UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF OPIOID DETOX
Opioids, narcotics prescribed to relieve pain after injury or surgery, can cause physical dependence. While some opioid users become addicted after prescribed use, others suffer addiction after taking narcotics that were not prescribed for them.
After taking the drug for a while, some individuals find that when they stop or cut back, they experience withdrawal symptoms, causing them to increase their reliance on the drug. Over time, more of the drug is needed to produce the same effect.
When opioid drug use is stopped, the body experiences uncomfortable or even severe withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Bone and muscle pain
- Sweating and chills
- Anxiety, insomnia, and irritability
- Racing heart and high blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
The severity, onset, and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary based on several factors, including the length of time an individual has used opioids, the dosages taken, and the frequency of use. Unfortunately, these symptoms can lead to relapse in many cases, creating a vicious cycle for opioid addiction sufferers.
That’s why a medically supervised opioid detox program is a necessary first step in recovery. At our opioid detox center in Arizona, patients can get through the withdrawal process safely and with the least amount of discomfort by utilizing medication to help with opioid withdrawal.
Opioid withdrawal medication can reduce the patient’s discomfort and treat sleep problems and symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Antidepressants may also be prescribed as needed. Additionally, our opioid withdrawal treatment can help prevent relapse by:
- Providing a structured, daily routine
- Removing common triggers that led patients to opioid use
- Giving patients a supportive peer network
- Providing therapeutic options to develop and hone healthy coping mechanisms
Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
Are you or a loved one suffering from opioid addiction? An opioid detox program may be right for you if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:
- Strong cravings for the drug
- Drug tolerance that results in using more than intended or for longer than intended
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use is curtailed or slowed
- Continuing to take opioids even after negative results
- Interference with normal life activities, resulting in the user avoiding work or social situations
- Taking opioids while performing potentially dangerous activities such as driving
- Spending a significant amount of time getting, using or taking the drug
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A BUENA VISTA OPIOID DETOX PROGRAM
Upon arrival at our opioid detox center, our nursing and medical staff will guide you through the intake process, gather your medical history, and assess your physical and mental health.
After conducting a thorough physical exam, blood tests, and psychological testing, our medical team may prescribe opioid withdrawal meds to relieve withdrawal symptoms while also managing cravings. Additionally, we’ll set up a medical plan tailored to fit your individual needs to help you through the detox process.
At Buena Vista, we go above and beyond the standard care you’ll find at a typical campus. Our campuses include patient benefits like:
- Gourmet snacks and foods
- Smoking access for clients 21 and older
- Individual case managers
- Regular individual and group therapy sessions with licensed, master-level therapists
- Private rooms while in Inpatient Residential
- Daily visits with your team of doctors
- Netflix access
- Aftercare and transition planning
While opioid detoxification is never pleasant, the experienced medical professionals at Buena Vista are committed to making our patients comfortable during the process.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DETOX?
Our opioid detox program helps you get through detoxification and is the first step toward a full, lasting recovery. However, detox alone isn’t a long-term solution because you’ll still need to build the coping skills and support networks necessary to prevent relapse in the future.
We recommend transitioning from a medically supervised opioid detox to one of our long-term treatment programs, such as:
- Substance Abuse Treatment Therapy: An opioid detox alleviates your physical dependency on opioids, but social and psychological factors can remain. Treatment therapies like our 12-step program, cognitive behavioral therapy, and individual counseling help you continue your journey to sobriety and lessen the risk of relapse.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT is the use of medicines in addition to counseling or in-patient treatments to help sustain a patient’s recovery and prevent relapses. These medications can help relieve psychological cravings, block the euphoric effects of opioids, and help normalize your brain chemistry.
