Withdrawal symptoms can occur when a person stops taking opioids. Symptoms during opioid detox can range from mild to moderate. But the intensity of the symptoms depends on the duration and severity of the addiction, the person’s age, health, and other factors. Fear of withdrawal is one reason many people are tempted to avoid detox or rehab. So, to better understand what happens during opioid detox, consider the physical symptoms of withdrawal and what can be done to manage them.
If you are concerned about withdrawal symptoms during detox, contact the team at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306. Our licensed medical professionals supervise the detox process to ensure that you experience safe and effective detoxification.
What to Expect in an Opioid Detox Center
Detox is not a cure for addiction, but it is the vital first step in overcoming addiction. Anyone who has used opioids for a prolonged period can benefit from a professional detox program. The detox process allows the body to eliminate all traces of the opioid to reduce cravings. During this time, the body will display a range of withdrawal symptoms.
Mild Withdrawal Symptoms
Early withdrawal symptoms during opioid detox typically appear within 24 hours after the last dose of the drug. They may include:
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Watery eyes
- Muscle aches
- Inability to sleep
Mild withdrawal symptoms typically peak within 18 to 24 hours and decrease after a few days.
Intense Withdrawal Symptoms
Depending on the severity of the addiction, more intense symptoms appear after the first day of detox. They may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
- Dilated pupils and blurry vision
- Rapid heart rate, heart attack, stroke
- Dehydration
- Hallucinations
- Coma
Some of the intense withdrawal symptoms can become life-threatening. The best option for a safe detox process is to seek professional help. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, the opioid withdrawal process is monitored by skilled medical personnel who can administer medication if needed.
Why Is Opioid Addiction So Hard to Overcome?
Whether legal or illicit, opioids are potent chemicals that attach to the opioid receptors in the brain. They work by increasing the release of dopamine, which controls pleasure and pain.
Over time, with repeated use, the brain adapts to the presence of the opioid and stops its natural production of dopamine. As a result, the person needs larger doses of the opioid to get the desired effects.
When the person tries to stop using the opioid, they may experience uncomfortable and uncontrollable withdrawal symptoms that encourage further use. This can lead to a frustrating cycle of quitting and relapse that professional treatment can help to resolve.
What Are Detox Therapies?
During detox, the body eliminates physical dependence on opioids. However, addiction is more than a physical issue. It also encompasses emotional, spiritual, mental, and environmental factors that can contribute to the desire for substance use.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, our detox program includes a range of counseling therapies to help patients maintain sobriety. The therapies help a person understand the underlying reasons for their substance use. They can then focus on learning skills and techniques necessary to avoid going down that path again.
Detox therapies can include music and art therapy, yoga, counseling, family therapy, and more.
Turn to the Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida Today
If you’re struggling to control your opioid use, contact our opioid detox center today. We understand the complex nature of opioid withdrawal and will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the process. Opioid addiction is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths yearly. Don’t become one of those statistics. Take back control of your life with help from Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida. Give us a call at 866.294.5306 today to learn more.
