What is Detoxification?
Those who are physically dependent on opioids may undergo withdrawal from their drug of choice under medical supervision, often known as detoxification. Detoxification is often referred to as medically managed withdrawal treatment to reduce its negative connotations. When it comes to “detox,” results might vary widely depending on the individual and the treatment regimen. Medications may make the procedure safer and more bearable under medical supervision.
Should Individuals with Opioid Addiction Seek Medical Detox?
Initiating therapy for opioid use disorder by “detoxing” and discontinuing all opioid usage at home may seem like the obvious first step, however, this is not always the best option. According to some research, more than 90% of persons who undergo opioid detoxification alone resume their usage within a few months. Enrolling in a medical detox program is often advised for people struggling with opioid addiction. However, without a strategy for maintaining sobriety, even medical detox might be of little therapeutic benefit and offers no evidence for improved results.
How Does Opioid Detoxification Work?
Opioid detox may be very unpleasant and even life-threatening if attempted without medical supervision. When we talk about opioids, we talk about naturally occurring and synthesized opioids. Opioids, or opiates, are found naturally in codeine, morphine, and heroin. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl also attach to the brain’s opioid receptors to produce the same effects. Heroin and opioid pain relievers like Oxycontin, Vicodin, and morphine are only a few examples of opioids. Opioid addiction often develops from improper use of prescribed medications.
Opioid addiction therapy is most effective when administered in a medically supervised detox facility. Painkillers and other opioid withdrawal symptoms may be fatal. Quitting “cold turkey” on your own might result in a dangerous relapse and even an overdose. Common opioid and opiate withdrawal symptoms include:
• Agitation.
• Runny nose.
• Anxiety.
• Insomnia.
• Sweating.
• Diarrhea.
• Muscle pains.
• Nausea and vomiting.
Relapse is common among opioid abusers since detox often involves unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) may be helpful both during and after detox for reducing the risk of recurrence and overdose.
Many detox and maintenance MAT programs are available at various drug and alcohol rehab institutions. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder includes the following drugs, all of which have been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration.
• Buprenorphine.
• Methadone.
• Naltrexone.
Naloxone, sometimes known as “Narcan,” is also another drug that can be employed to reverse the effects of an overdose in a medical emergency. Other drugs like Suboxone which is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone are also employed in MAT.
We Offer the Best Detox Services in Houston.
Get in touch with Skyward Treatment Center if you or somebody you care about has an opioid addiction. Our caring team is here to answer your questions about our opioid detox program and assist you in making an informed decision about whether or not to enroll. We can also provide information on what to anticipate throughout the detox and therapy phases. We often complement our detox programs with medications that have helped many by alleviating the discomfort of opioid withdrawal and speeding up the healing process. Get in touch with Skyward Center’s admissions staff to find out more about our services and how we may help you overcome your addiction for good.
