Opiate Detox
How Opiates Work
All opiates influence the brain in the same way. Structurally they are the same as the body’s endorphins, natural chemicals produced to cope with stress, pain, or panic. Continual use of opiates actually creates a change in the brain circuitry and inhibits the production of endorphins and other naturally occurring substances.
Opiates work on three areas of the brain and nervous system: 1) the limbic system (controls emotions), 2) the brain stem (controls automatic functions like breathing), and 3) the spinal cord (transmits sensations to the body). Opiates are routinely prescribed by pain management professionals without regard to the addictive nature of these powerful drugs. A patient can quickly become addicted, as it is easy to misuse the medications. However, opiate detoxification is not simple. Stopping “cold turkey” is never recommended.
Opiate Withdrawal
Once the opiates are removed, the brain’s neurological response is immediate. Within hours, the nervous system responds to the lack of opiates and begins the over-production of its own endorphins sending the body into withdrawal. The symptoms of opiate detox can be divided into two phases: phase 1) acute withdrawal and detoxification which occurs immediately, with “altered physiological function” lasting for a minimum of six months making supervision of opiate detox necessary; and phase 2) opiate detox and withdrawal in the second phase are characterized by psychological triggers. According to recent studies, these psychological triggers are very often related to metabolic changes in the body once opiate detoxification has occurred. That means the body is still adjusting to the opiate withdrawal, and physiological changes continue to occur. Both phases should, therefore, be monitored by licensed and knowledgeable medical personnel.
Vital Signs |
Withdrawal Symptoms |
Average Length of Detox |
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Fever
|
Muscle and bone pain,
Sweats and cold flashes, Diarrhea, Fatigue, Flu-like symptoms, vomiting
Irregular blood pressure, decreased heart rate, body temperature, myosis (pupil dilation), decreased respiratory function and a range of other symptoms |
Symptoms peak at varying times depending upon the drug.
Phase One: one week to six weeks.
Phase Two: begins six weeks to six months after detoxification |
Opiate detox symptoms can be managed with the proper dispensation of several drugs aimed at minimizing the physical sensations of withdrawal. Some examples include methadone (which may only be administered in a licensed drug treatment facility), clonidine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, and Suboxone. These medications are merely examples and do not reflect the specific drug that may be used for any individual opiate detoxification.
Opiate Detoxification Programs
The nature of opiate addiction cannot be taken lightly, nor can the process of withdrawal. It is highly recommended that you place yourself in a licensed detoxification facility where you can be fully evaluated and monitored during the detox process. This is crucial as pre-existing medical
conditions, as well as any psychological issues, will determine the detox treatment program. In many cases, the administering of medication to alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms must be performed in licensed facilities.
At Lakeview Health Systems, our 24-hour, 7-day-a-week medical staff is poised to help you move through your opiate detox process with all the attention you require. Your journey back to recovery begins with the correct detoxification program followed, as a necessity, by a drug treatment program.
Beyond Opiate Detoxification
Once you leave detox, it is strongly recommended that you receive a comprehensive drug treatment program. Lakeview Health Systems enables you to make a seamless transition from detoxification straight into our inpatient treatment programs. Our programs are custom tailored to your specific needs and drug addiction.
We approach recovery from a holistic perspective. We believe that once you “put down the drug,” you must still address the underlying reasons you used in the first place. To address these physiological and psychological issues, we have a structured program that supports you 100%, thus enabling you to examine your personal demons under the supervision of masters- level therapists and licensed physicians. Treatment includes individual and group therapy, 12-step programs, recreational activities, spiritual activities (if desired) and more.
We know from experience that every aspect of the addict’s life must be explored to ensure that he or she has a strong foundation to reintegrate into life’s daily activities. We arm you with tools to help move you through everyday stresses that can set off the desire to use. Knowledge is power. At Lakeview Health Systems, we are dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and understanding to help you regain your life through recovery.
Other Detoxification Programs that Lakeview Offers:
Take a monumental step. Reclaim your life and begin opiate detox now. Recovery and the rest of your life are just a phone call away. Pick up the phone and call our free Addiction Helpline, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 1-800-884-1727. You can also reach our Helpline by using Live Chat or through our Contact Us form.
