An opiate is a drug that originates from opium, which comes from the poppy plant. There are synthetic drugs that mimic the structure and effects of opiates. They are called opioids. People often refer to the entire class of drugs using the umbrella term opioid, which encompasses opium-derived opiates and lab-created opioids. This group of drugs includes opiates such as heroin and morphine and opioids like oxycodone and fentanyl. People who become addicted to any of these substances and wish to stop must undergo opioid detox.
Detox is the process by which the body releases the toxins that have built up due to addiction. As soon as the person stops taking the drug, withdrawal begins, and symptoms are close behind. At Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC), we recommend medically supervised detox at an opiate detox facility for anyone addicted to this group of drugs. To learn about the benefit of our opiate detox program and opiate addiction treatment, please reach out to our compassionate team members today at 844.442.8673.
Why Should You Choose an Opiate Detox Center?
Opioids are arguably the most difficult drug to stop using due to the difficulty of getting through the detox period without medical intervention. A medical team can help you manage the intense physical withdrawal symptoms around the clock during the detox process.
Opioid withdrawal can be deadly without that kind of supervision and support. Significant benefits of professionally supervised opioid detox are safety, symptom mitigation, and success.
Medical Supervision
Medical supervision provides patients with safety, which allows for quick adjustments in care based on the individual’s experience. The underlying health challenges that go undiagnosed when someone is in the throes of opioid addiction can emerge in dangerous ways once the detox has begun. The withdrawal process is taxing on the body, and a body weakened by addiction is at greater risk than a healthy body would be. Thus, having doctors on hand is sensible.
Fewer and More Manageable Symptoms
Medications can mitigate the symptoms, and experts can provide other treatments that they’ve designed to lessen the painful and disorienting side effects of withdrawal. Those side effects include:
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- Tremors and spasms
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Depression or anxiety
- Agitation
- Hypertension
- Suicidal thoughts
- Intense drug cravings
Some of those symptoms are potentially fatal; all of them are difficult to endure alone and without help.
Success Is More Likely
Success is more likely with inpatient, medically monitored detox, and experts suggest that this treatment correlates with better long-term recovery outcomes. Fear, pain, and cravings are hard to tackle alone, and the temptation to self-medicate to alleviate them is significant. Lack of access to opioids is one major way that residential detox helps patients succeed. The mental health components available in a detox program also provide a scaffolding on which to continue building one’s sober life. Simply put, an opiate detox clinic or program sets you up for success.
Symptoms of Opiate Addiction
There is no one definitive sign of opioid addiction, per se. However, there are some common symptoms that may indicate a problem.
- Behavioral changes such as secretive behavior or lying
- Changes in appearance such as weight loss or gain, disheveled appearance
- Isolation from friends and family
- A drop in grades or job performance
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Doctor shopping or seeking multiple prescriptions for the same medication
- A sudden increase in spending money on drugs
- Stealing money or property to get drugs
- Using drugs even when pregnant or knowing it could hurt the baby
Seeing someone you love displaying these symptoms can be frightening, but you are not alone. At PAATC, we understand how difficult it is to see someone you love going through this. We also know that addiction is a disease, and we are here to help. Our team can provide the resources and support you need to get your loved one on the road to recovery. The first step to treatment is finding an opiate detox program. Then, find an opiate addiction treatment program, such as the one at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge.
Learn More at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge
Does any of the above ring true for you, or do you recognize someone you love in the list of symptoms of opioid addiction? Help is available. PAATC offers superb inpatient, medically monitored opiate detox to provide the optimal first steps for a successful recovery journey.
Our evidence-based protocols and deeply compassionate team of professionals combine in a safety net for people struggling to leave opiate addiction behind. We also provide patients with a range of therapeutic programs that we will use to help them stay sober outside of treatment. Your treatment may include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
Are you ready to put your addiction to opiates behind you? If so, call Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge today for information and guidance at 844.442.8673 or fill out our online form.
