Opioids are a class of drugs that reduce pain or increase pleasure responses in the brain and central nervous system. Natural opioid drugs are derived from the opium poppy seed plant that grows in China and other parts of the world. Heroin and opium are two examples of natural opioids. Synthetic opioids are created in a lab and provide the same effects to reduce pain and cause euphoria like natural opioids.
Fentanyl and methadone are the most recognized and abused synthetic opioid drugs. Semi-synthetic opioids are partially derived from poppy seed plants and man-made ingredients. Morphine and numerous prescription painkillers such as Vicodin, oxycontin, Dilaudid, and others are examples of semi-synthetic opioid drugs.
Signs And Symptoms Of Opioid Addiction
For persons who struggle with opioid use disorder, their addiction may have developed suddenly after they were prescribed prescription painkillers. Heroin addiction is often a result of using prescription painkillers. Prescription painkillers cause addiction, and since they require a doctor’s approval, many people who are abusing them switch over to heroin because it is cheaper and easier to get.
Signs that a person is addicted to opioids will include a noticeable change in personality and behavior. People high on opioids will appear sleepy or sluggish, and their pupils will be constricted, also called ‘pinned’ eyes. Someone who is abusing opioids will also ‘nod’ off during conversations or when they are smoking, watching tv, and even while driving.
These people also look less well kept. They may not shower for days on end, their home will be untidy, and they may likely stay in the same clothes or wear dirty clothes often. The reason people who are addicted to opioids neglect their appearance is that they are no longer concerned with how they look. Instead, their focus is on getting and remaining high.
Medical Detox For Opioid Withdrawal
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people addicted to an opioid who stop using the drug can have severe withdrawal symptoms that begin as early as a few hours after the drug was last taken. These withdrawal symptoms include:
- Muscle and bone pain
- Sleep problems
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Cold flashes with goosebumps
- Uncontrollable leg movements
- Severe cravings
The greatest challenge of opioid addiction and opioid withdrawal symptoms is that the person is in such extreme physical discomfort that they are desperate to feel better. Committing crimes to get money for opioids or using other unknown opioids to find relief are two very dangerous ways people with this addiction behave.
An accidental overdose frequently occurs when a person begins to experience withdrawal symptoms. In their desperation to feel better, they will take too much of another less familiar opioid and overdose. In any situation trying a more potent drug can easily cause a life-threatening emergency and accidental overdose to happen, not just with opioids.
The hardest part for anyone who is addicted to opioids is how they can maintain their habit. Opioids cause physical dependence in a short amount of time (2–3 months). Once a person becomes hooked on an opioid, they will require using it daily to avoid the opioid detox symptoms. Opioid use disorder becomes a matter of physical wellness.
If you're ready to start your journey to recovery, we're here to help.
Opioid Detox Program At Evoke Wellness at Cohasset
Every client in our Massachusetts opiate rehab program is provided safe and effective opioid withdrawal medications to reverse and minimize detox symptoms. Our detox center is overseen by medical experts who specialize in addiction medicine and detoxification. We provide a comfortable detox environment where clients are allowed to rest and sleep until they are feeling physically well. Our opiate rehab center relies on buprenorphine as the primary medication to help a person get through the opioid withdrawals.
We approve other medications that help them sleep, and control nausea and vomiting, as well as medications to help them feel less anxious or depressed. Our center makes sure each person is assessed regularly by medical doctors, addiction counselors, and mental health specialists. Although the first step in getting free from an addiction to opioids is detox, the next is to help the person overcome their addiction with rehab treatment.
Our opiate addiction treatment program encourages recovery and as well as abstinence from opioid drug use. Our opioid detox unit is directly connected to our opioid addiction treatment programs. People who struggle with opioid use disorder require a specialized opioid addiction treatment program to help them remain clean long term.
Evoke Wellness at Cohasset: A Premier Opiate Addiction Treatment Center
We want to ensure that our clients here at our Massachusetts detox center are given the best care possible in the best surroundings and facilities possible. With our team of qualified professionals here to help you every step of the way, nutritious foods, and serene surroundings, we can ease your body and mind during your detox process.
Once the medically assisted detox process has ended, we also offer a wide range of treatment choices that you can transition into to help you slowly reintegrate into the real world. We understand this process isn’t an easy thing to face and go through, but it is more than worth it to have your life back and we will be here with you every step of the way. We want to give you the building blocks to rebuild your life and maintain long-term sobriety and success.
Don’t Let Opiate Addiction Win—Get Help
Addiction takes over people’s lives. Don’t let it. It’s time to take your life back. At Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, we are committed to assisting you in making progress toward a new life free from the grip of opiate addiction. Call us today at 866.931.6429 and let’s get you on the road to a successful, long-term recovery.
