Opiate detox is a process that helps addicts overcome the physical and psychological effects of addiction. A person who is addicted to opioids undergoes a process of withdrawal, which includes a variety of symptoms. These include cravings for the drugs, anxiety, restless legs, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and sweating. Many people experience a combination of the above symptoms. While most of these symptoms are mild, serious and temporary, they can be frightening and even life-threatening.
The symptoms of opiate withdrawal usually start six to eight
hours after the initial comedown. While opiates used in medical practice can be
tapered off under doctor supervision, they cannot be weaned off without
professional help. There is a high risk of failure and complications when
detoxing on your own. Getting professional help and ongoing support is very
important. Some opiate detox centers offer a free weekly family education group
to educate families on the process.
Although withdrawal symptoms can be painful, they are
usually mild and do not last long. The main benefit of an opiate detox program
is that the person can stay in a supervised environment for the duration of
their stay. This will decrease the likelihood of relapse and push the person
toward further treatment. In addition, the detox center will offer several
resources and support groups to help the patient cope with the challenges of
withdrawal. There are also many resources that are available in the community
that can help people overcome addiction and maintain their mental and physical
health.
Having support after a drug detoxification can make a big
difference. The longer a person has support, the greater their chances of
sustaining recovery. This is especially important if they have been addicted to
a particular substance for a long time. During the initial phase of the
treatment, opiate detoxification centers typically offer a FREE family
education group on Wednesday nights. During the inpatient phase, patients are
monitored for possible complications, physical symptoms, and subjective
experiences.
After the detoxification process, it is important to find
the right support. Continuing support can make a huge difference in the
person's recovery. A continual support system will increase the chance of
long-term recovery. Often, an opiate detox program will have a family education
group that is free of charge and open to the public. The center will also be a
good resource for families who are looking for information on the drug
withdrawal process.
During an opiate detox, the patient will need to find a way
to get enough rest and avoid experiencing too much pain. Some opiate detox
centers will have a family education group every Wednesday evening, which is a
great way to keep the family involved in the process. Taking these steps will
help you to recover from an addiction to an opioid. In addition to these, a
successful opiate detox will provide the support that you need to continue
living a normal life.