Opiate abuse can ruin a person’s life. This type of drug can be hard to stop taking. Because of this, people need a professional detox program. At The Retreat of Broward, our medical experts know how to help someone leave opiate addiction in their past. Moreover, our opiate detox in Pompano Beach makes the detox process easier. We provide any needed medical support. As a result, our clients are more likely to finish detox and stay sober.
What are Opiates?
The opiate family consists of many types of drugs. Opiates are made from the poppy plant. They interact with opioid receptors in the body and brain. Prescription opioids provide benefits like pain relief. Opioids can be prescription medications. They also can be “street drugs,” such as heroin or non-medical fentanyl.
When taken at prescribed dosages, prescription opiates can be safe. They are usually meant to be taken for a short amount of time. However, many people end up relying too much on pain relief. As a result, they become addicted. In addition, many people become addicted to the high they get from using them. When this happens, they need specialized treatment, like our opiate detox in Pompano Beach, to prevent a potential overdose.
Opiate detox involves going to a treatment facility. Then, a person goes through withdrawing from the drug. Although some people try to detox on their own, they often fail. In contrast, those who receive professional detox complete it more often.
What is the Difference Between Opiates and Opioids?
Opiates and opioids are terms often used interchangeably but they refer to distinct substances. Opiates are natural alkaloids derived directly from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum), including morphine, codeine, and thebaine. These substances have been used for centuries for their analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
Opioids, on the other hand, encompass a broader category that includes opiates, as well as semi-synthetic and synthetic compounds. Semi-synthetic opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, are chemically modified versions of opiates, while synthetic opioids, like fentanyl and methadone, are entirely man-made.
Both opiates and opioids interact with the same receptors in the brain and nervous system to produce pain relief and euphoria, but opioids, particularly synthetic ones, tend to be more potent and carry a higher risk of addiction and overdose. This distinction is crucial in the context of medical use and the ongoing opioid crisis.
Signs and Symptoms of Opiate Addiction
When someone struggles with opiate addiction, they show signs. First, it may be hard for them to recognize the signs. Secondly, loved ones also may be unsure of symptoms. Common signs of opiate addiction include physical ones:
- Weight loss
- Sleepiness
- Headaches
- Joint and body aches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Change in sleep patterns
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inability to stop using the drug
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug or using smaller amounts
What is more, many people develop mood and behavioral signs of addiction. Consequently, it can be easier for loved ones to recognize these.
These include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Disorientation
- Isolating
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- Strained relationships due to drug use
- Financial problems related to buying drugs
- Doctor shopping, which is seeing several doctors to get multiple opiate prescriptions
Opiate Detox: Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
When a person who is addicted to opiates stops taking them, withdrawal symptoms begin. Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable, often prompting individuals to return to drug use. These symptoms can begin within hours of the last dose. Our opiate detox in Pompano Beach helps people cope with withdrawal symptoms. What’s more, it can help reduce and even stop many symptoms.
Day 1: Withdrawal symptoms often include sweating, difficulty sleeping, change in blood pressure, and flu-like symptoms. In addition, they may include anxiety and feeling restless.
Day 2 to 4: Symptoms become worse during this time. They may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurry vision, and rapid heart rate. Furthermore, depression may develop. It may happen along with general moodiness. Drug cravings may become intense.
Day 5 to 8: After the initial peak of symptoms, they begin to subside. Physical symptoms become more bearable. However, drug cravings may still occur. As well, feelings of anxiety and depression may go on for several more weeks.
What Happens at Our Opiate Detox in Pompano Beach, FL
When someone arrives at our Florida opiate detox facility, we get right to work. First, we discuss the details of their addiction. Second, we check their physical health. Because of our assessments, we know the person’s unique needs. As well, this allows us to create a treatment plan just for them.
We explain each step of our detox plan. For this reason, there are no surprises. As a result, our clients feel more relaxed as they move through the detox process. If they have withdrawal symptoms, we can help. Medications can provide relief from both physical and psychological symptoms.
Once detox is completed, the person is ready to begin the next step of treatment. Opiates no longer cloud their mind. This allows them to begin the hard work of recovery. We can help decide where they go next. Thus, each person leaves with a plan to enjoy a sober life.
Begin Opiate Detox in Pompano Beach Today
Getting addicted to opiates throws a person’s life into chaos. As well, it can be hard to know where to get help. The Retreat of Broward in Florida helps turn lives around. We provide you with a place to complete the detox process, along with individual and group therapy. We also offer medications that help ease withdrawal symptoms. As a result, you get through the detox process more easily. We offer treatment near Margate, Oakland Park, and Pompano Beach and accept TRICARE, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Private Healthcare Systems, Inc. (PHCS) insurance plans.
Contact us today to begin recovery at our opiate detox in Pompano Beach. We will be happy to answer any questions you have.
