When someone develops an opioid addiction, they often experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug. These symptoms can be highly uncomfortable and can lead to relapse if left untreated.

To avoid this, a medical detox program can help clients safely and comfortably overcome withdrawal symptoms. These programs often also incorporate medication to ease cravings and reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Medications

Detox is a crucial part of opioid addiction treatment. During detox, patients are provided with medications to help ease their withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.

These medications are often taken with medical supervision and can help you overcome your addiction and prevent relapse after detox. They also help you feel more comfortable during the process.

During your detox, you may be prescribed medication to help alleviate certain withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea or panic attacks. Your treatment team will work with you to find the best medications for your particular needs.

In addition, medications are available that can help you sleep more comfortably during the detox process. For example, a drug called Ambien is commonly prescribed during detox to assist individuals in getting the rest they need.

Another drug that is frequently used to treat opioid withdrawal is Clonidine. This drug works by blocking chemicals in the brain that trigger the sympathetic nervous system, which can reduce uncomfortable symptoms like sweating and hot flashes.

Inpatient

Detoxing opioids safely and effectively is a critical step in overcoming addiction. Medical detox programs reduce withdrawal symptoms, lower the risk of serious complications and prepare clients for treatment in residential facilities or intensive outpatient care.

Opioid detox is not always a straightforward process, and those who attempt to go through it on their own often experience severe cravings and nausea that lead them back to use before the detoxification process is complete. Inpatient drug detox centers offer a safe and comfortable environment where patients can receive the care they need to detox safely without relapsing later on.

Clients also may be prescribed medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, like Clonidine or Buprenorphine. These drugs are used to ease the pain of opioid withdrawal and reduce drug cravings. They also can help prevent relapse and keep patients focused on their recovery goals after detox. These medications are used in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapies to help patients understand their opioid use disorder, learn coping skills and overcome negative patterns that keep them addicted to opioids.

Outpatient

Opioid addiction is often treated with medical detox, in which patients receive specialized care to manage withdrawal symptoms. This may be done through inpatient or outpatient programs.

Medications can be used to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, as well as help patients stay away from drugs after detox. Suboxone, for example, is a medication that replaces opioids in the brain without producing the high that users get from them.

This type of treatment is most effective when used in conjunction with other types of narcotic recovery services, such as counseling or Narcotics Anonymous. It may also be helpful if the patient can live at home during treatment, as it allows them to continue working and supporting their families while receiving the care they need to recover.

Detox is typically the first step in an individual’s drug rehab journey, as it clears their body of the physical traces of substance abuse. It can also help prepare an individual to begin residential or outpatient treatment, where they can focus on processes like talk therapy and holistic therapy.

Relapse Prevention

During this time, it is important to take recovery one day at a time. It can be daunting to think about staying clean forever, but relapse prevention techniques will help you keep yourself on track and strengthen your chances of achieving long-term sobriety.

Relapse prevention techniques are a part of a treatment plan, and include things like contingency management, motivational interviewing, family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and 12-step groups. These methods can teach you how to avoid triggers, handle cravings, and cope with difficult situations more effectively.

A relapse can happen any time long-term use is stopped or cut back, and it’s important to recognize the warning signs of a relapse before they occur. This way, you can make the necessary changes to ensure that you don’t fall into a cycle of addiction and need detox and rehab again in the future.