Opioid detox is a medical procedure in which a patient is taken off of a substance that causes a high in the patient. Although they are legal prescription drugs, they are highly addictive and can cause a variety of physiological and psychological problems. While opioids may produce a sense of calm and euphoria, they also rewire the brain. Because the patient is unable to function without these drugs, he or she must go through an extensive process to remove the drug from their body.
While undergoing opiate detoxification, it is important to
remember that this type of treatment should not be attempted alone. While detox
by itself may not be sufficient for long-term recovery, a combination of
treatment methods can greatly increase the chances of successful recovery. As a
result, the detoxification process should be accompanied by other levels of
care that will make the transition to treatment easier. Ideally, detox should
be done in an inpatient environment that limits access to drugs.
During the detoxification process, patients should be aware
of the increased risk of overdose after opioid withdrawal. The detoxification
process should include educational sessions. An inpatient environment should
minimize the temptation to use during the uncomfortable withdrawal process. Inpatient
treatment should also provide naloxone rescue kits for all patients. These kits
will prevent overdoses. The goal of any opioid detox program should be to help
patients recover from their addiction and begin a life free of the substance.
Depending on the severity of addiction, inpatient or
outpatient detox is the right choice for patients. An inpatient treatment plan
will provide 24 hour care and medical supervision. The process of opioid
withdrawal will be more effective with a medically supervised environment. The
medical team will also administer appropriate drugs for pain control during the
detoxification process. An outpatient detox is less intensive and may be
suitable for patients with other responsibilities. However, it is important to
consult a licensed treatment provider for the best course of treatment.
During opioid detox, the patient will receive medication to
help relieve the withdrawal symptoms. There are two types of opioid detox:
inpatient and outpatient. The inpatient option is more likely to be successful.
The inpatient method will give a patient access to daily monitoring while the
outpatient is more likely to require a hospital stay. The outpatient option is
less costly and will last for three to 10 days. This method will depend on the
severity of addiction.
Medications will be used to help with withdrawal. While the
opioids were rewiring the body to produce them, the body has become accustomed
to their presence. The resulting cravings are often so strong that it is
difficult to stop using the drugs completely. Therefore, medicated-assisted
treatment (MAT) is essential for recovering opioid addicts. The medication
keeps the body in a state of normalcy and prevents the onset of any physical
and mental symptoms.
