Opioids are a class of drugs that are prescribed to treat pain. Although they are very effective at what they are meant to do, they are also habit-forming and highly addictive when abused. It is estimated that more than 16 million people worldwide (over 2.1 million in the U.S.) struggle with opioid use disorder.
Opioid addiction can affect the way you think, feel, and behave. It can strip you of the things you love in life, such as your family, friends, career, and hobbies. Opioid abuse can even cost you your life, as nearly 75% of all drug overdose deaths involve an opioid.
Unfortunately, overcoming opioid addiction isn’t easy. One of the hardest parts about quitting opioids is getting through the painful symptoms of withdrawal that occur when you first stop taking them. The only way to successfully detox from opioids is to do so in a medically-supervised environment.
If you or a loved one are ready to begin your recovery, our opioid detox center in California can help. Our luxurious, private facility combined with a world-class medical team and cutting-edge treatments can provide you with exactly what you need to recover.
What Does Opioid Withdrawal Feel Like?
Opioid withdrawal is often compared to the common flu. You may experience aches and pains, psychological distress, gastrointestinal upset, and fever symptoms.
Common symptoms of opioid withdrawal include:
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Drug cravings
- Chills or goosebumps
- Sweating
- Diaphoresis (cold sweats)
- Muscle pain and cramping
- Body aches
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Disorientation
- Tremors
Your symptoms can range from mild to moderate or severe depending on how long you have been addicted, what type of opioid you are detoxing from, and your overall health. People with more severe addictions as well as co-occurring disorders are more likely to have more serious withdrawal symptoms.
In severe cases, opioid withdrawal can lead to dehydration or suicidal ideation, both of which require medical assistance. Although opioid withdrawal is generally not life-threatening, it is nearly impossible to complete successfully without medical treatment. Those who try to detox from opioids alone are prone to relapse.
How Can an Opioid Detox Center in California Help?
The best way to manage symptoms of opioid withdrawal is to enlist the help of a drug and alcohol detox center in California. Medical professionals can administer medications, monitor your symptoms, and provide compassionate, holistic care that ensures your comfort and safety.
Intake and Assessment
When you first arrive at an opioid detox center in California, the clinical team will take you through the pre-assessment and intake process. Medical staff will gather your health information and take you through a number of assessments to learn about your substance abuse, mental health, and treatment history. This process allows the team to curate an individually-tailored treatment plan based on your needs.
Upon intake, you will be asked to sign consent and treatment disclosure forms as part of the standard admissions process. Your personal items, such as cell phones, laptops, and other electronics will be turned in.
Medical Stabilization
After intake and assessment, you will begin detoxing under medical supervision. Your doctor may prescribe medications to alleviate your symptoms. Some of the most widely used medications for opioid withdrawal include:
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) or Subutex (buprenorphine) – Medications that soothe withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings.
- Clonidine – An antihypertensive that can treat physical symptoms like sweating, watery eyes, hot flashes, restlessness, and high blood pressure.
- Methadone – An opioid medication that can reduce withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings or act as an opioid taper.
- Lofexidine (Lucemyra) – A new, non-opioid medication that can be given during detox to alleviate symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
While you are on medication and detoxing, nurses will monitor your vitals and your symptoms to keep you as safe and as comfortable as possible.
Holistic Care
Addiction is a disease that affects the mind, body, and spirit, and effective treatment requires whole-person care. In addition to medical support, there are a variety of holistic healing therapies that can reduce your withdrawal symptoms, manage your drug cravings, and improve your overall health. Some of the holistic treatments used during opioid detox include:
- Yoga and meditation
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Synaptic electronic activation (SEA)
Assisting with the Next Steps and the Transition to Rehab
Opioid withdrawal usually lasts 3-7 days. Once you are done detoxing, a staff member will help you begin your transition to a substance abuse treatment program.
At Sheer Recovery, most patients spend time in residential inpatient treatment before transitioning to a lower level of care, such as partial hospitalization (PHP) or intensive outpatient programming (IOP). The staff member will discuss your treatment options with you and help you choose the program that is right for you.
Detox only treats the physical symptoms of addiction–it does not treat the root causes or provide you with the resources you need to stay sober. Continuing your treatment after detoxification is crucial for sustaining your sobriety.
Start Your Recovery at an Opioid Detox Center in California Today
Our team at Sheer Recovery is ready to support you on every step of your recovery journey–beginning with detoxification. Call now to find out if our California opioid detox center is right for you.
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