attempts at Quitting
It’s also time for detox for your loved ones if they are committed to quitting, but it’s too hard for them. If they have tried to quit using the drug but haven’t been successful, it may be time to seek professional help. Opiate detox can be a difficult process, but it is possible to recover with the right treatment and support.
Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
These medications alter the way a patient’s brain nerve receptors operate. After prolonged usage, these receptors grow reliant on the drug for their function. Patients who become physically ill when they stop using an opioid may be physically dependent on the drug.
The body’s physiologic reaction to the lack of medication is the cause of withdrawal symptoms. Pain and withdrawal symptoms are the most common reasons for drug dependence.
If a loved one is addicted to opioids, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur particularly if they rapidly cut their dosage or stop taking the medication entirely. There are a variety of opioid withdrawal symptoms that may vary from moderate to severe. They include:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Muscle and bone pain
- Sweating
- High blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Increased heart rate
Opiate Withdrawal Timeline
There is variation in the length of time it takes for different types of opioids to cause withdrawal symptoms. In addition, the severity and duration of those symptoms also vary. Common opioids include heroin, short-acting prescription opioids, or long-acting prescription opioids.
Withdrawal depends on several factors including:
- The type of opioid taken
- The severity of symptoms
- The time of onset and duration of symptoms
- The duration of opioid use
- The dose taken
- The time between doses
The first withdrawal symptoms from heroin or other short-acting opioids will usually appear within 8-12 hours after the last dose. Withdrawal symptoms from short-acting opioids will peak within 1-3 days. However, some symptoms may persist for up to a week.
For long-acting opioids, such as methadone, the first symptoms may not appear for up to 36 hours. However, symptoms may last for two weeks or more.
We Can help
Medical supervision is critical during opiate detox because of the potential for serious and life-threatening complications. Withdrawal symptoms can be physically and emotionally intense, making it difficult to stick to the detox plan. A medical professional can help manage withdrawal symptoms and make sure the detox process is as safe and comfortable as possible.
The first withdrawal symptoms from heroin or other short-acting opioids will usually appear within 8-12 hours after the last dose. Withdrawal symptoms from short-acting opioids will peak within 1-3 days. However, some symptoms may persist for up to a week.
For long-acting opioids, such as methadone, the first symptoms may not appear for up to 36 hours. However, symptoms may last for two weeks or more.