Detox, short for detoxification, is often the first step in the opioid addiction<\/a> recovery process. During this difficult and uncomfortable time, the body cleanses itself of the drugs a person has been using. Throughout opiate addiction, the body develops a dependence on opiates, meaning that there will be unpleasant withdrawal symptoms during detox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Detox programs are a necessary part of treatment. Because opioid withdrawal can cause dangerous complications, it is important that detox happens at a facility staffed with medical professionals<\/a> who can treat any such complications. A facility specializing in opiate detox makes the process safer; it also provides comfort as they undergo the challenges of withdrawing from these addictive drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stopping or decreasing the number of opiates a person takes causes specific physical and psychological symptoms known as withdrawal symptoms. Using higher doses of opiates<\/a>, especially over long periods, tends to worsen these withdrawal symptoms. Initial symptoms of opioid withdrawal can begin within the first day of detoxification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Physical and psychological symptoms<\/a> may include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n More intense and longer-lasting symptoms may include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Detox and withdrawal may be the toughest parts of overcoming the disease of opioid addiction<\/a>. The Recovery Village\u2019s accredited treatment facilities<\/a> help mitigate risks involved with detox while keeping patients as comfortable as possible as they begin recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most opioid withdrawal symptoms start within the first 24 hours<\/a> after a person stops using opiates, but they may appear as soon as 8 hours after a person discontinues use. According to NCBI, withdrawal tends to last a total of four to 10 days<\/a>, but each person\u2019s timeline may vary. Most withdrawal processes, however, steer along a similar trajectory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable or even painful. It\u2019s important to remember, however, that the discomfort is only temporary. Because of this temporary discomfort, relapse is very likely to occur during the first two or three days of withdrawal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Opiates have one of the toughest withdrawal processes. The physical effects of the withdrawal period are fairly short, compared to the mental symptoms that may persist. The withdrawal timeline and experience is different for everyone. However, most cases are similar enough that a basic outline of how long opioid withdrawal symptoms will last can be established.<\/p>\n\n\n Symptoms of the initial phase of withdrawal (days 1 to 3) often include:<\/p>\n After the first phase of withdrawal, most of the intense symptoms will typically have subsided. At this point, people are likely to experience:<\/p>\n It\u2019s not unusual for some mild symptoms to linger; however, focusing on the goal of recovery and using coping mechanisms like exercise and healthy eating can help tremendously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Undergoing detox at an accredited facility is of the utmost importance to maintain a person\u2019s health and safety. When someone enrolls in opioid detox at one of The Recovery Village\u2019s facilities<\/a>, doctors and staff will help the person feel as comfortable as possible during withdrawal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Opioid overdose<\/a> is a possibility for people who misuse prescription or illicit opioids. Because opiates trigger receptors in the part of the brain that regulates breathing, high doses of opiates can interrupt, and even stop, a person\u2019s breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drug overdose can be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911<\/a> immediately. Do NOT be afraid to seek help. If you do not have access to a phone contact Web Poison Control Services<\/a> for online assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important overdose symptoms to look for are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n People who are at high risk of opioid overdose<\/a> are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional risk factors for opiate overdose include<\/a> having recently been released from the hospital after an overdose, recently being released from jail or prison while having a history of opiate abuse, and recently completing a detox program. The reason the risk is higher<\/a> at these times is that people have reduced tolerance for opiates when they have been in a treatment setting or incarceration facility. If they return to using again, they may use more than intended and overdose. This is why ongoing treatment is especially critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of the advent of opioid overdose antidotes like Narcan, a brand-name version of naloxone, a non-fatal opiate overdose<\/a> is possible. Naloxone is a commonly-used antidote to opioid overdose that can be delivered intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or intranasally. It is effective because it is an opiate antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opiates, including respiratory depression. While the drug may help reverse an opioid overdose, immediate medical attention should be sought after its use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related Topic:<\/strong> Narcan 101: How to Save a Life in an Emergency<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Detox can take anywhere from a day to a week to complete, depending on the severity of the opioid dependence. It can be an uncomfortable experience because opiates rewire the brain to think it needs these drugs to function properly. Once the opioids are removed, the body can have a volatile reaction, which the person will experience as withdrawal symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The detox process involves three main steps: evaluation, detoxification and transitioning to further treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n During the evaluation phase at The Recovery Village, members of the medical and clinical teams will evaluate the patient to determine the extent of his or her addiction. Then the patient receives a customized treatment plan based on specific needs. This plan may include treatment for a dual diagnosis when a person experiences substance use disorder and another mental health condition at the same time.<\/p>\n The evaluation process at The Recovery Village involves tests like:<\/strong><\/p>\n During the detoxification phase, The Recovery Village strives to make patients as comfortable as possible during withdrawal. During this critical phase, medical professionals carefully monitor each patient, ensuring the medical stabilization of the body. Depending on a person\u2019s needs, the medical team may give the person taper medications or detox drugs to ease discomfort.<\/p>\n There are several different ways to detox from opiates. Many people who try to quit opiates on their own stop cold turkey, or all at once. However, this is one of the most dangerous and least effective ways to overcome addiction. The sudden removal of opiates can shock the system and result in dangerous symptoms like convulsions, hallucinations, and seizures.<\/p>\n Home detox kits that contain vitamins, herbs and minerals are available at drugstores and online for purchase. Many individuals preparing for home detox purchase such kits with good intentions. However, they are rarely successful in overcoming the disease because the kits do not address the deep-rooted psychological and behavioral issues associated with opiate use.<\/p>\n For this reason, medically supervised detox is preferential. A person can undergo detox in many settings, including:<\/strong><\/p>\n Addiction treatment professionals usually recommend that people detox in a medically-supervised setting because it can be a dangerous process. Complications can include aspirating vomit or breathing it into the lungs, leading to lung infection or asphyxiation. Excessive vomiting, sweating and diarrhea can also cause dehydration, leading to chemical and mineral imbalances and possibly causing seizures. Undergoing detox at an accredited facility like The Recovery Village mitigates all of these risks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tArticle at a Glance: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Symptoms of Opiate Withdrawal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Long Do Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
What Are the Signs of an Opioid Overdose?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Detox from Opioids at a Medical Facility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n