Opiate addiction is a debilitating disorder that causes immense physical, mental, and emotional harm. Fortunately, help is available for safe and effective opiate detox in Atlanta, Georgia. At Retreat of Atlanta, our team of experts takes a personalized approach to recovery. We design individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and recovery goals. With our support and guidance, anyone suffering from opiate addiction can begin their journey toward sobriety and long-term wellness.
What Are Opiates?
Opiates are naturally occurring substances derived from the poppy plant. They include opium, heroin, morphine, and codeine. Drugs like heroin and opium are primarily illegal narcotics often used to get high. Drugs like morphine and codeine are available by prescription only, providing pain relief for illnesses and during recovery following major surgery. Opioids come from poppy plants and are synthesized pharmaceuticals such as fentanyl and OxyContin.
Consequently, all drugs derived from the poppy plant can become dangerous, whether used in the form of a street drug or a prescription medication. Opiates, for example, can quickly become addictive even for those who initially use them as directed by medical professionals. Once an addiction takes hold, the person requires larger dosages of the drug and is unable to stop using it on their own. Fortunately, opiate detox in Atlanta provides the professional help needed to safely detox and move on from addiction.
Opiate use has skyrocketed to epidemic proportions, with the number of users reaching the millions and growing yearly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 75,673 overdose deaths related to opioids in the 12 months ending April 2021. This marks a dramatic increase from the previous year’s total of 56,064 deaths. Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl were the most common drugs involved in these fatalities. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared opioid/opiate abuse and addiction a national public health emergency.
Commonly Misused Prescription Opiates
Prescription opiates provide much-needed medical treatment for many individuals. Nevertheless, they can still lead to a severe addiction. Especially, when misused or taken for long periods. Moreover, People who misuse prescription opiates/opioids may also be at an increased risk of transitioning to heroin use. Some of the most commonly misused prescription opiates include:
- Oxycodone: prescribed for moderate to severe pain levels. A popular brand name for oxycodone is OxyContin®.
- Codeine: treats coughing and can help with mild to moderate pain levels.
- Hydrocodone: (Vicodin®) is one of the more potent opioid medications only used for severe pain. The branded version of this medicine has acetaminophen, which is a common pain reliever.
- Morphine: treats moderate to severe pain. Extended-release morphine pills are used for pain that cannot be controlled by other types of pain medications.
Risks of Opiate Addiction
Opiates are a class of drugs that act on the nervous system to reduce pain by attaching and activating opioid receptor proteins found in the brain, spinal cord, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs throughout the body. By blocking pain signals from reaching the brain, these drugs provide welcome relief to those suffering from moderate to severe pain. However, they can also cause feelings of euphoria when taken at higher-than-prescribed doses or in other ways than intended. This carries immense risk and can lead to serious medical complications including overdose even with just one large dose.
When taken as prescribed by a doctor and monitored closely for any unwanted side effects, opiates can be an effective way to manage chronic or acute pain. But regular or long-term use of these medications may result in tolerance and dependence. Additionally, there is a risk of abuse of opiates due to their potential for causing feelings of pleasure. In some cases, opiate users may attempt to increase their ‘high’ by snorting or injecting them rather than taking them orally as directed by a physician–which poses extreme health risks and increases the chances of accidental overdose.
It is important that anyone using opioid medications follows their doctor’s instructions closely and monitor any changes in physical dependence very carefully. If someone is experiencing problems related to opiate use, there are alternative treatment options such as non-opiate analgesics or psychotherapy techniques. Our compassionate staff at Retreat of Atlanta understands the challenges clients face with opiate addiction. We are committed to helping people regain control of their lives from opiate addiction.
Signs of Opiate Addiction
It is essential to be aware of the risks of using opiates and to recognize the signs of addiction.
Physical signs of opiate addiction include:
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Dilated pupils
- Slurred speech and difficulty concentrating
- Nodding off or falling asleep unexpectedly
- Nausea, vomiting, and constipation
- Unusual physical coordination problems
Behavioral signs include:
- Needing more of the substance to achieve the same effects
- Withdrawal symptoms when not taking it
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies that used to be enjoyed
- Poor personal hygiene
- Extreme mood swings
- Changes in relationships with family and friends
- Financial or legal problems
- Secretive behavior such as lying about whereabouts or hiding drug paraphernalia
Opiate Withdrawal
Opiate withdrawal can occur when an individual has been abusing opiates/opioids, such as prescription painkillers and heroin. Symptoms typically begin within 12 hours after the last dose has been taken. Withdrawal can range from mild to severe. The severity and duration of opiate withdrawal depend on factors such as the amount of the drug being used and how long it has been used.
Generally, people who have been using opiates for more extended periods face more intense withdrawal symptoms that may take days or even weeks to dissipate. Detoxification programs are available to help individuals manage their withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment with medical supervision. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is also available to help reduce cravings for opiates and reduce the risk of relapse. Our opiate detox in Atlanta helps clients withdraw from opiates safely in a comfortable setting.
Some common withdrawal symptoms that may occur include:
- Strong cravings for the drug
- Fever and sweating
- High blood pressure and heart rate
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
- Insomnia
- Body aches
- Anxiety, agitation, mood swings
- Depression, suicidal thoughts
Opiate Detox Timeline
The length of opiate detox depends entirely on the individual. The factors include how long the addiction has lasted, the number of drugs typically consumed, if the individual suffers from any other form of substance abuse, and more. abuses any other substances. Of course, physical and mental health can also factor into the timeline.
A general guide for the opiate detox timeline is as follows:
Day 1: Withdrawal symptoms start within 6 to 24 hours after the last dosage. These symptoms may include sweating, muscle aches, hypertension, trouble sleeping, and anxiety.
Day 2 to 4: Symptoms intensify during this period and may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Depression and other behavioral symptoms may follow. At this point, cravings for the drug continue to intensify.
Day 5 to 8: Most physical symptoms begin to decrease, although drug cravings may remain. Emotional symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, may continue for several weeks.
How Our Opiate Addiction Treatment Works in Atlanta, GA
At The Retreat of Atlanta, our mission is to provide individuals struggling with opiate addiction with the necessary tools and guidance for a successful detox experience in a safe and comfortable environment. Our approach to opiate detox in Atlanta is tailored to each client’s individual needs and all clients will be constantly monitored throughout the process.
We offer evidence-based therapies such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify triggers and teach healthier coping skills to reduce the risk of relapse.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps modify negative thought patterns surrounding addiction while reducing stress.
- Individual Therapy focuses on establishing a healthier relationship with oneself, understanding the root causes of addiction, and developing healthy boundaries.
- Group Therapy provides an essential social aspect by creating peer support within a community both during and following detox programs.
- Family Counseling helps remove barriers between family members and repair any damaged relationships.
The Retreat of Atlanta helps individuals receive the care they need during opiate detox in Atlanta so they can take their first steps toward recovery. We strive to make this daunting first step as comfortable as possible by providing medical and emotional support, as well as prescribed medication if necessary. By offering these services, we hope to help transition clients into subsequent stages of addiction treatment while minimizing the possibility of relapse.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Access to prescription medications is an important factor for many people looking for a medically supervised detox program. The team at Retreat of Atlanta can provide medications to ease withdrawal symptoms for clients undergoing opiate detox. This medication-assisted treatment (MAT), focuses on administering medications to address withdrawal symptoms. While also implementing behavioral therapy.
MAT is considered one of the best treatments for the long-term avoidance of relapse. Maintaining sobriety while focusing on the psychological aspects of addiction makes MAT a valuable tool in the arsenal of anyone in recovery. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are among several medical authorities that have studied and recommended MAT to help people maintain their recovery over the long term.
Medications Commonly Used During Opiate Detox in Atlanta
During the detox process, medical staff may administer certain medications to ease patients through each step. FDA-approved medications help lower and even eliminate many of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms associated with opiate detox. These medications work best with behavioral therapy and the many services provided at our opiate detox in Atlanta, Georgia.
The medications that may be used include:
- Buprenorphine: Reduces withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings.
- Methadone: tricks the brain into thinking it’s receiving opiates, reducing withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings.
- Naltrexone: If a person taking Naltrexone takes opiates, it will then block the effects they usually cause. This will take away the incentive to use opiates. As a result, this aids in physical symptoms.
Does Insurance Cover Opiate Detox in Atlanta?
Most insurance companies recognize that substance use disorders are an illness that requires formal treatment. Therefore, it is important to contact the insurance company directly to learn more about what type of treatment programs will be covered. Insurance should be able to identify deductibles, covered services, and out-of-pocket expenses, if any.
Typically, types of treatment covered by insurance plans include detox, residential, outpatient, and aftercare programs. Many insurance companies require customers to receive pre-authorization before beginning treatment for it to be covered.
Start Your Recovery Journey at Our Opiate Detox in Atlanta, GA
The sooner someone seeks treatment, the higher their chances of success in achieving a full recovery from opiate addiction. With the right help, opiate addiction is treatable. We are here to support you or your loved one on this journey back to health and wellness.
Contact us today to learn more about your options for safe and effective opiate detox in Atlanta, GA.
