Detoxing From Opioids in Massachusetts
Opioids alter the brain’s chemistry, creating feelings of euphoria. This feeling causes users to seek out the drug in higher quantities, eventually causing them to feel trapped. Continued use leads to both physical and psychological dependence. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), opiate-related deaths are 33.5 per every 100,000 residents.
To break free from an opioid addiction, detoxing is the critical first step. However, the detox phase is challenging and is often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms, especially if the addiction is severe. Although these symptoms can be overwhelming, detox centers provide around-the-clock medical supervision to help with the recovery. This article delves further into what opioids are and how detox and treatment, such as therapy, can pave the way for long-term sobriety.
What Are Opioids?
To understand opioid addiction, it’s crucial to understand what opioids are and their effects on the body. Opioids are a class of drugs that affect the brain’s opioid receptors. Besides providing a sense of euphoria, they also offer pain relief. Doctors typically prescribe prescription opioids to relieve moderate to severe pain, especially for chronic conditions. However, opioids come with a high risk of addiction.
The Different Types of Opioids
There are different types of opioids on the market:
- Natural opioids: Natural opioids come from the opium poppy plant and are used to relieve pain. Some examples include morphine and codeine.
- Semi-synthetic opioids: Semi-synthetic opioids are created in laboratories and are also used to relieve pain. Some examples include heroin, oxycodone (brand name OxyContin), and hydrocodone (brand name Vicodin).
- Synthetic opioids: Synthetic opioids are 100% man-made and are designed to mimic natural opioids. Some examples include fentanyl and methadone.
- Endogenous opioids: Endogenous opioids occur naturally in the human body and help the body manage pain.
Opioids Classifications
Opioids are classified by their potential for abuse. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) classifies opioids into five categories or “schedules”:
- Schedule I: These opioids have the highest potential for abuse. Heroin is a Schedule I drug.
- Schedule II: These opioids have a high potential for abuse but have some medical uses. Oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl are Schedule II drugs.
- Schedule III: These opioids have a lower potential for abuse and are often used for medical reasons. Buprenorphine is a Schedule III drug.
- Schedule IV: These opioids have a low potential for abuse but are still used to help relieve pain. Tramadol is a Schedule IV drug.
- Schedule V: These opioids have the lowest potential for abuse. Codeine-based cough syrups are Schedule V drugs.
By knowing how opioids are scheduled, individuals can better understand the risks of addiction and how opioids can be misused.
Symptoms of an Opioid Addiction
An opioid addiction is characterized by excessive use of opioids despite the negative consequences. When your body becomes dependent on opioids, the brain’s chemistry is altered, sometimes in permanent ways.
Opioids attach to the brain’s receptors, the spinal cord, and other areas of the body. They then block pain signals being sent from the brain to the body and release large amounts of dopamine, creating a sense of euphoria. This euphoria is what users try to create when using the drugs excessively.
Opioid addiction, or opioid use disorder (OUD), affects the brain’s reward system. This makes it difficult to control, and users start to develop a tolerance. That is, they need more of the drug to achieve the same high.
Behavioral Symptoms
- Intense cravings: People with an opioid addiction tend to obsess about their next high. These cravings tend to dominate their actions.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Users will often fail to show up at school or work due to their continued drug use or their need to score the next batch of drugs.
- Risky behavior: Users may frequently drive under the influence or try to purchase drugs in unsafe neighborhoods or situations.
- Hiding drug use: In an attempt to show outward signs of “normality,” users may try to hide their drug use.
- Doctor shopping: Since doctors can only prescribe a limited amount of opioids, users with opioid addiction will doctor shop to get additional medication.
Psychological Symptoms
- Loss of interest: Drug use will dominate the thoughts and actions of those addicted to opioids, causing them to lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed.
- Mood swings: The extreme highs and lows that come with drug use can cause intense mood swings.
Physical Symptoms
Here are some of the physical symptoms of an opioid addiction.
- Tolerance: To achieve the same effect, users need to take higher doses of the opioid. The larger doses can reach levels that are dangerously high for the body.
- Withdrawal symptoms: When users stop taking the drug, they experience withdrawal symptoms. Immediate withdrawal symptoms include nausea, sweating, anxiety, and tremors.
- Changes in sleep patterns: Users may sleep excessively or experience insomnia. This is usually the result of a disruption to the body’s natural rhythms.
- Weight loss: Many users tend to neglect their nutrition while using drugs. This can result in weight loss.
Necessity of Detoxing at a Rehab Center
Detoxing from opioids is a necessary step for those beginning their journeys to recovery. While some may try to detox alone, we don’t recommend it. Opioid withdrawal can be overwhelming both physically and psychologically. For people with a severe addiction, withdrawal symptoms can be deadly.
At a rehab center, the detox stage takes place in a controlled, supervised environment. Medical professionals are available 24/7 in case withdrawal symptoms turn dangerous or there are complications. Some withdrawal symptoms, such as dehydration, need around-the-clock monitoring.
Rehab centers also provide medication to help manage the symptoms of withdrawal. These medications can reduce cravings and alleviate physical symptoms, such as nausea. Medical professionals administer these medications carefully, ensuring they are tailored to each person’s needs.
Moreover, individuals have access to therapists who can offer psychological and emotional support. Withdrawal symptoms are often psychological, too, and individuals may need help coping with depression and anxiety.
Finally, a detox center prevents individuals from relapsing. Detoxing is often so difficult both physically and mentally that some individuals prefer to return to the comfortable high that opioids provide. At a detox center, however, medical professionals are on hand to ensure clients detox successfully.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms During the Detox Phase?
One of the reasons many rehab centers recommend detoxing at a facility is due to the intense withdrawal symptoms. When people with an opioid use disorder suddenly stop using their drug of choice, the body reacts strongly to the abrupt absence of the drug. This leads to a variety of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms. Here is a timeline of the withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms in the First 24 Hours
In the first 24 hours, individuals will start to experience withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety and agitation: In the first 24 hours, irritability and anxiety kick in.
- Muscle aches: Many people may also experience muscle aches in various parts of their bodies.
- Sweating: Excessive sweating is another common symptom as the body starts to eliminate all the toxins.
- Insomnia: Problems sleeping or staying asleep are also common. This is due to the body trying to rebalance itself.
- Flu-like symptoms: Some people experience a runny nose and flu-like symptoms as their bodies adjust to no longer having the drug.
Symptoms Between 24-48 Hours
After the first 24 hours, the withdrawal symptoms shift and become more pronounced:
- Nausea and vomiting: Some people feel nauseous whereas others experience periods of vomiting.
- Diarrhea: As the digestive system tries to eliminate toxins, many people will experience diarrhea.
- Chills: Flu-like symptoms evolve from a runny nose and slight fever to chills.
- High blood pressure: The stress on the body during withdrawal can result in a higher-than-normal blood pressure.
There are also psychological symptoms:
- Cravings: The desire to use opioids is intense, and many people may need medication to help with their cravings.
- Depression: Many people crash into a depression or experience mood swings.
- Difficulty concentrating: Some people experience mental fog and may have a hard time concentrating.
Because withdrawal symptoms can be incredibly challenging, many people fear these symptoms and are reluctant to quit or seek help. However, these symptoms are temporary. Individuals will typically start to see a significant improvement within a week.
What Treatment Is Available for an Opioid Addiction?
Once you completely detox, various treatment options can help with your long-term recovery. Here are some treatment options that rehab centers typically offer.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is often used in conjunction with other therapies and can be adjusted based on your needs. MAT can help manage cravings by stabilizing your brain chemistry. Some medications used in MAT include methadone and buprenorphine.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
For those with a severe opioid use disorder, inpatient rehab is the most suitable option because it forces clients to focus entirely on their sobriety. Inpatient rehab allows clients to live at a rehab center for some time. During this time, the facility provides a structured environment with around-the-clock care. Clients have access to medical care, peer support, and therapy.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
For clients with a moderate to mild opioid use disorder, outpatient rehab is a good option. Outpatient rehab lets individuals live at home and go to work or school while simultaneously receiving treatment. Outpatient rehab provides therapy and group counseling but isn’t as intense as inpatient rehab.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy can be critical to help users understand the reasons for their addictions. Some therapies that are helpful for substance use disorder include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioral therapy is a specific type of talk therapy that helps clients identify their negative thought patterns. By identifying and altering these negative thought patterns, individuals can develop more constructive ways of thinking and eventually change their addictive behavior.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Dialectical behavior therapy was originally developed for people with borderline personality disorders, but it has proven to be effective for those suffering with substance use disorders as well. DBT focuses on helping people find healthier ways to cope with their addictions.
12-Step Programs and Peer Support Groups
Some individuals find peer support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) particularly helpful as they offer support from others experiencing the same addiction issues. These support groups can go a long way in reducing feelings of shame and isolation. They can also encourage people to pursue their goals of long-term recovery.
Holistic Therapies
Like MAT, holistic therapies are not standalone therapies. They are often used in conjunction with talk therapies to enhance the overall well-being of an individual. Holistic therapies, such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, and adventure therapy, can help individuals deal with stress as well as improve their mental health.
Sober Living Homes
After in-patient or residential rehab, some people find it helpful to transition into a sober living home before returning to their daily lives. Sober living homes provide a structured environment and act as a bridge between inpatient rehab and normal life. This transition is also helpful for those not quite ready to reintegrate back into society.
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
The relapse rate for those suffering from substance use disorder is between 40% and 60%. Because sobriety is a life-long journey, many rehab centers offer aftercare programs that provide their clients with ongoing support. This ongoing support can be in the form of therapy sessions and regular check-ins. The goal of aftercare programs is to help prevent relapses and to provide an ongoing support network.
Charles River Recovery
At Charles River Recovery, we offer treatment and detox programs for those suffering from an opioid use disorder. We provide day treatments that we can adapt to your needs and your schedule. Our day treatments are either half- or full-day programming and can be done in person or virtually. We also offer detox programs for those who are ready to take the first step toward recovery.
Some patients require longer rehab care, and for those, we offer inpatient treatment programs. When checking into our inpatient program, we ask that you bring your current prescriptions, health insurance card, clothing, hygiene products, gym attire, and sleepwear.
If you are ready to make a permanent change in your life, speak to our team about your short-term and long-term needs.