Opioid Detox: Safe and Effective Treatment Options Available

You should consider a promising opioid detox center if you have used high doses of opioids and developed physical dependence. Physical dependence occurs when reducing the dose or stopping the drug causes uncomfortable symptoms, affecting your ability to function normally.

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What Are Prescription Opioids

Prescription opioids are potent pain medications used to treat moderate to severe pain. Sometimes, doctors may also use them to treat cough and other mild symptoms. As the name suggests, these drugs are available only with a doctor’s prescription. Therefore, they are not considered against the law, like heroin.

Common Prescription Opioids Include

Oxycontin

(Oxycodone)

Vicodin

(Hydrocodone & Acetaminophen)

Dilaudid

(Hydromorphone)

Roxanol

(Morphine)

Prescription Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Most users will experience the following effects, usually with 24 hours after the last intake.

Restlessness

Anxiety

Muscle Spasms

Insomnia

Vomiting

Runny Nose

Sweating

Abdominal Cramps

Changes in Blood Pressure

Irritability

Constricted Pupils

Diarrhea

Nausea

Shaking

Agitation

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Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

Detox or withdrawal symptoms can be mild or severe. The severity depends on the dose and duration of opioid use. Besides, your health, underlying medical condition, and method of use can affect the intensity of the symptoms.

3 to 4 Hours After Last Intake

A person develops anxiety or fear, anticipating the upcoming withdrawal symptoms. Some people may have increased cravings.

8 to 10 Hours After

Increased anxiety and restlessness are the hallmarks of this stage. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, sweating, stomach aches, and cravings.

1 to 3 Days After

Most symptoms reach their peak, and a person has intense cravings. Additional symptoms can include shaking, muscle spasms, diarrhea, sleep difficulty, and elevated blood pressure.

Up to 1 Year After

During this period, most acute symptoms no longer persist. However, one may experience mood swings, cravings, unusual dreams, anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, and problems with concentration. Usually, the symptoms are mild, but even a minor trigger can make a person relapse.

Abruptly stopping opioids can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and other health consequences.

Addiction experts recommend medically assisted detox because detoxing on your own is very hard and can sometimes be dangerous. The National Drug and Alcohol Research Center reports that opioid withdrawal can cause death. Fortunately, detoxing under medical supervision dramatically reduces the risk of complications, including death. Moreover, medications used in prescription opioid detox are available only with a doctor’s prescription and require trained professionals to administer them. As such, at-home detox is not possible in these cases.

What Happens During Opioid Detox Programs

It is often your doctor who refers you to an opioid detox center. Detox centers have a medical team assessing your condition and designing a customized detox plan to meet your unique needs. Opioid detox programs involve medications, counseling, and nutritional support. These programs are available in both inpatient and outpatient facilities.

Tapering

Tapering is a detox technique in which your dose is gradually reduced until you no longer need the drug. Besides, it may be an option if you are maintained on an opioid maintenance drug, such as methadone or buprenorphine. However, tapering should be done only under medical supervision.

Detox Medications

Mild withdrawal is usually managed with Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Aspirin (Ascriptin), or Ibuprofen (Advil). You may need to take drugs to control diarrhea and nausea, such as Loperamide (Imodium) and Hydroxyzine (Vistaril). Apart from medicines, it is essential to get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids. Severe withdrawal requires medical treatment at a facility and can involve the following medicines.

Clonidine

A prescription medication used to treat hypertension, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sometimes symptoms of withdrawal from certain drugs. It has also been found to be effective in treating opioid addiction by reducing cravings and decreasing the incidence of relapse.

Buprenorphine

Also known as Subutex, it helps shorten the duration of detox. Like methadone, buprenorphine can also be used for long-term maintenance therapy.

Naltrexone

It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, making it so that opioids do not produce a high when used. It drastically reduces craving and reduces relapse risk among individuals who have had trouble abstaining from these substances. Studies have also shown that naltrexone can be used safely and effectively for both short-term and long-term medical therapy for those suffering from addiction.

Nutritional Support

Death during prescription opioid detox can occur due to dehydration from persistent diarrhea and vomiting. If untreated, severe dehydration can result in high blood sodium levels and heart failure.

Thus, maintaining proper hydration is key to preventing dehydration and related complications. If you have severe dehydration, you may need intravenous (IV) fluids and salts.

Opiod Addiction Treatment

After completing an opioid addiction treatment program, most people need long-term treatment, including:

Self-help groups, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery
Outpatient counseling
Intensive outpatient treatment (day hospitalization)
Inpatient Treatment
Screening for depression and other mental disorders

When choosing the most appropriate detox program, it is crucial to consider the required level of care, insurance coverage, and commitment. Silicon Valley Recovery is the most comprehensive opioid detox center to help you at every step of your recovery process.

FAQs

What is medically assisted detox?

Medically assisted detox is a process where medical professionals help individuals safely withdraw from substances. It involves the use of medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure comfort. This approach is crucial for reducing health risks associated with detoxification and provides a supportive environment for individuals beginning their recovery journey.

What is the timeline for opioid withdrawal?

Opioid withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 6-12 hours for short-acting opioids and 30 hours for long-acting ones. The acute phase peaks around 72 hours and can last up to a week. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) may persist for weeks or months, including mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. The timeline can vary based on factors like the type of opioid used and individual health conditions.

What is a medical clearance for detoxification?

A medical clearance for detoxification is an evaluation by a healthcare professional to determine if an individual is medically stable to undergo detox. It involves assessing the person’s physical and mental health, reviewing their medical history, and identifying any potential risks or complications. This process ensures that detox can be conducted safely, minimizing health risks during withdrawal.

What does opioid detox consist of?

Opioid detox involves a medically supervised process to safely manage withdrawal symptoms when stopping opioid use. It typically includes a combination of medication-assisted treatment, such as methadone or buprenorphine, to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, along with supportive care and counseling to address psychological aspects and prepare for ongoing treatment and recovery.

How long does a withdrawal take?

Withdrawal times can vary depending on the method used. Bank transfers typically take 3-5 business days, while credit or debit card withdrawals may take 1-3 business days. E-wallets often process within 24 hours. Processing times can be affected by verification requirements or banking hours. Always check with your provider for specific timelines related to your account and withdrawal method.

What medications are used for opioid withdrawal?

Medications used for opioid withdrawal include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Methadone and buprenorphine help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings by acting on the same brain receptors as opioids. Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, preventing the effects of opioids. These medications are often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and support.