Opiate Detox

Opiates such as heroin, Vicodin and OxyContin are among the most highly addictive substances in the world. As such, breaking the cycle of opiate addiction requires serious professional help and a comprehensive approach to treatment that addresses every aspect of the dependence – both physical and psychological.

The physical component of opiate detox is addressed through detox. Detoxification is an essential part of the recovery process because it cleanses the individual of the harmful elements that have built up in their body over the course of their addiction.

WHO CAN BE HELPED BY OPIATE DETOX?

Any individual suffering from one of the following addictions can benefit from opiate detox:

• Heroin addiction
• Vicodin addiction (or Hydrocodone addiction)
• OxyContin addiction
• Opium addiction
• Methadone addiction
• Buprenorphine (Subutex/Suboxone) Addiction

WHAT GOES ON DURING OPIATE DETOX?

In most natural opiate detox programs, the individual will stop taking the drug in question while in the care of a professional. The professional is there to make sure that the individual stays healthy in mind and body during the process, which is likely to include uncomfortable and temporarily debilitating withdrawal symptoms.

WHAT ARE THE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH OPIATE DETOX?

An individual going through opiate detox is likely to experience several days’ worth of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are generally non-life threatening but they can cause a great deal of discomfort and have led more than one individual to relapse into drug use.

The most common opiate detox withdrawal symptoms are:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Fever and chills
• Goosebumps
• Sleeplessness and insomnia
• Restlessness
• Strong drug cravings
• Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting

These symptoms usually make their first appearance approximately 48 hours after the last dose of the opiate has been taken. They usually last for a period of 3-4 days but can go on longer based on the individual and the depth of his or her addiction.   They are common in the cases of heroin detox, Vicodin detox or OxyContin detox

OPIATE DETOX AND HEROIN ADDICTION

Individuals who have become addicted to heroin face another option in terms of detox. They may choose the "cold turkey" method (described above), dangerous and uncomfortable,  or a modern medical detox. Medical detox has the individual using a synthetic opiate such as Subutex to mirror the effects of raw heroin.

An older and less effective replacement treatment is the drug methadone. Professionals at a methadone clinic will administer the drug to the recovering addict in smaller and smaller doses over time, reducing their withdrawal symptoms and gently easing them off the drug-- but this methadone method has many serious drawbacks including a powerful cross addiction and advanced bone loss. We do not support or recommend methadone treatment.

It is also important to note that any detox process does not represent a full recovery from addiction – only the physical aspect. In order to achieve full recovery, an individual must also address the psychological dependence to the drug in question – which is achieved through counseling and aftercare.

Seasons Recovery Centers often employ the short term and state of art Subutex and Suboxone treatments  to ease the effects of withdrawal.  The goal of this treatment is to be off all of these drugs within 14 days.

WHERE DOES OPIATE DETOX TAKE PLACE?

Individuals will undergo opiate detoxification either at the drug rehab facility itself, or offsite in a hospital setting or at a stand-alone detox center.

Seasons Recovery Centers is one of the finest addiction treatment facilities in Southern California. Working with individuals who are addicted to opiates, Seasons employs a comprehensive treatment plan including state of art drug replacement therapy and holistic treatment that is designed to meet the unique needs of each person who comes through the door for treatment. So sure is Seasons about the quality of care they provide that they offer patients a guarantee that they will benefit from the process. For more information, contact Seasons today.