Millions of people across the globe are affected by opioid use. A large number of individuals are prescribed opioids for pain conditions and post-surgery relief and, as a result, they often become addicted to the medications that were prescribed to them. Some individuals resort to illegal prescriptions in order to receive the euphoric effect or pain relief from the medications once their doctors stop prescribing them.
As the body continues to absorb the medications, it forms both a tolerance and a dependency. This leads to the body craving it more often and in higher doses to achieve the same feeling. At this point, drug addiction sets in and can lead individuals to resort to other opioids, like heroin, which is often cheaper and easier to get.
What happens when you fight back?
A person that wants to get rid of their addiction to opioids typically stops using the substance. This can lead to a lot of unpleasant feelings. It is quite difficult for individuals to stop taking opioids ‘cold turkey’. There are some steps that should be followed in order to ensure no serious side effects happen. It is very common for individuals unprepared for the withdrawal symptoms to relapse simply because the experience is uncomfortable.
Individuals that want to rid their system of opioids should do so under the care of a treatment facility. At Asana Recovery, we monitor patients 24 hours a day as they go through the detox process. Doing so allows us to make sure they remain safe and as comfortable as possible. If necessary, patients can receive medications that lower the amount of side effects they experience as their body detoxes.
What do you experience in withdrawal?
Individuals going through withdrawal can experience diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Some individuals lose their appetite and have problems sleeping. Other side effects include shaking, excessive sweating and general discomfort throughout the entire body.
The withdrawal period usually lasts between five and seven days. This period can last longer for individuals depending on how long they have been using, their age, and overall health. Some individuals go through withdrawal for several weeks to months. Younger individuals usually have the shortest withdrawal period because they are better able to metabolize and detox their system than older individuals.
After detox, individuals are encouraged to seek treatment through inpatient care. This type of treatment provides a relaxing atmosphere where addicts can focus on their recovery without all of the distractions from the outside world. Patients are able to seek help via group and individual counseling and may attend family counseling to help those closest to them cope with the addiction and learn skills to help each other once released.
Inpatient care can last one to two weeks, but the longer an individual seeks treatment the better chance they have of maintaining sobriety long-term. After inpatient care, outpatient programs help guide individuals as they re-enter society.
If you or someone you know needs help managing their opioid withdrawal, please contact Asana Recovery today at (949) 438-4504 to get started.
