As Americans and fellow humans, we should all get ourselves involved in the issue of opioid abuse. The epidemic we are seeing of opioid abuse and overdoses is very real. It doesn’t matter if it’s heroin, prescription painkillers, or even fentanyl. We have far too many people at risk of serious health and mental issues. Of course, the notion of suddenly ceasing the use of these substances is almost as scary as the actual abuse. Why? After we finish describing the typical opioid withdrawal symptoms, then you will better understand.
What Are Some Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms?
When the human body creates a dependence on a substance, it needs that substance to function normally. If the user withholds the substance, the body will react at some point. Experts call this reaction withdrawal.
Opioids are also among the most addictive drugs on the planet. Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume the symptoms of opioid withdrawal are quite serious. Indeed, that’s an absolute fact. So let’s take a look at some of the most serious opioid withdrawal symptoms:
- Muscle cramps and spasms in the extremities and stomach region
- Vomiting, Nausea, and diarrhea
- Psychological issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideology
- Breathing and blood pressure issues
- Sleep regulation difficulties
- Tremors and convulsions
- Hallucinations and nightmares
The Detox Process for the Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
They are not many doctors who would recommend someone deal with their opioid withdrawal symptoms without help. It’s simply too dangerous for anyone to consider. Instead, the best option is getting oneself into treatment, which will include a detox program.
While there are detox only facilities, some facilities offer in-house detox services. At the best opioid addiction treatment program Memphis offers, we refer to outside detox services.
As a client, we can tell you what to expect. As you enter the detox facility, there will be an intake process. The facility’s clinician needs to gather information about the depth of your addiction. From their diagnosis, they should then be able to assign you to a custom detox process.
In all likelihood, you will also go through a medically-monitored detox program. Given the serious nature of the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, they will want to make sure you get constant monitoring. Of course, the goal is to make sure you get through the detox process as safely as possible. If you were to show any signs of pain or severe discomfort, a doctor will then be able to prescribe relief medications. These types of medication will usually address pain as well as sleeping issues. The detox process should take 5-7 days to get through your opioid withdrawal symptoms with one caveat.
If your addiction is severe, it would be dangerous for you to move too quickly through the detox process. In such a case, you would likely need to submit to a tapering program with the help of tapering medications. The theory being it would be safer for you to move slower through the process until you are clean and safe.
Once you have completed the detox process, you should be good to go through therapy on the way to recovery.
About Memphis Recovery Centers
As a premier addiction treatment center for all substances, we take seriously our charter to help people find recovery. We believe a long-term addiction requires a long-term treatment process. Therefore, we don’t like to lock our clients into the 30-day treatment idea. We want them to commit to the treatment process for as long as it takes to establish a strong recovery. Here’s a list of our services and treatment approaches:
- Long-term inpatient care – up to six months
- Intensive outpatient care
- Aftercare programs of up to six months
- Art and music therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment with an emphasis on addiction
If you have an addiction to any opioid, you need to get help. That includes help dealing with your opioid withdrawal symptoms. The good news is Memphis Recovery Centers is on your side and ready to help. All you need to do is pick up the phone and call one of our representatives at 901-272-7751.
