Opioids are synthesized from the opium poppy plant. Several of these drugs are commonly prescribed for pain relief – and while they’re effective, they’re also highly addictive. People form a dependence on opioids because these drugs decrease physical tension and mental anxiety and promote feelings of euphoria. Common opioids include codeine, heroin, fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone. Opioid addiction withdrawal treatment programs are essential because drug tolerance builds, opioid overdose deaths are not uncommon.
Withdrawal symptoms can be painful and debilitating. Many people resist letting go of their addiction because of this. However, medical detox can keep patients focused on recovery and maintaining sobriety by providing care that keeps them comfortable.
If you or someone you care about is ready to get sober and start recovery, contact United Recovery Project’s detox center online or call 833.525.0166 to find out more about our opioid detox center and offered treatments.
What Are the Signs of Opioid Addiction Withdrawal?
The length of time a patient experiences withdrawal symptoms and the symptoms’ severity and intensity will vary depending on what type of opioid was abused, how long the addiction had been going on, and other health conditions. Nevertheless, opioid withdrawal will take a serious toll on any patient’s physical and mental health.
Withdrawal symptoms will likely occur within hours of taking the last dose, although the most severe symptoms will start to subside after about a week. Some withdrawal symptoms can keep on occurring for up to a month.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can very closely mimic a case of the common flu. Some physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal include:
- Abdominal cramping and diarrhea
- Dilated pupils and overproductive tear ducts
- Excessive yawning and insomnia
- Fatigue and headaches
- High blood pressure
- Muscle aches and restless limbs
- Runny nose
- Sweating, clammy skin, and goosebumps
- Vomiting
Many patients will also suffer from psychological withdrawal symptoms, which include:
- Agitation and irritability
- Anxiety and depression
- Distorted thinking
- Mood swings
- Opioid cravings
People going through opioid withdrawal can also suffer from aspiration, dehydration, cardiac distress, extreme discomfort, and relapse – which can all be treated by a medical team at a medical detox center.
Why Medical Detox Is Safer and Healthier
Medical detox can minimize the dangerous risks of detox and eventual withdrawal. A medical team can safely care for patients during this first step in their recovery – a very vulnerable time. Most medical detox programs are also inpatient ones, which means that patients will be supervised and held accountable round-the-clock. Any life-threatening medical emergencies will also be properly taken care of by professionals.
When someone checks into an opioid detox center, their medical and opioid use history will be evaluated. The medical team will develop a personalized detox and treatment plan for each patient, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and mental health help and emotional support.
Some medical detox plans may include tapering by giving patients medications like naloxone and buprenorphine – this practice can help wean patients off opioids and deal with some very severe withdrawal symptoms. These drugs bind to the same receptors in the brain that opioids connect with without giving patients feelings of euphoria.
Once a patient’s been stabilized, the medical team will often encourage a patient to attend a substance abuse detox program or take advantage of another aftercare program that suits their needs.
What to Expect From an Opioid Addiction Treatment Program
Detox is a short-term treatment. Someone wanting to stay sober will need more professional help. Once a patient’s body has been cleared of drugs, they may initially feel better –, but their addiction has not yet been treated.
There is no cure for opioid use disorder, but it can be managed by an opioid addiction treatment program – whether it’s inpatient or outpatient. For those with lingering withdrawal symptoms, residential treatment might be a good choice to take care of their health.
Many drug detox programs include different tools, techniques, and therapies to customize treatments for each patient.
Learn More About United Recovery Project’s Opioid Addiction Treatment Program
Are you or someone you care about looking for an opioid detox center offering opioid addiction withdrawal treatment and other programs? Contact the detox center United Recovery Project online or call 833.525.0166 to learn more about how we can help our patients heal from opioid addiction.
