While opiate detox treatment is not a pleasant experience, it is necessary for the addict to stop using these drugs and avoid its harmful effects. Withdrawal symptoms of opiate detox gradually become more severe and may be accompanied by temptation to relapse. There are a number of measures you can take to avoid this unpleasant experience. Here are some tips:
Symptoms Of Opiate Withdrawal
The symptoms of opiate withdrawal are very uncomfortable and
are likely to push the person to seek the next fix. While they are not
life-threatening, they can be dangerous if not treated quickly. For instance,
if they are not treated, withdrawal symptoms can dehydrate the body and elevate
the blood sodium levels, which could cause a heart attack or stroke. For these
reasons, you should seek guidance from a healthcare professional or an
addiction treatment center.
While most of the symptoms of opiate withdrawal are not
life-threatening, the person is still at risk of overdose. Depending on the
drug, withdrawal may be accompanied by seizures. While seizures are not
normally associated with opioid withdrawal, they are a side effect of prolonged
abstinence from multiple drugs. Symptoms of opiate withdrawal during detox are
also important to monitor and manage. If you or a loved one are experiencing
symptoms of opiate withdrawal, you should seek medical attention immediately.
While withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant, they are
manageable with the help of medication and other treatments. Exercise helps to
increase mood and relieve muscle pain. Epsom salts are effective for this, but
avoid them if you are suffering from a fever. Additionally, taking plenty of
water is essential. Other than that, you can also take appropriate
over-the-counter medications to alleviate the discomfort of withdrawal. It is
also important to get enough sleep since withdrawal can make the person sleepy
and unwell.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Options
While MAT is usually used in the treatment of alcohol and
opioid use disorders, there are other medications available for those in need
of such detoxification. These include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
Methadone is an FDA-approved narcotic that works by stimulating brain receptors
that are stimulated by opioids. While it isn't a cure for addiction, it can
provide a way to stop craving these drugs and stay clean.
Behavioral therapies are another important part of
medication-assisted treatment. Behavioral therapy addresses underlying issues
related to substance abuse and helps the patient develop a positive self-image.
These techniques teach patients how to deal with stress and triggers and
encourage positive behaviors and feelings. Medication-assisted treatment
combines these approaches for the patient's recovery. It has been proven to be
more effective in reducing drug use and associated risks.
MAT can be covered by insurance. Federal law requires
insurers to cover mental health and substance abuse programs. However, the
level of coverage will vary by plan, employer, and individual patient. While
some plans cover all FDA-approved opioid therapies, others require prior
authorization before treatment can begin. So, it's important to speak with your
insurance provider to find out which MAT options are covered by your plan.
Adverse Events Associated With Opiate Detox
There are many adverse events associated with opiate detox.
Although the risks of these treatments vary, they are generally less severe
than other methods. This review will focus on the adverse events related to the
various methods of opiate detox. Generally, the adverse events reported were
discomfort, respiratory problems, psychiatric symptoms, and endocrine
dysfunction. The adverse events that were not reported are primarily due to
preexisting medical conditions, such as heart failure, diabetes, or
hypertension.
Anesthesia-assisted detoxification is an expensive and
potentially dangerous method. According to Dr. Ivan Montoya of NIDA's Division
of Pharmacotherapies and Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse, patients who
underwent this treatment experienced a significantly lower rate of retention in
subsequent outpatient treatment. He also noted that there are a number of side
effects associated with Naltrexone use, such as restlessness and anxiety.
Ultra-rapid detoxification, or UROD, is a new method of
opiate detoxification that involves a bolus injection or a slow infusion.
Patients undergo the procedure in the intensive care unit, requiring one to two
days of hospitalization. The process' proponents claim it provides complete
accelerated detoxification without withdrawal symptoms. The procedure also
purportedly reduces the patient's psychological craving for drugs.
