What is an opiate addiction treatment program? The problem with answering this question is that some people use “opiate” and “opioid” interchangeably, while others insist that the two words mean different things.
However, an addiction is an addiction. And that’s true no matter whether it’s related to opiates or opioids. Both substances can cause physical dependence, which makes it difficult to stop using them. The opioid or opiate withdrawal timeline can be challenging to traverse alone. Most people with an addiction like this will benefit from medical detox before gaining admission into an addiction treatment program.
Looking for an opiate detox center in Ohio? Reach out to Midwest Detox Center by contacting our team online or calling 833.647.0392.
What Are Opiates?
Let’s start with differentiating opiates from opioids. Opiates are chemical compounds extracted or refined from natural plant matter such as poppy sap and fibers. Codeine, heroin, morphine, and opium are examples of opiates. In contrast, opioids are chemical compounds that generally are not derived from natural plant matter. Most opioids are synthesized or generally thought of as made in a lab. Vicodin, OxyContin, and Percocet are brand-name drugs that are examples of opioids.
Both opiates and opioids can be called narcotics and may be used illegally by people with substance use disorders. However, both opiates and opioids can also be used medically. A physician can prescribe them to a patient for anesthesia, cough suppression, diarrhea suppression, pain relief, and even for treatment of opiate or opioid use disorder.
Most people that use both terms typically prefer one over the other, especially because their definitions are related. Lately, the trend has been to refer to this class of drugs as “opioids” rather than “opiates.”
What Are Common Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms?
When going through opioid or opiate addiction treatment programs in Ohio or anywhere in the US, guests will go through the same withdrawal symptoms–which can include some or all of the following:
- Anxiety and hallucinations
- Body aches and belly cramps
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- Goosebumps
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia and yawning
- Rapid breathing and fast heartbeat
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Seizures, shaking, and restlessness
These can start to occur within 12 hours after the last dose of opiates or opioids. The intensity of the symptoms and how many of them occur will depend on several things—such as how healthy a guest is, how long they’ve been using opiates or opioids, whether or not they’re using other addictive substances, and more.
What Is the Opiate Withdrawal Timeline?
To prepare guests for the occurrence of opioid and opiate withdrawal symptoms, some clinical staff members may talk to them about the opioid or opiate withdrawal timeline.
The timeline for opiate or opioid withdrawal and detox consists of three distinct stages:
- Early withdrawal: Early withdrawal symptoms often begin about six to 12 hours after the last opiate or opioid dose. These can be uncomfortable but easily manageable with medical and other types of support. Early withdrawal symptoms to watch out for include anxiety, eyes tearing up, nausea, excessive sweating, muscle aches, fever, runny nose, trouble sleeping, and yawning. Additional symptoms — such as hot or cold flashes, mood swings, and problems with concentration — may also occur.
- Peak withdrawal: This stage starts about 36 to 48 hours after the last opiate or opioid dose. Peak withdrawal is often the most uncomfortable stage of the entire detox process. People would be at high risk for relapsing back into their drug use if they weren’t guests of a treatment center helping them through detox. Symptoms to watch out for at this stage include depression, diarrhea, dilated pupils, goosebumps, intense drug cravings, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
- Late withdrawal: When symptoms start to subside in severity and occurrence, that’s the start of the late withdrawal stage.
Most withdrawal symptoms will stop occurring within a week. Some symptoms–such as anxiety, depression, and drug cravings–may still linger for a while. Certain medicines and behavioral therapy sessions can treat symptoms that persist beyond the initial detox and withdrawal process.
Opiate Withdrawal Help is What You Need to Get Better
No more do you have to live a compromised life. Effective opiate detox is the first step toward the recovery you need. You don’t have to wait to get help. You can start your journey to recovery today with the help of a professional detox center.
There are many benefits to detoxing from opiates. Once that happens, addiction no longer has any control over you. As a result, you will be able to live a life that is no longer limited by addiction and its effects on you, both physical and mental.
Detoxing from opiates can be difficult, but with the help of a professional detox center, you can get through it. The first step is always the hardest, but with help, you can take it.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to opiates, don’t wait to get help. Contact a professional detox center today to start the journey to recovery.
Ready To Learn More About Midwest Detox Center’s Opiate Addiction Treatment Program in Ohio?
If you want to learn more about the opiate withdrawal timeline or you’re looking for an opiate addiction treatment program in Ohio, contact Midwest Detox Center. Reach out to our team online or call 833.647.0392.
