Opioids include a range of illegal and prescription drugs, and all of them are addictive. People who develop dependence and addiction will suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms and complications if they suddenly stop using. It’s important to visit a opioid detox center to recover.

About Opioid Withdrawal

Two woman exchanging their stories in an opioid detox center during an opioid detox programWhether people use opioids for fun or to treat pain, they’re at risk of developing an opioid addiction. One of the many related problems is withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. Just as the brain adapts to needing the drugs, it takes time for it to adjust to not having them. The symptoms that arise in the meantime are how it communicates that it can’t function without the drugs.

A lot of people don’t seek an opioid detox program because they want to avoid the withdrawal process. Although death rarely occurs during opioid detox, the symptoms are usually painful and miserable. However, the severity of withdrawal depends on the severity of the addiction, the type of opioid and other factors. Because of that, the symptoms range from mild to severe.

In general, however, the early symptoms of opioid withdrawal include anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, and agitation. Insomnia, excessive eye watering and runny nose are other side effects. These symptoms can worsen during the first few days. Others can manifest too, including stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

Like the severity of withdrawal, how long the process lasts depends on many factors. Most people get through it in a week or two. However, some symptoms can linger for a month or longer, such as fatigue and insomnia.

The Importance of Visiting an Opioid Detox Center

Although some people don’t get treatment to avoid withdrawal, a treatment center is exactly where they should go. Continuing to abuse opioids puts lives at risk. The disease can cause other health issues, including mental health disorders, breathing problems and heart conditions. Opioid detox is necessary to cleanse the body so that it can heal.

An opioid detox center is the best place to stop using opioids safely. It provides a reliable support system, medicines, and therapy to help people overcome opioid withdrawal and addiction.

In addition, a treatment center can give them the care that they need to avoid fatal complications during detox. For instance, accidentally inhaling stomach contents while vomiting could cause an infection in the lungs or suffocation. Diarrhea and vomiting can also lead to dehydration, which can cause kidney problems and death. Monitoring during opioid detox can prevent these complications or at least address them before they cause damage.

Another reason why getting detox at a treatment facility is necessary is to avoid relapse, which can be deadly. Acute withdrawal symptoms are the most common cause of relapse because people use again to make the symptoms stop. An inpatient or residential opioid detox center not only offers medical support but also maintains a drug-free environment. Those in treatment don’t have access to drugs, which eliminates the relapse risk.

Medications and Therapy

Along with emotional support and health monitoring, people usually receive medications and therapy to treat opioid withdrawal. An opioid detox center can determine which treatments will work best based on each person’s needs.

In most cases, though, doctors administer medicines that reduce pain, nausea and vomiting. They might use clonidine to treat high blood pressure or methadone to reduce cravings in chronic cases. Buprenorphine is another medication that reduces cravings and other symptoms.

Therapy is a big part of opioid detox as well. Some examples include cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and family counseling. Holistic treatments such as exercise, yoga, and mindfulness also offer symptom relief.

An Opioid Detox Program and Rehab At Beaches Recovery

Medical detox eases the process of stopping opioid use, but it’s only the first step in addiction recovery. Beaches Recovery offers a full spectrum of opioid addiction treatment. We have a partnership with Tides Edge to make sure that you can complete detox safely. Then, we arrange for a seamless transition to our facility for rehab.

At Beaches Recovery, we want to address all of your needs. To achieve that, we use a range of evidence based therapy as well as a holistic approach to services, from cognitive behavioral therapy to equine therapy. All of these are available through our many programs, which include:

Don’t let opioids consume you or put your life at risk. Get help at a reliable opioid detox center. Call Beaches Recovery to get the ball rolling at 866.605.0532.