Opiates
Heroin is the most common example, but other types include prescription opioids, such as codeine, morphine, fentanyl, OxyContin (oxycodone), Vicodin (hydrocodone), and other prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Signs of Opiate Addiction
The signs and symptoms of opiate use depend on the specific drug that is being used, but some symptoms are common to most opiates. Physical indicators that someone is using opiates include:
- Euphoria
- Confusion
- Constricted pupils
- Constipation
- Fluctuations in mood
- Doctor-shopping (trying to find a doctor that will prescribe an opiate)
- Sudden money problems
- Withdrawing socially
Opiate Abuse Treatment
People who develop an addiction to opiates should first go through detox and rehab and then transition to more long-term plans. At True, we walk with you through your treatment plan and provide individual and group therapy, sober living options, and highly skilled therapists and staff.
When you attempt to stop using opiates, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are generally not life-threatening, although they can be extremely uncomfortable. The severity and duration of these symptoms depend on factors such as your age, the amount of the drug used, and the severity of the addiction.
Opiate Addiction Treatment at True
Opiate treatment centers in Orange County, such as True, can help you on your path toward opiate addiction recovery by providing you with a range of treatments in a facility that’s safe, private, and comfortable.
Our therapies range from conventional to out-of-the-box and are designed to help you focus on your passions rather than your vices. Our highly experienced professional counselors, staff, and therapists are here with you every step of the way.
Opiate Detox
People who abuse or are addicted to opiate drugs such as heroin, codeine, and morphine are at risk for many serious side effects that range from dry mouth and a low sex drive to accidental overdose and problems with the lungs and heart.
These problems highlight the need to stop using opiates in a destructive manner. While an alternative rehab program like True’s can help people learn to stay away from opiates, people can face many complications prior to reaching that point.
The act of stopping the drug can be one of the largest challenges, as it may trigger intense withdrawal symptoms. These can be difficult to overcome and require one to detox from opiates under the care of a medical professional.
Opiate Detox Withdrawal Timeline
People who abuse or are addicted to opiate drugs such as heroin, codeine, and morphine are at risk for many serious side effects that range from dry mouth and a low sex drive to accidental overdose and problems with the lungs and heart.
These problems highlight the need to stop using opiates in a destructive manner. While an alternative rehab program like True’s can help people learn to stay away from opiates, people can face many complications prior to reaching that point.
The act of stopping the drug can be one of the largest challenges, as it may trigger intense withdrawal symptoms. These can be difficult to overcome and require one to detox from opiates under the care of a medical professional.
When Does Opiate Withdrawal Begin?
In as few as four to six hours after one stops taking the drug, the first signs of one’s withdrawal from opiates may begin. For the first 24 to 72 hours, the symptoms are at their strongest.
After this initial phase of discomfort, the intensity subsides, but it doesn’t go away entirely for up to 10 days. In some cases, certain symptoms may last for months.
Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
Early symptoms of withdrawal can include anxiety, muscle pain, and an inability to sleep. During the later stage of symptoms, one should expect nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
One may have dilated pupils, goosebumps, and a strong craving for the drug. The intensity of one’s opiate withdrawal symptoms is generally affected by one’s history with the drug, such as how much of it was taken when it was taken and for what length of time.
Despite how unpleasant withdrawal can be, it typically does not cause death.
Opiate Withdrawal Treatment
Typically, opiate detox involves treatment using medication to help make the symptoms more tolerable and potentially shorten the length of one’s withdrawal.
How True Can Help
True wants to help make sure that opiate addiction remains a part of your past. That means giving our clients the skills to remain opiate-free; however, someone who is suffering from the symptoms of opiate withdrawal must first get the proper treatment before they can move forward with addiction recovery.
Detoxification is the first move one will need to make toward recovery. True’s detox facility is fully accredited and licensed to provide the medical attention that is necessary to treat opiate withdrawal. After one’s successful detoxification, we’ll make the transition to True’s treatment program(s) as seamless as possible.
At our facility, we’ll help you through your addiction recovery courtesy of our intensive outpatient treatment program (IOP), and you can also take advantage of a comfortable yet structured sober living environment.
Through addiction counseling and individualized treatments with our highly trained staff, we help our clients learn how to overcome their cravings for opiates by guiding them as they set goals, discover their passions in life, and gain the skills and confidence to make those passions a reality.