Quitting opiates can be very difficult to attempt to do without professional medical assistance due to the unpleasant, intense, severe, and sometimes life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. At Retreat of Atlanta, we provide gender-specific, comprehensive opiate detox near Atlanta at our treatment facility. We work with each individual to create a personalized detox treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. Our goal is to help people achieve long-term recovery and a brighter opiate-free future.
What Is Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction, also called opioid use disorder (OUD), is when a person is unable to control and regulate their usage of opiates or opioids. The primary thing they focus on is obtaining and using opiates or opioids to experience the rush of euphoria and other desirable effects. People with opioid addictions also have intense cravings for opiates and opioids and are willing to continue using them, regardless of any negative consequences.
What Is the Difference Between Opiates and Opioids?
Many people use opiates and opioids to refer to the same substances. However, there is one key difference: Opiates refer to only natural substances, whereas opioids refer to both naturally occurring and synthetically made substances. For example, fentanyl is an opioid but not an opiate because it is synthetically made. On the other hand, opium and morphine are opiates and opioids because they are naturally derived from the poppy plant.
Most Commonly Abused Opiates
Some of the most commonly abused opiates include:
- Heroin
- Opium
- Morphine
- Codeine
Two semi-synthetic prescription opioids that are commonly abused are hydrocodone and oxycodone. Hydrocodone is synthesized using codeine, and oxycodone is synthesized using thebaine.
How Do I Know I Need Opioid Detox?
It can be difficult for people to know when they need opiate detox, even when the signs and symptoms are there. This is because most people addicted to opioids have difficulties admitting they have a problem. However, being aware of the following signs and symptoms is important as it could help you realize you need opioid detox.
- Increased tolerance: Having to take higher doses of opioids to achieve the desired effects.
- Dependence: When the effects of opioids wear off, you experience withdrawal symptoms
- Neglecting responsibilities: Placing a higher priority on using opioids over work, school, or family commitments
- Financial problems: Spending a lot of money on obtaining opioids
- Doctor shopping: Attempting to get multiple prescriptions for opioids from different doctors
- Social isolation: Withdrawing from family and friends in favor of using opioids
- New circle of “friends”: Associating with other opioid uses
- Increased risk-taking behaviors: You are willing to take higher risks while under the influence of opioids, such as unprotected sex or sharing needles
- Inability to function without opioids: You need to be under the influence of opioids to function
- Mood changes: Increased mood swings, irritability, anger, depression, or anxiety
- Cognitive problems: Difficulties concentrating, focusing, or remembering
- Neglecting hygiene: Wearing the same clothes for numerous days, not showering or bathing, not brushing your teeth, and not taking care of other personal hygiene.
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Signs and Symptoms of Opiate Addiction
In addition to the signs and symptoms that could indicate you need opiate detox, other indications of opiate addiction include:
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Changes in eating habits
- Nausea
- Slowed breathing
- Itchy or flushed skin
- Vomiting
- Constricted pupils
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Increased secrecy
- Lying about opiate usage
- Cravings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Lack of energy
- Impaired judgment
What to Expect During Opioid Detox in Georgia
At Retreat of Atlanta, we begin with a thorough evaluation and assessment to determine each person’s specific detox and treatment needs. This information is used to create a personalized care plan, which could include medication-assisted treatment and various behavioral therapies.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often used to help people during opioid detox. FDA-approved medications help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms to make detox more manageable. Some of the more common medications that may be used are:
- Buprenorphine
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
Behavioral Therapies
Some of the evidence-based behavioral therapies used as part of our opioid detox treatment include:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Family Counseling
How Long Does Opioid Detox in Georgia Last?
The duration of opioid detox at Retreat of Atlanta in Georgia varies from individual to individual. Several factors determine how long detox will take, including the duration and frequency of use, the dosage taken, whether other substances are being used, and whether there are any co-occurring mental health disorders.
Keeping these things in mind, a general opiate detox timeline is as follows:
- Day 1: Withdrawal symptoms start to appear within the 6 to 24 hours after the last dose. These symptoms may include sweating, muscle aches, hypertension, insomnia, and anxiety.
- Days 2 to 4: Withdrawal symptoms will continue to increase in intensity, severity, and frequency. They can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, mood swings, irritability, and strong cravings for opioids.
- Days 5 to 8: The physical withdrawal symptoms usually peak during this period and gradually decrease in intensity, frequency, and duration. However, cravings, irritability, sleep disturbances, and other psychological symptoms can persist.
- Weeks 1 to 2: All of the physical withdrawal symptoms will be gone. Yet, psychological withdrawal symptoms and cravings can still remain. These symptoms could last for several more weeks or even months before improving. With continued support and opioid addiction treatment, people learn how to manage their psychological withdrawal symptoms effectively and may also be prescribed FDA-approved medications.
How Much Does Opioid Detox Cost?
The cost of opioid detox will vary based on different factors, including:
- The type of facility
- The duration of detox
- The available treatment options
- The treatment and therapy options used
- The amenities included in detox
- Whether you have health insurance coverage
Most health insurance plans cover some or all of the costs of detox. Contact one of our intake specialists today to find out what detox coverage you have available with your health insurance, as well as to discuss other payment options.
Begin Opiate Detox in Georgia Today
Overcoming OUD is possible with the right support, guidance, and opiate detox treatment. At Retreat of Atlanta, we offer comprehensive opiate detox treatment personalized to your specific needs and recovery goals. Our caring and compassionate team is ready to help you take your initial steps on your recovery journey. Contact us now to start the path to an opioid-free future.
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