Opioid Detox
Opiates, like heroin, prescription opioids (i.e. oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, etc.), and synthetic fentanyl, are highly addictive drugs that bind to receptors in the brain. Opioids affect basic physiological functioning like heart rate, sleep patterns, as well as breathing. Additionally, opioid use creates a false sensation of pleasure by flooding the brain with chemicals like dopamine. There is currently an opioid crisis in the United States, with statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse stating that 115 Americans die of an opioid overdose each day.
Discontinuing Opiate Use
Because opioids are extremely addictive, it is difficult to stop abusing them on your own. Opioid withdrawal is extremely unpleasant and can be dangerous, especially if attempted alone. The physical pain associated with opioid withdrawal syndrome often leads users to use again despite negative consequences. For this reason, most opioid abusers need a medical detox and medically-supervised opioid withdrawal management to succeed.
Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights offers medication-assisted opioid detox in our facility so as to make the detox process as painless and safe as possible. We offer non-addictive medication options to manage the pain faced during withdrawal.
Can You Die from Opiate Withdrawal?
Yes, people can die from opiate and opioid withdrawal in some instances. When someone stops taking opioids they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, aspiration pneumonia, or heart problems. These things can be fatal for those who lack a strong constitution.
For this reason, withdrawal from opiates or opioids is best done with the help of medical professionals, who can prescribe medications for the management of opioid withdrawal. Some medications developed for opioid withdrawal management include methadone, buprenorphine, and suboxone. Supportive care and substance abuse counseling from clinical experts will also be made available to ensure detox is as smooth as possible.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid abuse, please reach out for help today.
Effects of Opiates on the Mind & Body
As some of the most potent and habit-forming narcotics available, opioids have major side effects after being abused. With withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild to severe, detoxing from opioids is indeed best performed at our medical detox center with 24/7 medical supervision. Opioid abuse history, age, coexisting medical conditions, and health status all affect withdrawal symptoms. No matter your individual circumstances, our medical team is highly trained and well-equipped to manage your withdrawal symptoms and ensure your safety during the detox process and beyond.
Short Term Effects of Opioid Use:
- Lethargy/drowsiness
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Nausea
Long Term Effects of Opioid Use:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Liver and brain damage
- Tolerance/dependence
We understand the difficulty associated with overcoming opioid addiction. The team at Spokane Heights Detox is here to support you throughout every step of your road to recovery. We offer individualized detox programs tailored to meet your needs in a comfortable and safe environment.
Have any questions?
Do I Have an Opioid Addiction?
If you are unsure whether you have an addiction to opioids, please see these warning signs below:
- “Doctor shopping” for multiple prescriptions
- Snorting or injecting pills to increase effects
- Planning activities around opioid use
- Engaging in high-risk behaviors
- Loss of interest in activities
- Continuing to use opioids despite negative effects or consequences
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms and/or cravings
If you or someone you love shows these warning signs, medical help to safely detox is necessary. Opioid withdrawal symptoms start to occur within the first six to seven hours after the last use, peak in severity around 72-hours and can persist for roughly one week. As a result, a controlled environment, like our medical detox facility, is the best setting for a safe and comfortable detoxification. With medical treatment, symptoms are more effectively regulated. Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights encourages guests to continue treatment after their stay at our medical detox facility, to greatly improve their chances of lasting sobriety.
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Common opioid withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Depression
- Stomach cramps
- Severe muscle and bone pain
- Sleep problems
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Hot and cold flashes with goosebumps
- Uncontrollable leg movements
- Severe cravings
Opioid withdrawal is best undergone via a medically-assisted opioid detox.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
After Opioid Detox
After medical detox, our team highly suggests continuing treatment to overcome opioid addiction. Medical detox is only the first step of recovery; in fact, comprehensive treatment is often necessary. From working with a case manager, therapist, as well as joining in group therapy sessions, guests will begin the real work of learning how to live without drugs or alcohol. Following detox, guests may move into our residential inpatient program, and then our outpatient, aftercare, and sober living programs. Each plan is carefully determined by the clinical team, case manager, and the guest to ensure successful individualized treatment. If you or a loved one is suffering from an opioid addiction or any substance use disorder, please reach out to us at (888) 907-0898 to speak with one of our knowledgeable addiction specialists, who are available to you 24/7.
Because We Care.
Are you looking for help with addiction? Let us support you on the path to lasting recovery
Looking for Opioid Detox Services?
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, please reach out to us to find out more about how our opioid detox services can help. We work with most private insurance policies and offer affordable self-pay rates if you do not have insurance. Give us a call and we will figure out the best treatment plan for you or your loved one.
Because We Care.
Would you like more information?
If you or someone you know has a substance use disorder, we hope you’ll begin your journey with us at Royal Life Centers.
