Opiate addiction to heroin, Vicodin, OxyContin or other drugs has the power to destroy lives. Only through comprehensive drug rehab can an individual hope to reclaim control – and grow stronger in mind, body and spirit. The first step of any qualified addiction treatment program is detox. Opiate drug detox programs help the individual cleanse himself of the harmful toxins found in these drugs – thus allowing him to overcome his physical addiction component. Understanding the different types of opiate detox can help the individual choose the most appropriate form of treatment.
What are the Different Types of Opiate Addiction Detox?
There are two primary “schools” of opiate addiction detox: natural and medical. Each one has its supporters and detractors – but at the end of the day, the individual who is struggling with addiction must make the ultimate decision about which works better for them.
- Natural opiate detox. This process is commonly referred to as “going cold turkey” and has the individual stopping all opiate intake while in the care of medical professionals. Natural detox is, to many, the most effective way to cleanse the system, but also carries with it the strongest series of withdrawal symptoms (see below).
- Medical opiate detox. A medical detox plan has the individual using a synthetic opiate (most commonly, Methadone) to ease themselves off of the drug in question – be it heroin, Vicodin or opium. This is accomplished by administering smaller and smaller doses of the drug over time, until the individual is weaned off of their addiction. Along the way, the individual will experience fewer withdrawal symptoms than found in a natural detox plan.
What are the Withdrawal Symptoms Associated with Opiate Detox?
Although everyone’s experience is different, the following represent the most common physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms that occur during the opiate detox process.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Strong drug cravings
- Sleeplessness
- Restlessness
- Cramps and muscle aches
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Nausea
Where Does Opiate Detoxification Occur?
Opiate detox can be performed at the drug rehab center where the patient is admitted. So important is the detox process that many facilities will not allow the individual to continue with counseling until it is complete. Some addiction treatment centers do not offer detox on-site – and as a result may send the individual to recommended detox clinics in the area to complete the process. These clinics are hospital-like settings where the individual undergoes detox while in the care of counselors and doctors.
How Long Does Detox from Opiate Addiction Take?
The length of an opiate detox program varies according to a number of factors, including: the physiology of the individual, the depth of their addiction and their own personal history of relapse.
