Opioid detox can be uncomfortable, and the process can last anywhere from a day to a week. Because opioids rewire the brain to require them, the process of withdrawal from them can be extremely uncomfortable and volatile. The steps involved in an opioid detox are evaluation, detoxification, and transition to further treatment. You can learn more about each step by reading on. In addition, you can learn about the different types of opioid detox, including medically supervised detoxification and the use of naltrexone.
Adverse Events
The study included data on adverse events during opioid
detox. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients who remained
opioid-free through the last day of the study. It was also important to
calculate the proportion of participants who reported at least one of these
events and who provided an opioid-free urine sample on the final day of the
study. The study was conducted over a period of 13 days, with the last day of
the study categorized as successful if the participant presented on day 14.
Treatment Options
Depending on the severity of the addiction and the
individual's personal situation, there are different types of treatment options
for opioid detox. There are inpatient and outpatient programs. Inpatient detox
involves staying in the treatment center for the duration of the program, while
outpatient detox involves visiting the facility during specific hours.
Inpatient programs are more effective at treating severe addictions, but they
are also more expensive and less convenient for some people. Treatments can
also be combined with medication to maximize the benefits of both types of
detox.
Medically Supervised Detoxification
Medically supervised opioid detoxification is the process of
reducing or eliminating opioid use under the supervision of a healthcare
professional. During this process, patients are provided with medications to
help reduce the uncomfortable and sometimes intolerable withdrawal symptoms.
During the detox, medical staff monitors the patient's vital signs and administers
medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Medication containing
buprenorphine is commonly used during the detoxification process.
Naltrexone
In Russia, inpatient drug detoxification has become a
standard part of the rehabilitation process. Naltrexone is an approved
medication for the treatment of opioid dependence. Inpatient treatment involves
rapid opioid detoxification and naltrexone induction. The suggested treatment
regimens are based on the level of dependence and withdrawal severity of the
individual. NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are also commonly
used.
Transition To Residential Treatment
A recent study examined transitions from inpatient
detoxification to post-detoxification care for individuals with opioid use disorder.
This study included data from a subset of the Massachusetts Public Health
DataWarehouse, which includes all residents with health insurance.
Massachusetts has a generous public health insurance program that requires all
residents to have coverage. It has also demonstrated that patients do not
complete their detoxification in a linear fashion. Instead, they relapse and
need further treatment.
