Opioid addiction carries a high risk of overdose. If a person stops using, opioid withdrawal symptoms may be severe and cause potentially dangerous complications. Fortunately, treatment is possible. Enrolling in an opioid detox and addiction treatment program under the care of specialists may promote safety and start patients on the path to lasting recovery.
For drug and alcohol detox in Fort Worth, contact Fort Behavioral Health. Our detox, inpatient, and outpatient programs can help people who experience addiction symptoms associated with opioid use. We have the resources and staff to make detoxing and recovery safe and comfortable for clients.
What Are Opioids?
People frequently use opioids to reduce moderate-to-severe pain. These drugs may also relax the body and produce feelings of euphoria. Standard classes of opioids include the following:
- Illegal drugs, such as heroin
- Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl
- Prescription pain relievers, such as oxycodone, morphine, and codeine
Similarly to other habit-forming substances, opioids release endorphins, which are “feel-good” chemicals produced in the brain. Overusing these substances may overload the brain’s reward centers, meaning a person may use more of a drug each time to experience the same effects, which is one of the primary causes of addiction.
What Are Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms?
Giving up opioids is challenging when dealing with an addiction. Opioid withdrawal symptoms may begin to appear shortly after stopping these drugs
Early opioid withdrawal symptoms, which typically start within about six to 12 hours after taking a final dose, can include the following:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Sleep disturbances
During peak opioid withdrawal, occurring approximately 36 to 48 hours after a final dose, symptoms can include:
- Depression
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Intense cravings for opioids
Going through withdrawal is often highly uncomfortable, making it tempting to resume using opioids. In some cases, opioid withdrawal symptoms can cause life-threatening complications requiring immediate medical care.
An opioid detox program ensures that clients receive medical treatment and monitoring from licensed physicians, reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms and lowering the risk of serious complications. After undergoing detox, patients may move into an opioid addiction treatment program, which can lower the chances of relapse and help clients start the journey toward long-term recovery.
Advantages of Professional Opioid Detox
In substance abuse treatment programs, teams of experienced healthcare professionals and addiction specialists provide comprehensive care to clients. In addition to facilitating a more comfortable experience during withdrawal, opioid detox at a rehab center can offer several benefits to participants. These include the following:
Medical Monitoring
A medical detox program can help clients cope with opioid withdrawal symptoms and monitor for potential medical problems, such as elevated body temperature, increased heart rate, and dehydration. During detox, healthcare professionals regularly check vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure, and respiration rate. In the event of any changes, they’ll provide the necessary care to prevent complications and discomfort.
Craving Management
Opioid detox programs can reduce the frequency of drug cravings for patients. Treatment specialists may use FDA-approved medication, such as methadone or buprenorphine, to relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms. These medications can also ease cravings during withdrawal, helping clients stay sober, remain in active recovery, and avoid relapse.
Addiction and Mental Health Counseling
During opioid detox, patients attend individual and group therapy sessions. These services help clients learn more about the emotional and psychological reasons behind the onset of opioid addiction and how to work on overcoming it. Once participants complete detox, they can continue to receive counseling and hone their coping skills in an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.
What to Expect from Opioid Detox
When you decide it’s time to get help, it’s crucial to find the right opioid detox program. Rehab centers may offer detox programs in an inpatient or intensive outpatient setting. With inpatient treatment, clients reside in their rehab center for the duration program. In outpatient detox, participants receive treatment for several hours each week but may continue living at home.
Finding the right opioid detox program depends on critical factors, such as the specific drug a person uses and the duration of addiction symptoms. Inpatient detox programs are suitable for people who experience more severe opioid addiction symptoms or have tried to stop using and experienced a relapse. Outpatient detox programs are usually ideal for those with mild-to-moderate opioid addiction who need less intensive care.
Learn About Opioid Detox at Fort Behavioral Health
If you or a loved one struggles with opioid addiction, contact Fort Behavioral Health. Our compassionate staff can provide more information about our opioid detox program and help you determine whether it’s right for you. We can also let you know what to expect from detox and treatment.
Fort Behavioral Health offers men’s and women’s detox programs that can reduce the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms and help patients recover. Call 844.332.1807 or complete our secure online form to learn more about how we can help you recover and experience lasting relief from addiction.
