To overcome an opiate addiction, detox is often the first step. While the process can be challenging, it’s a necessary part of the recovery process. Explore the goals of opiate detox recovery, understand the methods used, and prepare for your journey to better health and sobriety.
The Need for an Opiate Detox
If you’re serious about ending an addiction to opiates, detox isn’t optional. When people stop using, the body often struggles to adjust to life without opioids in the bloodstream.
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Without a detox, you’ll never truly be free from addiction. A detox is the first opportunity people have to start on the path to recovery.
During detox, the body will enter withdrawal. This means dealing with a number of symptoms, some of which can be unpleasant. Fortunately, detox is just a short-lived stage on the road to sobriety. Once it’s over, Clients can start to make concrete plans for a life without opiates.
The Perils of DIY Withdrawal
Opiate detox recovery is a necessity, and many people mistakenly think that they can handle it on their own. While there are stories of people who fight back against opiate addiction solo, this is a risky and unnecessary choice.
During withdrawal, many people will experience mild or flu-like symptoms. It is normal to struggle with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, a runny nose and a fever.
Even these mild symptoms, however, can lead to bigger problems like dehydration. If you’re severely dehydrated while attempting self-detox, then you could be in serious pain and discomfort. Dehydration can even lead to more severe symptoms like increased heart rate. Medical professionals can offer solutions like electrolyte beverages, salts, or even IV saline solutions that target and resolve dehydration quickly.
In some cases, opiate detox recovery will result in severe symptoms. It is possible to struggle with anxiety, paranoia or severe muscle cramping and pain. Trying to self-medicate and treat these conditions is both ineffective and risky. A few better option is to rely on medical professionals for their addiction, detox and recovery expertise.
Detox Objectives
There are three major objectives for every opiate detox. The first goal is to break the body’s chemical dependence on opiates. Second, it helps Clients transition to a healthier way of life. Finally, an opiate detox paves the way for effective rehabilitation.
By completing a detox, Clients will be freed from their chemical dependence. While there may still be lingering behavioral or emotional cravings for the drugs, further treatment can address those issues. Once opiates are out of the system, it’s possible to think logically and plan for the future.
Many people are shocked at how much better they feel after a detox. Although the withdrawal symptoms are no picnic, they fade quickly. Once withdrawal ends, many people report that they feel rested. This is sometimes known as the honeymoon period of recovery because it feels so good for so many people.
Typical Timeline for an Opiate Detox
The length of drug and alcohol addiction treatment can depend on many factors. Every Client is unique, and so is their path to recovery. Most individuals, however, complete an opiate detox is under one week.
After about 12 hours, the first mild symptoms of withdrawal might appear. They can build and intensify until about 72 hours into the detox, which is known as the peak. After that, withdrawal gets less difficult and symptoms taper off completely.
What’s Next After Opiate Detox Recovery?
After the various detox methods and withdrawal symptoms are over, Clients can begin rehab. At Serenity Lodge, Men can address underlying issues, participate in therapy sessions and learn to fight back against relapse. Some of the many treatments and therapies available to Clients include the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dual diagnosis programs
- Fitness and nutritional therapy
- 12-Step program
Opiate detoxes are the beginning of the journey to recovery. If you’re ready to overcome drug addiction once and for all, Serenity Lodge in California may be able to help. Call (855) 932-4045 to learn more about your options and plan for your lifelong recovery.
