Opiate Detox
Opiate Detox Program in Orange County, CA
Opiate addiction is challenging to overcome. One of the biggest fears that people have about stopping their use of these strong painkillers is how bad withdrawal will be. Most people who are addicted to opiates have at one time or another, tried to stop using them, only to become sick with withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms can be very uncomfortable, even painful, and that often leads to individuals going back to taking the drug to feel better. While opiate withdrawal isn’t usually life-threatening, there can be severe symptoms that are best handled by medical professionals. This is especially true for individuals who have used opiates for a long time, or in large amounts.
At our Orange County opiate detox program the first step to getting clean and sober from opiates. Detox treatment is typically a short program in which your body rids itself of opiates and other substances you may have used. The process is medically supervised and may include medication that alleviates some of the worst withdrawal symptoms. At True Life Recovery, we have a professional caring staff to help you through the detox process safely and as comfortably as possible.
Key Facts
New Cases per Year
3,000
People at Risk
1.6 Million
Most Common
80 - 90%
Median Age
34
01. What are Opiates?
What Is Opiate Abuse and Detoxification?
Opiates are a class of drugs that are prescribed for chronic or acute pain relief, as well as the illicit drug, heroin. Prescription opiates include morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and others. Many people begin using opiates legitimately for medical reasons. As they continue use, they build a tolerance to the medication, which causes many people to increase their dosage or the frequency they take the drug. Taking prescription medication in doses that are other than prescribed is considered abuse and can quickly lead to physical dependence and addiction. A medically supervised detox program is the safest and most comfortable way to stop using opiates once a physical dependency has occurred.
02. Effects of Using Opiates
The Effects of Opiate Abuse on The Body
The primary effect of opiate medications is pain relief, that is what they are prescribed for. However, there is a high risk of abuse with opiates because of the euphoric feeling they create in users. They can also cause some uncomfortable side effects as well, including:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion
- Insomnia
- Stomach problems
- Severe headaches
- Chronic constipation
When opiates are used for an extended amount of time, there can be negative effects on the heart, liver, and lungs. When users take more opiate medication than prescribed, they are at risk of developing endocarditis, or an infection of the inner lining of the heart. Opiates can also be harmful to the liver, in any amount, over time. People with respiratory problems can experience lung problems when taking opiates, because the drug can cause shortness of breath and slower respiratory rate.
Some of the more serious effects of heroin use can include:
- Abscesses and skin infections (when the drug is injected)
- Liver or kidney disease
- Blood clots, heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism
- Contracting Hepatitis B or C, HIV, or other infections
- Septicemia
- Collapsed veins
- Pneumonia or other chronic respiratory infections
- Overdose
- Seizure
- Coma
- Death
Additionally, most heroin users experience financial, legal, and relationship issues as a result of their drug use.
03. Side Effects of Detox
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Opiates Detox?
Detoxing from opiates is usually unpleasant, often described like having a severe case of the flu. Withdrawal symptoms typically start within a day or so after the last dose and will peak for most users after about a week. However, this depends on the specific opiate that is used, as there are different strengths, immediate and extended-release options, and different levels of dependency and addiction.
Early Opiate Withdrawal
The first phase of withdrawal usually begins between 6 and 12 hours of the last use for short-acting opiates. For those individuals who have been taking long-acting opiates, withdrawal symptoms may not begin until 24-30 hours after the last use. Some common symptoms that are part of early opiate withdrawal include:
- Runny nose and tearing eyes
- Body and muscle aches
- Increased anxiety
- Elevated heart rate
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
- Excessive yawning
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Cravings
Late Opiate Withdrawal
Physical opiate withdrawal symptoms usually peak at around 72 hours after the last use and then slowly fade away for the next week or so. Common late withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Anxiety and depression
- Cravings
- Goosebumps
Post-acute Opiate Withdrawal
Early and late withdrawal symptoms usually last up to a couple of weeks but can go on longer for some patients. Once they have subsided, it is considered to be the post-acute withdrawal phase. This phase doesn’t typically involve any physical withdrawal symptoms, but the mental and emotional symptoms of withdrawal may be ongoing. Depression, anxiety, cravings, and fatigue can last for weeks after the last opiate use.
04. How Long Does Detox Take to Finish
How Long Will It Take to Detox from Opiates?
The duration of detox from opiates varies depending on several factors. The type of opiate used, how much was used, how frequent doses were, and the overall mental and physical condition of the individual all play a part in how long detox takes. However, there is a general timeline of opiate detox, that many people experience. It is as follows:
Shorter-acting opiates (heroin and some prescription painkillers): withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 8-24 hours after the last use and typically last 4-10 days.
Longer-acting opiates (methadone, fentanyl patched, extended-release painkillers): withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 2-4 days after last use and last for 10-12 days.
How to Recognize if Opiate Detox May Be Right for You
If you are abusing or addicted to opiate drugs, you may experience some of the following behaviors:
- Taking higher doses of your opiate painkiller than are prescribed
- Taking the medication more often than it is prescribed
- Craving opiate drugs when not taking it
- Requiring opiates to simply feel “normal”
- Going to different doctors to obtain various prescriptions for opiate painkillers
- Faking symptoms or lying to doctors to get additional prescriptions or refills for opiates
- Isolating from friends and family
- Not being able to stop using opiates despite attempts to quit
05. Detox by Drug Type
What Are the Different Types of Detox?
At True Life Recovery, our dedicated and caring staff will help you through the detox process. You will be monitored regularly, to ensure your safety and comfort during detox. In addition to opiate detox, we offer help detoxing from the following:
We offer detox for drugs and alcohol including:
06. Getting Help
Getting Help
If you are ready to stop using opiate drugs and get clean, you may be considering going “cold turkey” or just stopping use on your own. Or you may have already attempted to get clean previously, and you are ready to try again. Whatever your personal circumstances are, it’s important to consider seeking professional help for your detox, rather than trying it alone. There are several benefits of attending a detox program.
First and foremost, it is much safer. While opiate withdrawal isn’t usually life-threatening, the symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and frightening, especially if you haven’t been through withdrawal previously. It is also much more comfortable to detox in a medically supervised program where medications may be given to help you with the most unpleasant symptoms.
One of the biggest benefits of attending a detox program is that the likelihood of actually making it through the withdrawal symptoms without relapsing is much higher at a detox center than at home. If you are at home, it’s easy to give in to the discomfort and use again. In a detox program, that isn’t an option. Plus, you may be given medication and emotional support that help with the process.
True Life Recovery is an inpatient redential detox center with a qualified and compassionate staff that will guide you through the detox process. Our center is safe, quiet, and comfortable, the perfect setting for getting clean and beginning your new life in recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Addiction is a complicated, irrational and multi-faceted disease. Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that is persisting, recurring and difficult to stop. Addiction is not a moral failing or a lack of will power. Nobody chooses to be an addict. Experimenting with drugs and alcohol may lead to addiction in certain people. People basically use drugs or alcohol to relax, escape or reward themselves. A potential addiction occurs and is more likely in people who have an addictive personality caused by biology, environment or socially or are predisposed through heredity. These people don’t just feel good after using they feel so good they chase the feeling and the substance.
Signs of Addiction:
- Increased Tolerance & Intense Urges
- Physical or Emotional Withdrawal Symptoms
- Negative Consequences
- Unsuccessful Attempts to Stop
- Too Much Time Spent Seeking Next High
- Addiction without the proper professional help can be terminal.
If you cannot control or stop using alcohol or drugs and your use is affecting your life adversely regarding health, self-esteem, family, employment, friends even law enforcement it’s probably time to consider a recovery program for yourself.
The first step after deciding to take control of your life back is to detox. Detoxing from an addiction is the first step in changing your life.
A “cold turkey” approach is not recommended because of the physical problems that may arise. In our experience people who try going cold turkey usually disappoint themselves and relapse. Detox should never be attempted at home or without medical supervision at a licensed detox treatment facility.
At True Life Recovery, we medically manage your detox stay and provide you with as pain-free and safe experience as possible. We manage the physical effects of withdrawal, give you a safe comfortable supportive environment with proper food and emotional support.
When an individual determines to live life clean and sober the first step is detox.
The next phase is adjusting to abstinence. Lasting recovery means behavioral changes that support your journey. Talking it out in a private or public support system will assist in recovery.
Active involvement in support groups such as AA or NA are recommended.
There are many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers also available to assist individuals to learn new coping skills and focus on their recovery. As well, your religious organization may be of great support.
Addiction is a chronic disease, therefore the goal is a long-term successful management of the disease.
Detoxification from drugs or alcohol varies depending on the type, the level of abuse, and the individual client’s health.
In general, detox will take 3 to 10 days.
When you speak with one of our True Life Recovery representatives they will begin to assess your dependency and will give you a good idea of what timeline to expect to stay.
Costs include 24-hour supervision and monitoring, room and board in a private or shared room, intake evaluation, counseling and therapy sessions as well as nutritious food freshly prepared daily.
For anyone worried that the wrong person will find out that you are going through a detox program – don’t be. Deciding to become clean and sober is a very personal issue and we highly respect individual rights. We do not give out personal information, have and maintain a very strict confidentiality policy.
