Opiates such as heroin and prescription painkillers are highly addictive can cause severe dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms. This severe dependence and fear of painful withdrawal symptoms can lead many addicts to avoid opiate addiction treatment, but undergoing supervised detox at an opiate drug rehab can help alleviate and even eliminate many of the severe withdrawal symptoms.
Opiate Detox: Withdrawal Symptoms
The goal of opiate detox is to rid the body of all toxins left behind by the opiate use. During the initial stages of detoxification, physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms will appear. These symptoms are very uncomfortable and usually start within 12 hours of your last dose.
Opiate withdrawal symptoms include:
* Agitation
* Anxiety
* Muscle aches
* Insomnia
* Runny nose
* Sweating
* Abdominal cramping
* Diarrhea
* Goose bumps
* Nausea/Vomiting
During opiate detox, certain medications may be used to help minimize withdrawal symptoms. The most common medications used during opiate detox and after to help prevent relapse are methadone, chlondine, buprenorphine and suboxone.
Opiate Detox: Getting Treatment
After detox, successful treatment can begin. Treating opiate addiction involves a variety of treatments, including medications and behavioral therapies. Opiate addiction treatment often begins with medically assisted detox in order to help the patient safely withdraw from the drug; however, detox alone is not a treatment and is not effective in preventing relapse. If you’re serious about recovery, you should find an opiate detox center that incorporates counseling and therapy during detox to help with psychological components of your addiction as well.
The most effective treatment for opiate addiction is a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the physical effects of the opiate addiction, but the psychological effects as well. A comprehensive approach that combines behavioral therapy, individual counseling, 12-Step support, drug testing, dual diagnosis and positive reinforcement has been shown to be the most effective way to reduce opiate abuse. Some opiate rehab centers will also introduce holistic therapies such as yoga, acupuncture and equine therapies to help you reconnect your body, mind and spirit — all areas that are damaged by addiction.
When seeking treatment for opiate addiction, it is often best to receive care at a residential treatment center and continue your first few months of recovery at a sober living facility.
There are many benefits of residential treatment, but perhaps the biggest benefit is that it provides a structured environment that’s free of temptations and distractions. Residential treatment for opiate addiction provides round-the-clock care and support to help you focus on your recovery and teach you the skills needed to live a drug-free life. It also provides a temporary escape from the daily stresses and responsibilities of home, work, family and other relationships so you can solely focus on recovery.
Opiate Detox: After Treatment
The point of opiate detox and treatment is to rid the body of all residual opiate toxins and to treat the physical and psychological addiction to opiate. Even after treatment, though, relapse may occur. This is an unfortunate reality of recovery, but it is one that can be minimized through aftercare programs.
When choosing an opiate rehab, choose one that offers aftercare programs to help you work through the difficult first months of sobriety and maintain your sobriety. Effective aftercare can include continuing outpatient therapy through weekly phone calls or in-person visits, or through joining a support group such as Narcotics Anonymous. Sober living is often a good follow-up to any effective opiate rehab center. It allows you to live in a clean, sober environment so that you can re-learn how to live a life without drugs and alcohol during the delicate first months of recovery. Sober living is often recommended for people who have just completed residential treatment and are at risk for relapsing if they return home.
If opiate addiction has a hold of your life or the life of a loved one, an opiate rehab center can finally set you free. Call one today and start the healing process.
About the author
