Opiates are powerful, addictive drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. They can be hard to break free from without professional treatment.

Withdrawal symptoms from opiates can be painful and uncomfortable. A medically-supervised detox program can help you through withdrawal and reduce your risk of relapse.

Symptoms

Opioids are a type of drug that is known to have a high risk for addiction. These drugs can cause severe physical and mental withdrawal symptoms when a person stops taking them.

These symptoms can be uncomfortable at best, and dangerous at worst. This is why detoxification is so important - and why it should be done under medical supervision.

When a person begins to experience withdrawal, theyll typically start experiencing mood changes like depression and anxiety as well as body changes such as flu-like symptoms, shaking, nausea and headaches.

These symptoms usually peak by about 72 hours after the last dose of the drug. Some of the more severe withdrawal symptoms can include muscle pain, cramps and gastrointestinal issues. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can result in dehydration and potentially heart failure if theyre not treated.

Treatment options

If you or someone you love is addicted to opiates, you may be interested in the various treatment options available. Choosing the right approach for you or your loved one can make the difference between a successful recovery and relapse.

Detox programs are often offered in inpatient, residential, or outpatient settings. They may also involve medications and counseling, but the detoxification program should be tailored to your individual needs and preferences.

Opiate withdrawal symptoms are usually very uncomfortable and often accompanied by depression, irritability, and intense cravings. Without a proper treatment plan, withdrawal can be very dangerous, resulting in complications such as seizures and dehydration.

Anesthesia-assisted rapid detox (ARD) and ultra rapid detox (URD) programs promise to get patients through withdrawal faster with fewer symptoms by putting them under sedation. But the methods used in these programs are outdated, and more often than not, they lead to relapses rather than recovery.

Relapse prevention

A medically supervised opioid detox program is the best way to go about recovering from an opiate addiction. These programs use medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and lower the risk of relapse after detox.

Detox from opiates is a difficult process and can lead to serious complications, including withdrawal syndrome and drug overdose. These conditions can be dangerous and may even result in death.

The most common medications used to treat an opiate addiction are methadone and buprenorphine. These medications trick the brain into thinking that it is still receiving the problem opioid, reducing cravings and preventing withdrawal.

Another medication, called naltrexone, blocks the effects of an opioid and prevents the user from feeling high after they stop using. It is effective for relapse prevention and can be an alternative to methadone or buprenorphine.

Relapses are a normal part of the recovery process and can be triggered by a number of things, including boredom or stress. Keeping a schedule that includes work, hobbies and activities focused on sobriety can also help reduce relapse.

Support

If youre struggling with an opiate use disorder, medically-supervised opiate detox can help you achieve long-term sobriety. A quality opiate detox program provides 24-hour support, medical treatment and monitoring, and a safe environment for withdrawal symptoms.

Detox can also reduce your risk of relapse and allow you to focus on recovery with a clear head. A licensed healthcare professional will monitor your vital signs during the detox process and provide medications to treat symptoms of withdrawal.

Medication-assisted opioid detox aims to minimize withdrawal symptoms and control cravings for continued opiate use. Medications like methadone, Subutex and Suboxone are often used to help patients through the process while maintaining their health.

Opiate detox also includes a team of mental health professionals who work beside clients to address their emotional needs and provide them with healthy coping skills. Therapists use a variety of counseling techniques to meet your specific needs. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and experiential therapy.