Opioid Abuse, Addiction, and Treatment

A crucial first step in breaking free from addiction is opioid detox. During opioid detox, the body is working to eliminate opioids like prescription pain medications or illicit drugs like heroin while managing the often uncomfortable symptoms that follow.

Detox is an essential part of recovery because it lets individuals clear their system, preparing for the next phase of treatment.

Opioid addiction is dangerous not only because it overtakes the body and mind but also because of the risk of overdose that comes with it. Opioids slow the central nervous system, including breathing and heart rate. That can be fatal in high doses. Detoxing from opioids in a professional setting minimizes the risk of severe complications, providing needed support to navigate withdrawal safely.

We specialize in opioid detox at Costa Mesa Detox, offering a safe and structured environment to help you or someone you love begin your recovery journey.

What Are Opioids and Why Does Dependence Form?

Opioids are a drug class including prescription painkillers like hydrocodone and oxycodone. Opioids also include illicit substances like heroin.

Prescription opioids are given for pain relief but carry a high abuse potential because of their ability to create intense euphoric feelings.

When you take an opioid, it binds to receptors found throughout the brain and also the nervous system. Through activating these receptors, opioids block pain signals and, at the same time, release large amounts of dopamine. Dopamine reduces discomfort and is also responsible for the pleasurable high linked to opioid use. The euphoric effect is one of the reasons opioids are so addictive.

With repeated use, the body starts developing tolerance, and over time, that effect means larger doses of the drug are needed to get the same pain-relieving or euphoric effects.

Dependence forms when the body is adapted to opioids being constantly present. The brain starts relying on the substance to maintain normal function and, without it, goes into withdrawal.

Withdrawal symptoms occur because opioid receptors aren’t being activated anymore, leading to uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms. These symptoms can be both mental and physical.

Opioid withdrawal’s potential severity is one of the main reasons it’s tough to quit without professional help.

Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal

Opioid withdrawal can be an uncomfortable and challenging process, physically and mentally, as your body works to adjust to functioning without the drug. Withdrawal symptoms can be intense but are generally not life-threatening, especially when managed in a medically supervised environment.

Understanding the various stages of withdrawal and why these symptoms occur can help you prepare for the opioid detox process.

Common physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal can include:

• Nausea often leads to vomiting, which occurs because opioids affect the gastrointestinal system, slowing down digestion. With the sudden removal of the drug, the body can experience a rapid overcompensation, leading to digestive issues.
• As opioids suppress the body’s pain signals, the absence of the drug can cause the brain to register normal pain stimuli more acutely, resulting in widespread muscle aches and cramps, especially in the legs and lower back.
• The central nervous system becomes hyperactive during withdrawal after having been slowed by opioid use. The disruption in the body’s regulation can cause excessive sweating and chills as it tries to balance its temperature.
• Diarrhea is like nausea and vomiting in that it’s the body’s response to the removal of opioids from the system.
• Increased heart rate as well as blood pressure can occur as a rebound effect following depression of the central nervous system.

Mental and emotional symptoms of withdrawing from opioids can include:

• Anxiety is one of the most common psychological symptoms as the brain tries to restore normal function without the drug. It can lead to feelings of not only anxiety but restlessness and an inability to relax. This is in part due to the brain’s decreased ability to regulate stress and emotions during withdrawal.
• Opioids flood the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure. When opioids aren’t present any longer, dopamine levels plummet, leading to sadness or hopelessness. It can be especially hard to manage this in the early detox stages.
• The brain and body have become dependent on opioids for pleasure and pain relief, so cravings can emerge when the drug is removed.
• Emotional instability, including mood swings and irritability, is common as the neurotransmitters in the brain are attempting to normalize.

Opioid Detox Timeline

The timeline for opioid withdrawal can depend on the type of opioid used, including whether it’s short- or long-acting, dosage, duration of use and individual health. Still, generally, the pattern might look something like the following:

• Early phase: This usually happens 6-12 hours after the last dose. It can include restlessness, anxiety and muscle aches that begin within 6 to 12 hours of the last dose for short-acting opioids like oxycodone and heroin. For longer-acting opioids, symptoms may start later.
• Acute phase: Symptoms typically occur from days 1-7, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and intense cravings, which peak at this time.
• Protracted withdrawal: Starting from week two onward, some people will have protracted withdrawal symptoms. The physical symptoms are usually quite a bit better, but psychological effects like fatigue, mood swings and cravings may persist.

Treatment Options During Opioid Detox

We provide around-the-clock medical supervision to promote patient safety and comfort while effectively managing opioid withdrawal symptoms. This level of care helps address potential complications like intense cravings, dehydration and mood instability.

We can use medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone to lessen withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, stabilizing the body during detox.

We also integrate behavioral therapies to address the emotional challenges of detox. These therapies can provide coping strategies to manage cravings and anxiety and prevent relapse.

Opioid Detox at Costa Mesa Detox

Opioid addiction can lead to dangerous physical dependence. The opioid detox process starts with a comprehensive intake and assessment so our team can develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs. Our experienced staff manages the physical and psychological aspects of opioid detox.

We also offer holistic treatment options to promote overall well-being.

After detox, we prioritize ongoing support and aftercare planning to ensure long-term recovery and create a plan to keep you on track.

To learn more about opioid detox or start your journey to recovery, contact us today.