Also known as opioids, opiates are a class of drugs that include both illegal drugs like heroin as well as prescription substances like oxycodone and hydrocodone. While heroin is an illegal street drug, prescription opioids are prescribed by doctors for severe and chronic pain. Even when used as prescribed, however, long-term opioid misuse can lead to dependence, which means the individual will experience withdrawals when they attempt to quit using. For those who need help overcoming opioid abuse, our luxury drug and alcohol rehab in South Florida offers medical detox from opiates that can help.
Understanding Opioid Dependence
So, what is opioid dependence? First, let us talk about how opioids affect the brain. When someone takes opioids, they cause a variety of side effects, including drowsiness, relaxation, and slowed breathing. Many people also experience a rush of pleasure or euphoria, especially when opioids are taken in high doses.
Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain and central nervous system (CNS), disrupting the pain signals transmitted from the body and dulling the perception of painful stimuli. Opioids also increase the activity of dopamine in the brain. This is a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger associated with pleasure and a sensation of well-being.
Dopamine helps to reinforce any pleasurable activities, including the misuse of drugs like opioids. The chemical is naturally released whenever we do something pleasurable and fun, such as eating or spending time with loved ones. When it comes to drug use, dopamine is released when opioids are taken, which signals the brain to continue engaging in this behavior because it feels good.
After a while, the body and brain will become accustomed to the effects of opioids, and the user will hit a point where they do not feel good or “normal” if they are not taking these drugs. Physical dependence is also marked by severe withdrawal symptoms. This is one of the most common red flags of developing opioid addiction.
Opiate Withdrawal Timeline & Symptoms
Detox from opiates can be dangerous and even life-threatening if attempted at home or without medical support. The purpose of detox is to wean the body of these substances. However, the body may react with a variety of symptoms known as withdrawals.
Common symptoms of opiate withdrawal include:
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Increased body temperature
- Racing heart
- Muscle and bone pain
- Sweating
- Chills
- High blood pressure
The symptoms of opioid withdrawal may be the opposite of those produced by opioids. For instance, a user who is detoxing may experience anxiety instead of euphoria and muscle and bone pain rather than pain relief. However, the deadliest symptom of opioid withdrawal is dehydration.
The most common symptoms of opioid detox are diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to severe dehydration. While our Florida opiate detox center offers medical support to properly cope with these symptoms and ensure a patient’s safety and comfort, individuals who do not have support for this condition are at risk of experiencing severe complications and even death.
Finding Opiate Detox Near Me
Although opioid withdrawal is uncomfortable, it is not always life-threatening. However, death can occur in severe cases and because of untreated symptoms such as dehydration. In some cases, complications caused by preexisting medical conditions or health complications because of intravenous (IV) drug use, which is common among heroin users, could also become life-threatening.
There is also an increased risk of overdose for individuals who return to opioid use following a period of abstinence. This is more likely to occur among users who did not complete their detox or get medical support for this process. Someone detoxing at home or without professional help could experience dehydration and heart failure because of untreated diarrhea and vomiting, as well.
Opioids are some of the most addictive pills in the world, making professional care crucial for long-term recovery. To reduce the likelihood of these detox complications and increase your chances of regaining your health, our Palm Beach rehab recommends our detox from opiates. We offer medically monitored detox for all kinds of drug use disorders, each of which is led by a medical team.
During detox, clients are placed on a tapering schedule that allows us to monitor their reduction in doses and allows us to better control the pace and severity of withdrawals. Our team may also administer detox medication as needed to help individuals remain as comfortable and safe as possible.
If you have been scouring opiate detox centers across the nation trying to find the right one, look no further. Contact Seaside Palm Beach today to learn more about our luxury detox programs and how we can help.
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