One of the most common first stops for anyone considering a long-term recovery from their opioid use is often a medical detoxification facility. Opioids could be anything from prescribed painkillers to illegal drugs like heroin and synthetic fentanyl. For those undergoing the challenges that come with quitting opioids-withdrawal and cravings-medical detox offers professionals and structure as the body withdraws from opioid substances.
Here’s more to know about what to expect during medical detox. Each person’s experience differs but typically it consists of; appraisal, treatment of withdrawal symptoms, medical attention and the development of a treatment plan.
In this blog, we will talk about What Happens During Medical Detox for Opioid Addiction.
What is Medical Detox?
A medical detox (also known as a “ supervised detox” or “ detox management”) refers to the medically assisted management of withdrawal during opioid cessation or reduction. The medical detox process in and of itself is unlikely to “cure” the causes of the addiction.
It is designed to facilitate a safe transition to the subsequent stages of treatment.
Healthcare professionals involved in a medical detox will supervise symptoms as well as prescribe medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms and minimize cravings. Beyond facilitating comfort, Medical Detox is vital to minimize risks associated with withdrawal as well as facilitate enough stability for an individual to engage successfully in ongoing treatment programs.
Before The Detox Starts?
Medical and Psychological Evaluation: Detox usually begins with thorough medical and psychological evaluations. Treatment providers will likely ask patients about the specific opioid used, how often the person takes it, how much the person takes and the last time the person used it.
Treatment providers will likely also ask whether the patient use other types of drugs or medication, whether the person has previously used drugs or taken medication before and how the person experienced a withdrawal from use of the other drugs and medications.
A physical check and relevant lab tests that the health care providers will undergo to determine any of other related conditions. Medical and psychological assessment also includes determination on the patient’s mental health, situation and what types of recovery the patient needs to improve his or her health and situation. This type of detailed patient information will determine their individualized detox and treatment plans.
Step 1: The beginning of withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal can start after it becomes more difficult to access opioids and you begin to use it less. What a drug does and how long it takes to get rid of it, plus your specific lifestyle and patterns of use will make the timeline different for different people.
Initial withdrawal symptoms include; increased anxiousness, restlessness, increased sweating, aches in the body, runny nose, yawning and trouble with sleep. Abdominal pain/cramping and sickness can sometimes also occur along with diarrhea. Opioid withdrawal is sometimes viewed not as dangerous as other withdrawals due to symptoms but it can be very debilitating.
Severe symptoms may even increase the risk of dehydration and relapse.
Support from a medical perspective might ease these times of withdrawal for the individual taking the drug.
How Meds Work for Detox
Meds play a role in many opioid detox programs. These can include buprenorphine or methadone prescribed under medical supervision to help with withdrawals and urges. These drugs work with the body’s opioid receptors in a certain way so that the person can be stabilized without experiencing the intoxicated state of drug abuse.
Medications can also be given for sleep issues, pain, or gastrointestinal upset.
It’s vital that a qualified physician determine what types of meds, if any, should be used as all people are different and this factor determines a prescription plan.
Monitoring while going through medical detox
Medical professionals will continuously assess the person’s physical and emotional status while he/she is undergoing detox. Regular monitoring of bodily signs, hydration and withdrawal will be performed. Medical professionals will monitor for and evaluate complications along with any changes to the person’s mental state.
In addition, the person may receive IV’s, nutrition and rest while being supported for symptoms while needed.
Emotional support will be provided. Irritability, anxiety, and emotional distress can often be experienced while going through withdrawal and a trained professional’s presence can help them refrain from using opioid substances once more.
How long does it take to recover from a painkiller withdrawal?
Opioid withdrawals generally last a few days, and no single answer fits every situation. Withdrawal of more short-term acting painkillers may begin just a few hours after the final dose. Peak painkiller withdrawal will usually occur in the first few days of abstinence.
With longer-acting painkillers, this process may occur over a longer period of time. Other contributing factors include: what type of opiate was taken, how long you have been addicted and in what doses you have been taking them, and your overall health. Addicted users may be taking multiple different substances, which will again impact the detox timeline.
Once the physically agonizing symptoms have somewhat subsided, your cravings, coupled with psychological or emotional problems, may still arise. Therefore, overcoming withdrawals and completing detoxification shouldn’t mark the conclusion of drug treatment for anyone.
What Can Come Next?
Treatment plans Often the primary purpose of medical detox is to set an individual up for continuing care. As the physical withdrawal signs become more manageable, a medical team may help design a course of treatment.
Depending on an individual’s unique situation, this could involve medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, residential or outpatient care, one-on-one therapy, group therapy or behavioral therapies.
A longer treatment plan becomes crucial because detox is insufficient to address the psychological, behavioral and social drivers of addiction. In addition, ongoing care helps people develop techniques for combating cravings, avoiding triggers and finding healthy coping mechanisms for stress.
One of the struggles associated with detoxing is doing it on your own
Attempting to overcome your addiction by quitting the use of opioids independently without professional support is always going to make your experience of withdrawing far more uncomfortable and ultimately the commitment to maintain recovery far more difficult. Withdrawal is a period that can produce intense cravings and ultimately “turn people back” into the addiction to end it. Continuing to use the following detoxification could also lead to an overdose due to loss of tolerance after being drug-free for a period of time as the former high dose can lead to a serious overdose. Professional support makes this process less intimidating and the possibility of getting an adequate recovery connection afterwards can be maintained more strongly.
Is Medical Detox Part of Addiction Treatment?
No. Detox and addiction treatment are connected, but they’re different processes.
Detox: Primarily concerned with supporting the body in transitioning to the absence or reduction of substances.
Addiction treatment: Concerned with ongoing support to continue into long-term recovery, targeting cravings, behavior patterns, mental health issues, relationships, and the root causes of addiction. People often find they do best continuing treatment beyond medical detox once withdrawal is managed successfully.
In conclusion
Medical detox during opioid addiction offers assistance throughout one of the toughest stages of the treatment process. Medical assessment, management of withdrawal, and monitoring and prescription of medication as necessary are all achieved, bringing a person to a point of stability. The treatment process should then be continued.
Harbor Detox is a trusted and reputable detox center for opioid addictions and other addictions related to drugs and alcohol. Feel free to learn more in advance about the programs provided by the Harbor Detox for people dealing with addictions.
Harbor Detox Contact Information
Website: Harbor Detox
Phone: (888) 793-8002
Email: info@harbordetox.com
Address: 24832 La Paz Ave, Suite A, Dana Point, CA 92629, USA
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does medical detox for opioid addiction entail?
Medical detox is administered at a supervised center under a medical staff and allows you to safely get through the opioid withdrawal period while making it as comfortable as possible.
2. How much time does opioid detox typically take?
It may vary but it usually involves the intense phase of withdrawal to end within a few days.
3. What are the withdrawal signs during opioid detox?
General signs during detox include Sweating, muscle aches, anxiety, nausea, diarrhea and a strong craving for opioids.
4. Does medical detox involve medicines?
Opioid detox uses prescribed medicines which may include Suboxone or Methadone in order to deal with the withdrawal effects and the drug cravings.
5. Does it involve pain during opioid detox?
Though the withdrawal effects can cause discomfort, medical care and the medicine used may prevent most symptoms.
6. Can I detox at home?
You should consult with an expert before you discontinue use as managed care may produce a safer and better withdrawal.
7. Does medical detox fully treat addiction to opioids?
No, it’s often the first stage but long-term treatment is vital.
8. What are my treatment options post-detox?
Post-detox treatment includes possible continued treatment in a live-in facility, outpatient treatment, counseling, and drug therapy.
9. Can I experience life-threatening complications during opioid withdrawal?
Drug withdrawal is generally not life-threatening but dehydration can occur, as can some other less severe side effects.
10. Will my medical detox aid in preventing opioid relapse?
While it may offer stability and treatment, it is important to remember that it might not be enough alone to prevent cravings.
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