Opiate Detox

Opiate Detox

Opiates are highly addictive drugs that come coupled with physical symptoms of withdrawal. Addicts who try and stop using drugs of this classification on their own can suffer a number of uncomfortable symptoms which include:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Uncontrolled sweating
• Anxiety
• Teary eyes and yawning
• Insomnia and problems sleeping
• Achy muscles

Most opiate addicts will experience at least some of the above symptoms, but there are even more that can surface at a later stage of drug withdrawal, such as:

• Dilated pupils
• Goosebumps and shivers
• Stomach cramps
• Depression and other psychological symptoms

Depending on the specific opiate abused, opiate withdrawal symptoms can surface within 24 hours of the last dose. The duration that the symptoms last can also vary greatly.

How Is Opiate Withdrawal Treated?

In drug detox, the above symptoms of withdrawal are controlled with medications. The primary option used to alleviate the uncomfortable effects of withdrawal is methadone. It can keep symptoms at bay; however, it is required that addicts slowly wean themselves off this drug as well.  Additional drugs that opiate addicts may be given for detox include:

• Clonidine
  This medication can treat a wide number of symptoms from opiate withdrawal, including achy muscles, anxiety, sweating, stomach cramps and runny nose.
• Buprenorphine
  This is another class of drugs that can be used to treat opiate withdrawal. It comes coupled with fewer risks of dependency and can be used for long-term maintenance successfully.

There is one additional treatment option for opiate withdrawal that is known as rapid opiate detox. This is a detox option that is highly controversial as it puts the body at risk for health complications. Addicts have amnesia administered and experience withdrawal quickly but that can create great physical danger. Slower detox methods are generally recommended to ensure the addict’s utmost safety.

Can Opiate Detox Be Done at Home?

There are some addicts who think they may prefer the option of detoxing at home from opiate abuse. However, there are risks due to the mental health side effects and the physical symptoms of withdrawal that have an effect on the addict’s overall well-being. It is not recommended that addicts go through the process without medical monitoring, so doing it at home is not the wisest idea.

There is, however, a detox option that does not require addicts to move into a hospital or rehab facility. Opiate addicts have the option to try an outpatient detox center. A program like this works by having addicts come in to pick up their prescription medication every day (or as required) from a rehab center or pharmacy. They take it on site and are also medically examined if it is necessary. Addicts cannot take their prescriptions home as many of them can be abused.

Using outpatient detox means that addicts have to commit to getting their medication daily, but otherwise they can lead their lives as they normally would. This is a more suitable option for those with shorter-term withdrawal experiences and more minor withdrawal symptoms.

Where Can You Find Opiate Detox?

Opiate detox is offered by many private rehab facilities as well as public programs. Even the criminal justice system has the capability of treating opiate addiction. Since abuse of opiates is so widespread, there are many different treatment structures that offer opiate withdrawal programs.