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Opiate Detox

Between 26 and 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide. In the United States, the opiate epidemic is responsible for the leading cause of accidental deaths. Users of opiates typically begin with a prescription for painkillers. Over time, the cost of the drug becomes too much to handle and the user can move into using more illicit drugs such as heroin.

Even when prescribed, opiates take a toll on the body, both physically and mentally. Users who try to stop opiates on their own and/or go “cold turkey” are usually unsuccessful in maintaining their recovery from opiates. At Huntington Beach Detox, we believe the best way to detox from opiates is to enroll in a medically-assisted detox program for opiate detox.

Opiate Detox

An opiate detox begins with an assessment. In the assessment, a medical, clinical, and use history are given in order to determine the best route of treatment. Based on this assessment, a medical team develops an individualized treatment plan that is designed to ease withdrawal symptoms and provide comfort during your opiate detox.

At Huntington Beach Detox, we strive to make patients as comfortable as possible and offer medications to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal. Our medical team will monitor your progress and be on hand 24/7 to ensure you are being properly cared for during your detox. We want to ensure your body is stabilized and your discomfort is as low as possible.

What is an Opiate?

Opiates and Opioids include a variety of drugs ranging from prescription medications such as codeine, fentanyl and morphine to illegal drugs such as heroin. Opiates depress the central nervous system and users report a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. An opiate is derived from the poppy plant and has been around for thousands of years. Some opiates derive from opium, while other opiates are manufactured to have the same chemical structure as opium.

Opiate VS Opioid

Most commonly, opiates refer to prescription medications used for pain management. However, there is a distinction between opiates and opioids. As mentioned above, an opiate is a drug that occurs naturally via the opium poppy plant. Opiates include heroin, morphine, and codeine.

Opioid is a broader term that includes opiates and refers to any substance, natural or synthetic, that binds to the brain’s opioid receptors. The opioid receptors are parts of the brain that are responsible for controlling pain and reward systems. Examples of synthetic opiates include hydrocodone (Vicodin) and oxycodone (OxyContin), as well as fentanyl. All opiates are opioids, but not all opioids are opiates. Although opiates may be natural, they are highly addictive and have the potential to be abused. Heroin is one of the most common forms of opiates that are highly addictive.

Some of the most common Opiates & Opioids include the following:

Opium

 

Codeine

 

Heroin

 

Morphine

 

Fentanyl

 

Suboxone

 

OxyContin

 

Methadone

 

Hydrocodone

 

Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

The symptoms of opiate withdrawal will begin after stopping or decreasing the use of an opiate. Individuals who use opiates develop a strong physical, mental, and emotional dependence and need to continuing using the drug in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Many times, an individual will fear opiate detox because of the symptoms involved in stopping.

In most instances, individuals who use opiates develop a tolerance and need to use more of the drug to achieve the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms will typically begin within 12 hours of the last dose. Early signs of opiate withdrawal include fatigue and frequent yawning. In time, the user will experience muscle aches, sweats, anxiety, and intense cravings to use again.

The symptoms of opiate withdrawal include:

  • High fever
  • Sweating
  • Intense cravings
  • Muscle pain and spasms
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Abdominal pain
  • Cold sweats
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Agitation
  • Suicidal ideations
  • Diarrhea

How to Manage Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

In order to manage the symptoms of an opiate withdrawal, it is recommended to enroll in an opiate detox program. Individuals typically cannot stop using on their own and/or try to stop using on their own and fail. A medically-assisted detox will help the individual manage their withdrawal symptoms in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. Medical professionals will administer medications to ease the symptoms of withdrawal and the individual will be monitored on a 24/7 basis. The pain and discomfort of opiate withdrawal can be reduced and managed in an opiate detox program.

How to Prevent Relapse

Inpatient opiate detox is the first step in an individual’s journey to recovery. Opiate users have a high rate of relapse and have difficulty staying sober. It is important to attend an inpatient treatment program immediately after detox. In these programs, individuals will have the chance to further address the emotional and mental dependence of their substance-use. An opiate user must learn how to live a life free of opiates. In order to accomplish this, routines and habits must change. The behaviors of their addiction need to be addressed and any co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, or trauma should be dealt with through clinical services and substance abuse therapies.

Many opiate users report feeling triggered to use. A trigger is a person, place, or thing that acts as a reminder of the individuals addiction. Triggers can range from friends who they used with, to homes where they used, to paraphilia, to entertainment, or to familiar routes and routines. One of the aspects that is covered in an inpatient treatment program is relapse prevention. Often a list of triggers is created by the individual so they can identify what they may need to avoid.

Opiate Addiction Recovery

Addiction claims thousands of lives and the opiate epidemic is responsible for the number one leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Opiate dependence typically gets worse, not better. However, opiate addiction can be treated and recovery is possible.

The medical team at Huntington Beach Detox will ensure your opiate detox is as safe and comfortable as possible. We will be there with you 24/7 as you go through youropiate detox. We will manage your physical symptoms and prescribe medications that will help to reduce the effects of withdrawal.

If you or a loved one is suffering from an opiate addiction, please call Huntington Beach Detox in Orange County. Our trained counselors and intake specialists are available 24/7. Call us now, and reclaim your life at (855) 790-7418