Opioids: Detox, Addiction, and Treatment
Opiate abuse can make for one of the strongest forms of addiction, and treating the problem is often a very intensive and prolonged process. Many cases of opiate abuse start out with a doctor’s prescription for some form of pain. The sensation of pleasure and pain relief tempts some individuals into abusing the dosage recommendation and later seeking the same or similar form of opiate through illicit means.
If you or a loved one seems to have reached the point of no return from opiate abuse, it’s best to seek treatment for opiate addiction as soon as possible. Serenity at Summit boasts flexible inpatient and outpatient opiate treatment options between several locations in New Jersey, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. We can enter a client into an opiate addiction treatment program quickly after verifying insurance, and we have medical detox options if necessary – which is often the case.
Types of Opiates
From Heroin to Codeine
Many drugs (prescription or otherwise) that fall into the opiate category are widely recognized (at least by name) by the public. Most opiates are taken orally, although some can be dissolved in water and injected. Heroin is a type of opiate (not available by prescription) that can be sniffed or injected.
Besides heroin, other widely-known types of opiates, in no particular order, are:
- Dilaudid
- Morphine
- Opana
- Vicodin
- Hydrocodone
- Percocet
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Percocet
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
Dilaudid, morphine, and fentanyl are the strongest opiate prescriptions, while codeine (often used in cough syrups) is among the weakest. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are the most widely prescribed painkillers.
Physical and Psychological Effects of Opiates
Strong, Extensive Withdrawals Can Occur
Physically, opiates slow down the user’s breathing, heart rate, and brain activity. The drug also depresses one’s appetite, thirst, and sexual desire, in addition to heightening the body’s tolerance to pain.
When someone has been consuming the drug regularly and suddenly stops, opiate withdrawal kicks in within four to six hours. The withdrawal symptoms get worse between 24 and 72 hours after they first appear, and they may last as long as 7 to 10 days.
Opiate withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sweating
- Chills
- Tremors
- Runny nose
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhoea
Psychologically, opiate use puts the individual in a state of tranquillity and euphoria, which explains why some turn to the drug over and over. Prolonged opiate use, however, builds a psychological dependence on the drug and a higher tolerance, meaning higher doses of the substance is necessary in order to feel the same effects.
Effective Treatment for Addiction to Opiates
We Have Inpatient and Outpatient Opiate Addiction Treatment Options
Our clinicians are trained and experienced in treating clients suffering from an opiate addiction. We employ the latest holistic and evidenced-based treatment methods in order to help clients heal physically, mentally and emotionally.
What is the difference between Opioid and Opiate?
Our treatment programs are highly customized to the individual client, who can choose between an inpatient or outpatient format. For inpatient opiate treatment, our expansive Haverhill, Massachusetts facility is the place for you. Outpatient opiate addiction treatment is available at four facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for those looking to continue to work or go to school during treatment. If you’re outside of Massachusetts and looking for inpatient care, just contact us and we’ll help with travel arrangements.
Alleviate Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms and Come Down Comfortably
Delphi Behavioral Health currently boasts two new medical opiate detox centers: one in Haverhill, MA and one in Union, NJ. Our detox process involves replenishing the nutrients in a client’s body that were lost during the period of opiate abuse. We also closely monitor each client during their time of opiate withdrawal detox, in efforts to make the intensive process as comfortable as possible. Our opiate detox program typically takes 5 to 7 days.
Our Haverhill, MA detox facility also features inpatient care, meaning the client can easily transition to his or her daily recovery regimen after completing detox. We also place an emphasis on continued care, so clients who graduate our inpatient program can continue to receive treatment services at one of our four outpatient facilities on the East Coast.
The aforementioned Union, NJ center is detox only, but clients can take personal belongings and stay at the facility for the duration of their 5- to-7 day program. After graduating from opiate detox treatment there, clients typically begin a customized outpatient recovery program at another Serenity at Summit location, one of which is also in Union, NJ.
If you’re unsure if detox is necessary for you or a loved one suffering from an opiate addiction, just talk to our counselors today, and they will determine the right course of action, including the most fitting Serenity at Summit location to help start the path to a full recovery.