In the late 1990s, opioid prescriptions increased, leading to the nationwide problem of the opioid epidemic. Clearbrook Massachusetts offers opiate detox and substance-specific treatment to help those seeking opiate addiction to take the first step in their recovery. When one is dependent on opioids, they may be worried about beginning their recovery, or they may not know where to find treatment.

Opiate detox and recovery can be difficult to start. That is why we offer medically supervised detox programs so that people can go through detox safely. Abruptly stopping drug use can be dangerous and hard to do alone, so our dedicated professionals are readily available at each stage to provide guidance and support, making the journey more manageable for our patients.

What Is Opiate Dependence?

Opiate dependence, also known as opioid dependence, is a disorder in which an individual needs opioids to function normally. Opioids are a class of drugs that includes heroin and other illegal drugs, as well as prescription medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine.

Signs of opiate dependence include:

  • Tolerance: People may grow tolerant to the effects of opioids over time, needing larger doses to produce the same degree of euphoria or pain relief.
  • Physical dependency: When opioids are used repeatedly, the body becomes accustomed to their presence and develops physical dependence. Abrupt reduction or cessation of opioid use may result in withdrawal symptoms.
  • Craving and compulsive use: Frequently, people who are dependent on opioids have intense cravings for the drugs and may use them compulsively even when doing so has negative effects.
  • Loss of control: Inability to control opioid use despite repeated attempts to reduce or stop using them.
  • Social and professional impairment: Substance abuse can have a serious negative effect on one’s ability to function in social, professional, and everyday contexts. This can cause problems in relationships and at work.
  • Relapse risk: People with a history of opiate dependence are more likely to relapse even after receiving effective treatment.

A combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, and support services are used at Clearbrook’s opiate detox centers to treat opiate dependence. Drugs like naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone can be used to treat cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

How Long Does It Take to Detox From Opiates?

Being dependent on or abusing opiates can lead to painful, severe, and sometimes deadly withdrawal symptoms. There are many stages of opiate withdrawal, and each of these stages is different in intensity but unpleasant, to say the least.

Symptoms of the first phase include:

  • Muscle aches
  • Excessive sweating
  • Lethargy and excessive yawning
  • Runny nose
  • Anxiety
  • Extreme cravings
  • Restlessness
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Restless leg syndrome

Second-phase withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Goosebumps
  • Abdominal cramps
  • High blood pressure
  • Dilated pupils

How long opioid withdrawal symptoms last depends on the individual, plus many other factors, including:

  • How long someone has been using
  • What the substance is
  • The method of intake (EX: snorting, swallowing, injecting, smoking, or other methods)
  • The dose each time
  • Family history and/or genetic makeup
  • Medical and mental health history

The Dangers of Opiate Detox at Home

Without the right medical supervision, attempting to detox from opiates at home can be extremely risky. The symptoms of opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and severe, and trying to treat them on your own without medical advice could get worse. The following are some risks of doing an at-home opiate detox:

  • Severe withdrawal symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping in the muscles, insomnia, anxiety, and depression are some of the severe withdrawal symptoms from opioids. Without prompt medical attention, these symptoms could become unbearable and result in malnourishment, dehydration, and psychological distress.
  • Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: Common withdrawal symptoms from opioids, such as vomiting and diarrhea, can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. These illnesses may need medical attention and have major health repercussions. This is usually the cause of death in cases of fatal opioid withdrawal.
  • Cardiovascular problems: The cardiovascular system may experience stress during opioid withdrawal, which could result in elevated blood pressure and heart rate. People who already have cardiac issues may be more vulnerable.
  • Risk of relapse: People may relapse to ease their symptoms because of the severe discomfort associated with withdrawal. This cycle has the potential to prolong the addiction and make long-term recovery more difficult.
  • Psychological impact: Withdrawal from opioids has psychological effects in addition to physical ones. Mood swings, anxiety, and depression can be difficult to control on your own without expert assistance.
  • Possibility of self-harm: The psychological anguish that accompanies withdrawal could raise the likelihood of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Appropriate mental health treatment and risk mitigation can be achieved through professional supervision.
  • Unexpected medical complications: Some people may have underlying medical issues that could make detoxing more difficult. These problems might go undiagnosed and untreated in the absence of a thorough medical evaluation.

People who want to detox from opioids must do so under the supervision of medical professionals in a medically monitored environment, such as our Massachusetts detox facility. Our medical detox programs can guarantee the patient’s safety, provide the right drugs to control withdrawal symptoms and provide emotional support all along the way. It is highly advised to seek assistance from addiction specialists or treatment facilities to ensure a safer and more successful detoxification process.

Finding Opiate Detox Near Me

Patients at our opiate detox center in Massachusetts undergo a gradual tapering off of opioids. Our dedicated team guides patients through the distinct stages of opiate withdrawal, providing comprehensive support throughout both detoxification and the subsequent recovery journey.

Throughout the gradual opiate detoxification process, the body adapts progressively to the absence of drugs in its system. This meticulously supervised detoxification is overseen by our experienced medical professionals, ensuring 24-hour care and assistance for individuals in need.

Additionally, our Massachusetts treatment center presents a range of programs designed to complement medically monitored detox. These encompass a residential program, a family program, as well as specialized programs and therapies, each tailored to address the unique needs of individuals seeking recovery.

Contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers today to learn more about our opioid treatment centers and begin recovery.

Clearbrook Treatment Centers Accepts Most Major Insurances

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