Opioid Withdrawal
Opioid addiction is a serious issue in today’s America. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 3.7% of the population, or 10.3 million people age 12 and older, misused opioids. The stages of opioid withdrawal are severe. Some withdrawal symptoms are apparent only after metabolization. However, when withdrawing from opioids, you’ll experience both physical and psychological symptoms. You may not even realize what’s happening to you, and this could be why you haven’t looked for help yet.
Why Does Opioid Withdrawal Occur?
Opioids are the synthetic form of opiates. They attach to opioid receptors in the brain in order to get you high. While the medications help block pain, they also release quite a bit of dopamine. As you begin metabolizing opioids, receptors in your brain become vacant. Receptors that are no longer occupied by the drug misfire, leading to withdrawal symptoms.
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The Psychological Dependence to Opioids
The most difficult part of opioid addiction is psychological dependence. We develop dependence to anything we use to cope with triggers. Addiction takes over the limbic system, which is responsible for survival responses. When your body no longer has opioid occupying receptors, you’ll experience the following psychological symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Intense cravings
- Irritability
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
Psychological dependence is the primary reason many people relapse when they don’t receive proper treatment. Without going through detox, you’ll try to rationalize every excuse possible to start using again. You may find yourself obsessing about obtaining the next dose once you run out of opioids. This happens because the brain knows that it needs opioids to feel well.
The Physical Dependence
Opioid withdrawal causes physical dependence. Everything in your system goes through the nervous system, so when the brain is misfiring, you experience other issues. The physical symptoms of withdrawal from opioids can vary, but some of them include:
- Cold sweats
- Nausea
- Aches and pains
After Opioid Withdrawal, Seek Therapy
After undergoing detox for opioid withdrawal, it’s time for therapy. One form of therapy used at opioid withdrawal treatment centers are evidenced-based therapies, of which the main subtype is behavioral therapy. In behavioral therapy, a professional guides you in understanding and then changing the negative thoughts behind addictive behaviors. The objective of behavioral therapy is turning positive thoughts from sessions into enduring habits for you to follow.
The other common type of therapy is holistic therapy, which includes massage, expressive arts, and meditation. Unlike evidence-based psychotherapy, holistic healing focuses on participating in positive experiences. In holistic therapy, patients express themselves and calm their minds in order to overcome the psychological roots of addiction.
Therapies offered at Serenity Lodge drug addiction treatment centers include, but aren’t limited to:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT, a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) asks people to alter negative behaviors. ACT improves clients’ well-being by teaching them how to overcome negative thoughts and feelings.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT therapists help patients develop coping strategies to discourage negative behavior. Clients also learn new, more highly productive ways to deal with life without coping with addictive substances.
- Relapse Prevention
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Experiential Therapy
- Family Support Program
If you’re sick of opioids controlling your life, seek help at Serenity Lodge. Our drug and alcohol addiction treatment program that can help you turn your life around. Find out more by calling us today at [Direct].
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