Taking opioid painkillers long-term can result in physical addiction. When people take too much or stop using them for extended periods of time, they may experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit “cold turkey.” These include nausea, vomiting, body aches, flu-like symptoms, sweating, chills, and agitation. These unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms can be avoided when detox is done under the care of a professional team in an environment that is safe and comfortable.
Opiates are a group of drugs derived from the poppy plant and are most commonly used as prescription painkillers. When abused in high doses, they can also produce feelings of euphoria. Opiates can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected, but many addicts prefer injecting because it provides the fastest and most intense feeling of pleasure. Regardless of how it is taken, opiate abuse can cause overdose which can be deadly.
Over the years, there have been a lot of different approaches to opiate addiction treatment, including detox and inpatient rehab. But there is no single method that is considered the best for everyone. Instead, it’s important for individuals struggling with opiate addiction to find the type of program that fits their unique needs and goals.
Detox is the first step in the process of recovering from an opiate addiction, and it’s often very challenging. Individuals who try to detox at home without professional help often end up relapsing shortly afterward because the detox process is uncomfortable and dangerous.
Medical detox programs use a combination of medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Medications can include buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid addiction in combination with counseling, and naltrexone to prevent relapse. Another common medication is methadone, which can be taken orally or injected. It’s usually combined with other medications like clonidine and anti-hypertensive medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation.
Depending on the specifics of an individual’s addiction, detox can last from a few hours to a few weeks or more. Once someone has successfully completed detox, they can move on to an inpatient rehab center where they’ll be able to learn how to avoid relapse and cope with addiction-related symptoms such as cravings and drug-seeking behaviors.
Inpatient rehab is typically more effective than outpatient rehabilitation because it offers round-the-clock support and treatment services. It’s particularly useful for those who struggle with opiate addiction because it can provide the resources and encouragement they need to overcome the obstacles they’ll face as they recover.
During inpatient rehabilitation, participants will participate in both one-on-one and group therapy sessions. They’ll also have the opportunity to learn the tools they need to live independently, avoid relapse, and maintain recovery in their daily lives. In addition to offering the physical and emotional support that’s needed to thrive, inpatient rehab also offers high levels of around-the-clock care to ensure safety and comfort. This is especially critical for those who have a history of substance use disorder or mental health issues that require additional support.
