Opiates are a class of drug doctors prescribe for pain relief. However, they are highly addictive. Heroin, morphine, and many prescription painkillers all fall within the opiate category. To end opiate reliance for good, you’ll need to go through detox first. Take a closer look at what an opiate detox program consists of, how long it lasts, and what comes next once it is complete.
The Need for a Medically Supervised Detox
If you’re serious about seeking opiate addiction treatment, detox isn’t an optional part of the plan. The process involves permanently ending opiate consumption. This is a logical first step on the road to lasting recovery and freedom from addiction.
When you stop using opiates and begin detox, the body starts going through withdrawal. This is, quite literally, how your body and your brain cope with the process of ending opiate use. It may be unpleasant, and in rare cases, very dangerous.
To end addiction, detox and withdrawal are inevitable. However, there are ways to minimize risks and discomfort. Instead of trying to complete a DIY detox at home, you can always complete a medically supervised detox. Having 24/7 medical support makes the whole thing easier, safer, and ultimately more successful.
What to Expect During Detox
Detox can be slightly different depending on the individual. However, there are a number of common withdrawal symptoms for everyone in the midst of an opiate detox program. These symptoms can be physical, emotional, and psychological. Knowing and understanding what can happen prepares you for the symptoms of detox.
Most opiate withdrawal symptoms are mild and very common. Typically, they tend to be physical. Many people say it’s similar to having a case of the flu. Thus, you might experience watery eyes, a fever, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping during the process.
While the more common symptoms of withdrawal might not be severe, there are some rare symptoms that need careful monitoring. For example, it’s possible for clients to experience depression, anxiety, paranoia, or seizures. Medical care is vital for these more extreme symptoms. This is why no one should ever attempt to detox from opiates alone.
Average Duration of Opiate Withdrawal
It’s normal to wonder exactly how long an opiate detox program will last. Unfortunately, this is difficult to answer. Every individual client has their own addiction history and health concerns that could change the length of withdrawal. On average, however, the worst of symptoms tend to last just one week for opiate users.
Just eight or nine hours after detox begins, clients may start to experience withdrawal symptoms. These grow in severity until 72 hours into the detox, which is when they will peak. The good news is that symptoms will recede after this point until they disappear completely.
After an Opiate Detox Program: Trust Steps to Recovery
Drug addiction help is about a lot more than just a detox. Once withdrawal is complete, you can begin treatment at Steps to Recovery. With an extensive and custom treatment plan, you’ll be able to prevent future relapse. Our comprehensive treatment methods include:
- One-on-one addiction counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Dual diagnosis options
An opiate detox program is the first step toward freedom from addiction. After detox, solidify the progress you’ve made with treatment at Steps to Recovery in Levittown, Pennsylvania. Contact Steps to Recovery at 267.719.8528 to start making strides toward sobriety, recovery, and better health today.