If you've become addicted to opioids, it may be time to learn about opiate detox. Here, we'll talk about the symptoms, Timeline, Medication-assisted treatment, and Alternatives. Once you've learned more, you can begin your journey to recovery. But first, let's understand what opiate detox is. What is it? And what can it do for you? How long does it take?
Symptoms
If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction to prescription painkillers, opioid detox is an important next step. While many people find that their body can manage the withdrawal process with non-narcotic painkillers, some may require pharmaceutical interventions. Long-acting opioids and partial agonists can help manage withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings. These medications allow the body to maintain a normal level of opioid levels.
The withdrawal symptoms of opioids are uncomfortable and can start as early as six hours after the last dose. The duration and severity of these symptoms depends on the type of opioids used and the amount of time since the last dose. Fortunately, early withdrawal symptoms are milder than those that begin later. In fact, the symptoms of opioid detox typically peak during the first few days and then gradually subside. Symptoms often last for about two weeks after you stop using the drugs, after which they fade.
Medication-assisted treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) helps patients overcome withdrawal symptoms and decrease the risk of relapse. The relapse rate for opioid use disorder after detox is nearly ninety percent. The use of prescribed medications reduces cravings, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms, and can sustain recovery in many patients. The cost of MAT varies from facility to facility, and payment options include self-pay, Medicaid, and private insurance. Some rehab centers even offer financing.
Despite the fact that the majority of opioid addiction patients can complete this detox program without suffering any serious side effects, relapse does happen. The most common reasons for relapse are psychological and social factors, such as the need to use opioids. People experiencing opioid withdrawal often trigger their cravings by being exposed to situations that remind them of the drug's pleasure. Luckily, medication-assisted treatment for opioid detox can help people stop using these substances and start living healthy, productive lives.
Timeline
A timeline of opioid detoxification should give you a general idea of what to expect. You may feel apprehensive or uncomfortable at this stage, and it's normal. After all, your body has grown accustomed to opioids and withdrawal symptoms may be a part of the process. However, the good news is that these symptoms are only temporary, and the process of healing doesn't have to last forever. Once you know what to expect, your anxiety about treatment will be much lessened.
Once you've completed the detox process, you can continue with additional treatment, such as outpatient or inpatient rehab. This step helps you stay on track and develop the skills you need to continue sobriety. While detox is an essential first step, you shouldn't stop there. Aftercare is critical for achieving sobriety and lasting sobriety. Thankfully, there are many programs and services available to help you get started on the road to recovery.
Alternatives
Many pharmacists and doctors recommend alternative pain medications as an alternative to opioids. Historically, doctors prescribed opioid painkillers to treat acute and chronic pain. Unfortunately, this practice has led to an epidemic of addiction and overdose. Not only can opioid use be physically and emotionally debilitating, it's also highly addictive. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to opioid detox. This article examines the benefits and drawbacks of alternative treatments.
The most common form of treatment for opioid use disorder is medically supervised withdrawal. While a supervised procedure can produce similar long-term abstinence rates, it presents several unique challenges. Psychiatry researcher Kelly Dunn is studying extended-release tramadol hydrochloride, which has opiate-like properties but is low-risk for abuse. Patients undergoing anesthesia-assisted opioid detoxification generally return to their previous treatment regimen with a lower effective dose.
