Opiates are substances that come from the opium poppy plant. Some of these drugs include morphine, heroin, and codeine. Opiates can produce effects like:

• A decreased sense of pain
• Euphoria and sedation (feeling sleepy)

These effects make opiate use highly addictive. When someone stops taking opiates, they can experience withdrawal symptoms. Opiate detoxification is the process of treating opiate addiction with medication to minimize withdrawal effects and prevent relapse.

During opiate detox treatment, a doctor or nurse practitioner will prescribe medications to help relieve the discomfort and start the addiction treatment process.

The amount of time it takes for these medications to take effect varies by individual and by prescription.

There is a national need for detox centers in Florida and other areas to work with people who are addicted to drug and alcohol abuse, but it is unfortunate that there are not enough of them. The amount of detox centers in Florida is limited, which has led to some people wait months before they get the help they need. However, at All About Detox Centers, you can find all the information you need on detox centers in Florida to better understand how they work.

The Process of Going Through Opiate Addiction Treatment

The first step in opiate detoxification or any substance abuse treatment is to discuss any medications that the person may be taking with the doctor or nurse practitioner. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.

The doctor will work with you to create a medication plan for treating painful withdrawal symptoms inside the treatment center. They might also provide advice on ways to help minimize withdrawal effects, such as:

• Limit caffeine intake (because caffeine can make withdrawal effects more severe)
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
• Eat a healthy diet that includes small meals and snacks throughout the day
• After you know your medication plan, it’s time to start treatment. Treatment typically lasts five to seven days and includes:
• Medication is taken at home that reduces withdrawal effects
• Additional medication is given by injection or intravenous (IV)

What Happens After Opiate Detox?

After completing the treatment for opiate detox, there are steps you can take to help prevent relapse. One of these is participating in a support group like 12-step programs or drug counseling. It’s also important to avoid triggers that remind you of opiate use.

For example, suppose your previous routine involved using drugs at a particular time each day. In that case, it can be helpful to develop new habits around different times to decrease the risk of relapse.

By participating in support group meetings or attending counseling, you are taking an active role in your recovery. This can make it more likely that you will successfully stop opiate use.

Signs of Successful Opiate Detoxification Include:

• Sufficient time between last use of opiates and the start of withdrawal effects
• Symptoms are mild to moderate in intensity
• Relapse doesn’t occur during treatment or soon after completing detoxification
• A person can participate in activities that contribute to their recovery, such as attending drug counseling or participating in support group meetings

If you think opiate detoxification isn’t the right choice for you, there are other options available to help you stop using opiates, like methadone maintenance programs at a medical detox facility.

These programs can be used on an outpatient or inpatient basis and can provide support throughout withdrawal and into aftercare services if needed.

A Few Things to Remember:

• Opiate detoxification is a treatment option, not an end goal. The person should have a desire to stop using opiates before considering committing to an opiate detox program at a detox center.
• Inpatient or outpatient treatment helps you continue your recovery after the process, and it can be just as crucial as completing opiate detoxification itself.
• By taking these actions, you can help make the process of opiate detoxification successful.
• People who are addicted to opiates need to understand that this is a safe treatment option.
• You or your loved ones may be nervous about medically supervised detox at a treatment center. If so, keep in mind that it’s a safe and effective way to begin your recovery process.
• Make sure you understand the medications that will be used for detoxification at opiate detox centers.
• Aftercare services such as counseling or support groups can help with relapse prevention long after you complete opioid detox at a treatment center.

How to Prepare for Your Opiate Detoxification and Possible Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms?

The most important thing to remember is that you are taking an active role in your recovery at an addiction treatment center. It can help to have support from loved ones, but it’s more important that you are ready for this process to stop using prescription opiates.

Before you start opiate addiction treatment, it’s essential to know your options.

• Discuss the plan for opiate detox at detox centers with your doctor or other health care provider. They can help you create a plan that best suits your needs and minimize withdrawal effects while allowing for enough time before starting work or school again.
• If you’re concerned that the detoxification process may be complex, discuss this with your doctor or other health care provider. This can help them to know what might happen during withdrawal so they can provide more support.
• Discuss the plan for opioid detox at a detox center with loved ones who are essential in your life. Getting their support before treatment starts can make it easier to get started without worrying about how they react.
• If possible, consider the possibility of getting help from an inpatient treatment center. This is usually done on an outpatient basis or through a prescription for opioid addiction. This allows you to participate in activities that will help your ongoing recovery while still getting medical supervision while you go on a detox.

The most important thing to remember is that you are taking an active role in your recovery. It can help to have support from loved ones, but you must be ready for this process to stop using opiates.

You or your loved ones may be nervous about this treatment. If so, keep in mind that opiate detoxification is a safe and effective way to begin your recovery process.

Make sure you understand the meds that will be used for detoxification. If possible, consider the possibility of getting help from an inpatient treatment center. This is usually done on an outpatient basis or through a prescription for opiate detoxification. This allows you to participate in activities that will help your ongoing recovery while still getting medical supervision.

The Connection Between Drug Addiction and Mental Illness.

• A large body of research shows a connection between drug addiction and mental illness. Many people who have a severe mental disorder will also deal with a substance use disorder. For example, more than half of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder will develop an addiction to alcohol or other drugs at some time in their lives. The reverse is also true: People who have an addiction are more likely to develop other mental health problems.
• Although not everyone with a mental disorder will become addicted to drugs, family history is often the best indicator of whether someone is at risk for drug abuse. If you know that your loved one has had trouble with alcohol or drug use in the past, they are more likely to develop a substance use disorder.
• If you have a mental health disorder, it’s essential to have an honest discussion with your doctor or therapist about the potential impact on your recovery. That way, they can help you find treatment for both problems so that you’re less likely to abuse drugs.
• If you think you or your loved one has a problem with addiction and mental illness, talk to your doctor or therapist about treatment options. This can help you manage both issues as part of a comprehensive recovery plan tailored to each person’s needs.
• *Being proactive about finding effective drug rehab for yourself or those you love can improve your chances of celebrating longer, happier lives together.
• People who have both problems are much more likely to relapse than those with either disorder alone. Suppose you’ve already used drugs or alcohol to cope with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or any other mental illness in the past. In that case, it’s even more critical that you seek help for your addiction.
• Many treatment programs that offer support for mental health issues also provide a framework for addressing a drug or alcohol problem, including alcohol withdrawal or addiction to prescription drugs. These integrated programs can be especially effective because they help people learn to cope with their illness without turning to drugs.
• If you have both a substance use disorder and another mental health problem, it’s essential to get effective treatment for both. This is especially true if one of these conditions might make the other worse. Suppose you have a mental illness and try to stop using drugs without professional help. In that case, you could experience withdrawal effects that worsen your condition or relapse into drug abuse due to self-medication.
• People with dual diagnosis treatment require a recovery approach that addresses both problems. With the right treatment plan, they can simultaneously recover from addiction and co-occurring disorders to improve their overall health, wellness, and quality of life.
• If you have a mental illness problem in addition to drug addiction, it is essential that you seek out specialized help. A comprehensive approach to treatment follows an individualized course for each person that considers their unique circumstances.
• Research has shown that integrated treatment is the most effective way to deal with these co-occurring conditions and get long-term results. Treatment professionals should offer a plan for dual diagnosis treatment so be sure to ask your doctor or therapist about this when you begin looking at treatment options for medical detox.
• A mental health counselor or therapist who is experienced in treating a dual diagnosis can help you work through the impact your illness has had on your life and lead you toward a full, productive recovery.
• If you have a mental health disorder and addiction to opioids, it’s essential to get treatment from an expert in this area. With a dual diagnosis, you’re more likely to have severe withdrawal symptoms during detox and require medication for any mental health symptoms that might appear.
• Someone who has just been diagnosed with a mental illness or substance abuse problem usually doesn’t need to get treatment from an addiction specialist. In most cases, the family doctor or general practitioner can refer you to a mental health counselor, psychiatrist, or therapist qualified to help.
• It’s essential to seek treatment for both your addiction and your mental health problem with the guidance of an expert in this area. A specialist in dual diagnosis can provide integrated treatment that eases drug detox while easing any co-occurring mental illness symptoms. Speak with your doctor or therapist, and ask for their advice when looking at treatment options.
• A mental illness diagnosis does not automatically mean that a person will need to get addiction treatment from an addiction specialist. Your regular family doctor or general practitioner can usually refer you to a counselor, psychiatrist, or therapist in your area who is qualified in dual diagnosis care.
• It is essential to seek treatment for both your addiction and mental illness with the guidance of an expert in this area. A specialist can provide integrated treatment that eases drug detox while easing any co-occurring mental illness symptoms.
• If your doctor or therapist isn’t experienced in treating a dual diagnosis, ask for their advice when you’re choosing a treatment program.
• Addiction and mental health treatment professionals should work together to develop an individualized plan for each person with an addiction and co-occurring problem that considers their unique circumstances. Your doctor, therapist, or counselor can help you find the right program if s/he doesn’t specialize in dual diagnosis care.

Tips on Staying Sober After Going Through Addiction Treatment at An Opiate Detox Center

• Participating in a support group after completing opiate addiction treatment or any substance abuse treatment, whether a 12-step program or other non-12 step alternative groups.
• Don’t make major life decisions while going through opiate withdrawal since stress and irritability can cause relapse.
• If you have completed an opioid detoxification program and have been off opioids for a while, you may be feeling pretty good.
• You might have a lot of energy and feel ready to experience life again. Maybe you want to go out with friends or get a job – perhaps even get back together with your family.

Conclusion

Don’t let the excitement of being drug-free cloud your judgment. It’s essential to take your time in planning your next move.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, don’t hesitate to call your doctor, therapist, counselor, family member, friend, neighbor, or local emergency number right away. You must get help for this problem as soon as possible so that suicidal feelings do not worsen.

Resting for at least 12 hours a night while your body adjusts to life without opioids helps your body function properly and makes the recovery journey more bearable and less life threatening.

TDC Admin