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It’s common knowledge that opiate withdrawal treatment — including the initial detoxification process — can cause a variety of difficult physical symptoms. Understanding what might be ahead can help you psychologically and emotionally prepare for the detox process, especially if you’re anxious about it.
Let’s explore how you or your loved one can start a successful detoxification journey.
Finding Your Place for Opiate Detoxification
When you or a loved one decides to seek addiction treatment, there is no time to waste. Conversing with loved ones is important if they struggle to admit their problem. Make an effort to convey the effects that opiate addiction has had on the sufferer as well as on friends and relatives.
Now, look through a list of the best treatment centers for opiate addiction to find what fits your particular situation. At Discovery House, our professional staff is trained to help with opiate recovery so that patients can continue receiving care after detox is complete.
When undergoing opiate detoxification, patients may feel like giving up, but the staff at Discovery House supports them through the most trying stages.
What Does the Detox Process for Opiates Look Like?
The duration of opioid withdrawal varies — ranging from a few days to several weeks — and is contingent upon the kind of opioid taken, the duration of usage, and the use of any additional medications concurrently with opioids.
Detoxification or withdrawal under medical supervision guarantees the person’s safety and maximum comfort. After the first 24 hours of the opioid/opiate detox process, you may find that your symptoms are getting worse. Ironically enough, that’s all a part of getting better.
The usual symptoms are nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, elevated blood pressure, fast heartbeat, and chills. Of course, the most difficult part during these initial hours and days of detox is ignoring the desperate desire for the drugs.
The detoxification procedure usually takes seven to 10 days, on average. This can differ for each individual based on several variables, such as:
- How much drugs or alcohol they have been taking
- How severe their withdrawal symptoms were
- Their mental and physical abilities
As part of the detox procedure, patients will get carefully administered medicine to assist them deal with withdrawal. While no medicine eliminates withdrawal symptoms, several medications can help manage depression and anxiety, promote enough sleep, and address as many other issues as possible.
Support You Can Receive During Your Opiate Recovery Process
While these symptoms can be very distressing and uncomfortable, it can be good to remember that they will go away. That being said, if withdrawal symptoms are not managed appropriately, they can become hazardous or even fatal. Therefore, it’s essential to go through the detoxification procedure under the guidance of a qualified medical professional.
Undoubtedly, getting and keeping emotional support from friends and family can help with some of the difficulties that come with going through the detoxification process.
In addition to medical care, detox centers offer psychological therapy, such as 12-step programs alongside group and individual counseling. Joining a medical detox program offers a strong foundation for rehabilitation to help you sustain long-term sobriety.
Taking Care of Yourself After Finishing Opiate Detoxification
Regardless of whether someone has experienced detox before, it’s critical to realize that everyone experiences it differently and every new detox is completely unique.
After detoxification, you can enroll in an outpatient or residential treatment program. An extensive aftercare program and continuum of care work to ease the transition back into your regular life and keep you from relapsing.
So, if you’re looking for the best treatment for opiate addiction, contact the Discovery House to start your recovery journey in Los Angeles.