Opiate Detox Center in Florida

The term “opiate” refers to any drug that comes from the naturally occurring opium alkaloid compounds that are in the poppy plant. Examples of opiates include:

• Opium
• Codeine
• Morphine

On the other hand, “opioid” has a wider definition. It refers to any drug combined with an opiate that produces similar effects. In other words, an opioid is any substance (either natural, synthetic, or partially synthetic) that attaches to receptors in the brain and causes opiate-like effects. Opioids include prescription pain medicines and illegal drugs such as heroin. Opioids include:

• Heroin
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin)
• Methadone
• Fentanyl

This means that although all opiates are opioids, not all opioids are opiates. Many organizations use the term “opioids” for both opiates and opioids. Since opiates and opioids both work on the same brain receptors and produce the same effects and they all have the potential to lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms, the term “opioid” will be used going forward.

And keep in mind that while opiates come from naturally occurring substances, it doesn’t make them safer than synthetic opioids. The potential for dependence and overdose occurs with all opioids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2018 that more than 31,000 people in the U.S. died from synthetic opioids other than methadone.

During the late 1990s, doctors began prescribing more opioids to treat pain. Drug companies assured the medical community that opioid pain relievers would not be addictive. So healthcare providers started prescribing opioids at an increasing rate. This led to extensive misuse and diversion of these medications before it became obvious that they were highly addictive.

As a result, rates of opioid overdose started to increase dangerously throughout the 2000s. In fact, it has quadrupled since 1999. Sadly, these numbers are still growing. In 2017, it was estimated that 1.7 million people in the U.S. had a substance use disorder related to prescription opioids, and 47,000 Americans died from overdoses on:

• prescription opioids,
• heroin, and
• fentanyl.

Opioid addiction leads to changes in some areas of your brain and alters the circuits that handle mood and reward behavior. In addition, long-term opioid drug abuse affects almost all of your body’s systems. Detoxification is the metabolic process that eliminates toxins from your body. The purpose is to cleanse the body of internal impurities that can cause deterioration and disease.

The detox process is critical, particularly for people dealing with long-term addiction. Opiate detox is usually done in an inpatient setting with medical supervision. Detox typically lasts three to five days and is only the first step on the road to sobriety.

Opioid Withdrawal

When you cut off the supply of opioids, symptoms of withdrawal usually begin in the first 24 hours. You’re likely to get withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Cravings for the drug
• Diarrhea
• Large pupils
• Yawning
• Abdominal pain
• Chills and goosebumps ( the origin for the phrase “cold turkey”)
• Body aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Agitation
• Severe bad moods

Timeline for Withdrawal

• Withdrawal symptoms for short-acting opioids (often called immediate-release or IR opioids such as OxyCodone IR): 6 to 12 hours after last use
• Withdrawal symptoms for long-acting opioids (used to treat moderate to severe long-term pain such as morphine and fentanyl): 30 hours after last use
• Symptoms reach worst point: 72 hours after last use
• Symptoms begin to diminish: Up to 10 days after last use

The medications used to treat opioid addiction work with the same brain receptors as the drug but are safer and not likely to cause the same negative behaviors. Medical professionals can help an individual successfully complete detox by providing medications that ease the symptoms. The medications typically used include:

• Methadone: Methadone relieves withdrawal symptoms and is an aid to opiate detox. It is a slow-acting opioid agonist (it activates the opioid receptors in the brain). It is also sometimes used as a long-term maintenance medication which is decreased slowly. Methadone is only available through outpatient treatment programs and is disbursed daily.
• Buprenorphine (Subutex): Subutex is a partial agonist (activates receptors but produces little response) The use of Subutex during withdrawal can shorten the length of detox by reducing the cravings without the side effects of an agonist. In addition, it may be used for long-term maintenance similar to methadone.
• Buprenorphine: is sometimes combined with naloxone, an opioid antagonist (it binds to opioid receptors and blocks the effect of other opioids) to prevent dependence and abuse. Naloxone is also designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.
• Clonidine: This is used to help reduce the anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, and cramping that sometimes accompanies withdrawal. However, it doesn’t reduce cravings.
• Naltrexone: Naltrexone is beneficial to help prevent relapse. It is also an opioid antagonist. It is taken in pill form or as an injection. If it is taken while opioids are still in your system, it will bring on severe withdrawal symptoms.

BehavioralTherapy

Counseling is essential in the recovery process. Medications help manage physical symptoms to help people focus on counseling which:

• Helps people manage their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions so they can work on their recovery.
• Addresses the behavioral aspects of opioid addiction. This has positive effects both emotionally and physically.

Commonly used behavioral therapies include:

• Individual and Group Therapy: These therapies help the person recognize their personal triggers for drug use. This includes any emotional issues that might be causing problems. In individual therapy, you work one-on-one with your counselor and all conversations are confidential. In group therapy, you will work in a group of 5 to 15 people with 2 or more therapists. This is an opportunity to see different perspectives of recovery and relapse prevention issues. You receive support from group members as well as being held accountable.
• Contingency Management: Contingency management uses a voucher system whereby patients can earn points for clean drug tests. Vouchers can be exchanged for things that encourage healthy living such as a healthy dinner at a local restaurant or a gym membership.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT works to adjust the individual’s behavior and expectations as they relate to drug use. It is a popular, effective short-term therapy that helps people learn new skills in coping with the stresses of everyday life by examining how their negative thoughts relate to their negative behaviors.