Opioid detox is the process that reduces the shock to the brain and body as they react to the sudden absence of the drug that they were accustomed to. This sudden shock of rebounding from drug use is why opioid withdrawal symptoms occur. Medical detox cleanses the body safely and makes patients as comfortable as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opioids are often used<\/a> to manage pain for patients recovering from surgery. They are also prescribed for those with severe pain due to injury, cancer or other illnesses. Although opioids can effectively manage pain, they have addictive qualities. This can be risky for patients, even when they take them as directed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Opioids work well for relieving pain because they bind to opioid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body. Opioids then block pain signals from the body on their way to the spinal cord and brain. The reaction opioids cause in the body triggers<\/a> the release of endorphins. These endorphins cause feelings of pleasure, euphoria and a heightened sense of well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The \u201chigh\u201d opioids provide can be difficult to resist, and users can begin to crave the drug. Over time, higher doses and more powerful opioids or opiates are required to enact the same euphoric sensations. Users can then end up in a downward spiral with a desire to chase the next high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the brain is exposed to opioids repeatedly, it undergoes changes in its chemistry to adapt to the drug’s effects. Normally, the brain tries to maintain a constant chemical balance. These brain chemicals, or \u201cneurotransmitters,\u201d are responsible for how the brain functions. They control everything from how people think and feel to how they move and behave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Opioid withdrawal happens<\/a> when opioid use is suddenly stopped. The brain reacts to the abrupt change in its chemistry by attempting to restore balance. Until this occurs, its function becomes disrupted, and symptoms result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Opioids also cause massive releases<\/a> of the brain\u2019s feel-good chemicals, which form its reward system. The brain tries to compensate for these huge surges in the reward chemicals by down-regulating the reward system. As a result, during opiate withdrawal, the brain\u2019s reward system is functioning at very low levels. This causes people to feel low, lethargic and listless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common opioid pain relievers include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms depends on several factors. These include a person’s overall health, the strength of the opioid, how long they’ve been using it and the dosage. Opioid withdrawal symptoms may include<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is difficult to predict how long opiate withdrawal symptoms last for a particular individual. However, withdrawal symptoms<\/a> usually<\/a> taper off and end after 4\u201310 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Acute withdrawal symptoms usually start a few hours to a few days after the last use. This depends on the half-life of the opioid that was used. For example, fentanyl has a very short half-life, so withdrawal symptoms<\/a> begin within hours. Methadone, however, has a long half-life, so it may take days before withdrawal effects<\/a> become apparent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Protracted withdrawal symptoms may last<\/a> weeks to months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Opiate withdrawal and duration of symptoms usually follow a general timeline<\/a>. However, some factors affect withdrawal that are specific to individuals. These factors may<\/a> include the individual\u2019s:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. However, proper opioid detox can help patients safely transition away from substance use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical detox<\/a> for opiates includes medical supervision with or without medication. This treatment helps people withdraw from opioids safely and comfortably. For some, inpatient medically assisted opiate detox programs are essential. This may be because they fear withdrawal and will avoid it without assistance. Even if someone tries to go through withdrawal on their own, strong cravings and discomfort can be too difficult to overcome. As a result, they end up using drugs again to end the sickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are currently three<\/a> opioid withdrawal treatment medications approved by the FDA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Extended-release naltrexone is a non-opioid medication. However, it reduces cravings by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. If the recipient relapses and uses opioids, the naltrexone will block the drug’s physical effects. The only downside is that the recipient must already<\/a> be detoxed from opioids before starting this medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are other opiate detox medications used<\/a> during opioid detox to help with specific symptoms. These include sedatives, antidiarrheals and the medication clonidine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Methadone<\/a> is a fully synthetic opioid. It is used for both pain management and opioid replacement therapy in those who are overcoming opioid addiction<\/a>. Methadone treatment can help people taper off opioids and avoid major withdrawal symptoms. It can be maintained indefinitely<\/a> to help people avoid relapse. Methadone use for opiate withdrawal may be an attractive option for those who find fear of withdrawal to be a barrier to recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buprenorphine is one of two FDA-approved opioids used for opioid withdrawal treatment protocols. Of those two, buprenorphine generally has a more favorable side effect profile. Buprenorphine treatment<\/a> for opioid addiction often involves using the buprenorphine product Suboxone<\/a>. Besides buprenorphine, Suboxone also contains naloxone, which blocks the high from an opioid. Buprenorphine products may be continued indefinitely<\/a> to help avoid relapse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Clonidine<\/a> is an older type of blood pressure medication that has some<\/a> efficacy in reducing withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal treatment with clonidine also comes with some unpleasant side effects. It can cause low blood pressure, rebound high blood pressure and rapid heart rate when discontinued. The drug may be taken by mouth and injection. There is also a clonidine patch for opiate withdrawal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Opioid dependence and addiction leave a lasting impact on the brain. The very structure and function of the brain can be altered in ways that are difficult to reverse. Opioid addiction and withdrawal can have harsh consequences on the body. Therefore, professional rehab is highly recommended for anyone struggling with opioid misuse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health Drug and Alcohol Rehab offers a wide range of opioid addiction treatment programs to help you get your life back. Our state-of-the-art treatment options<\/a> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n At The Recovery Village, our mission is your recovery. We believe that anyone can recover from addiction. Our evidence-based addiction treatment programs will help you take back control of your life. If you need help with opioid addiction for yourself or a loved one, our Recovery Advocates are available<\/a> to connect you with support and resources today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Opioid detox is the process that reduces the shock to the brain and body as they react to the sudden absence of the drug that they were accustomed to. This sudden shock of rebounding from drug use is why opioid withdrawal symptoms occur. Medical detox cleanses the body safely and makes patients as comfortable as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":3688,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[93],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3700","blog","type-blog","status-publish","hentry","category-opioid-addiction"],"acf":{"written_by":12505,"enable_medically_and_up":["Yes"],"medically_reviewed_by":289,"medically_reviewed_content":"This article was reviewed by a medical professional to guarantee the delivery of accurate and up-to- date information. View our research policy.<\/a>","up_to_date":"","page_first_published_date":null,"page_last_edit_date":null,"highlighted_description":"If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available. Speak with a Recovery Advocate by calling 888-648-0738<\/b><\/a> now.","key_takeaways":"Key Takeaways<\/strong>\r\nWhat Causes Opioid Withdrawal?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
List of Opioid Pain Relievers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms Timeline<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Factors Affecting Withdrawal Duration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Opioid Detox and Withdrawal Treatment Options <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Medical Detox<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medications <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Methadone<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Buprenorphine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Clonidine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Opioid Rehab Treatment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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