What Is Opioid Detox?
Opioid detoxification is a medical technique that safely and effectively eliminates the drug from the body. For patients to proceed to further stages of treatment, opioid detox tries to minimize the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
Regardless of the fact that many (but not all) opioids are legally prescribed, they are among the most addictive substances ever found. All opiates function by suppressing pain signals and activating the brain’s opiate receptors, which induces a mood of relaxation and pleasure. They cause the body to adapt to their presence and quickly rewire the brain. Finally, the patient requires them so severely that they cannot function normally without them.
Withdrawal symptoms, which may start to manifest as soon as 6–12 hours after the last dosage, are indicative of opioid dependence. This stage is referred to as the “withdrawal” phase. Depending on the patient’s level of opioid dependency, opioid withdrawal symptoms may vary from slightly uncomfortable to potentially fatal.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Muscle Aches
- Stomach Cramps
- Sleeplessness
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Nausea
Opioid detox tries to lessen the intensity of these symptoms while still shielding the patient from the withdrawal’s potentially fatal consequences, including seizures and hallucinations. Before beginning other forms of treatment, opioid withdrawal enhances a patient’s mental condition, increasing the person’s chances of sustaining long-term sobriety.
Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
The amount of tolerance possessed by the person and the drug both impact the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. But when the drug is gone, a typical sequence of withdrawal symptoms appears:
- 6 to 24 hours:
You can encounter the following symptoms during this stage:
- Heightened drug cravings
- Depression
- Vomiting and discomfort in the abdomen
Physicians frequently prescribe and progressively raise the dosage of essential drugs during this time. ROD and anesthesia-assisted rapid detox are often started at this point.
- 36–48 hours:
The two most typical signs are a stuffy nose and excessive perspiration. Other symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Watery eyes
Treatment is typically increased to its maximum dosage at this stage. Therefore, careful observation and safety precautions are necessary to avoid recurrence.
- 48 to 72 hours:
The symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Muscular pains
- Shaking
It is typical for pharmaceutical usage to peak around this time, even though many individuals start to lower their prescription amounts during or after. Many claim that their symptoms reach their climax around 72 hours and then progressively subside over the next three to four days. Patients must be closely watched to ensure their safety and prevent recurrence at this time.
Taylor Recovery Center in Dallas is Your Best Choice
If you or a beloved one has inquiries about opioid detoxification or needs detox therapy for opioid addiction, contact Taylor Recovery Center immediately. Taylor Center’s team is here to respond to any queries and assist you in locating nearby treatment choices. Visit Taylor Recovery Center in Dallas or via our website for more information regarding our detoxification process.