Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that can be difficult to break, but with proper treatment programs in drug rehabs, recovery from substance abuse is possible. Opioid detox is the hardest part in a recovery plan and can be dangerous. Often, individuals will quickly relapse due to strong cravings and opioid withdrawals, which can be severely uncomfortable and painful. Through a medical detox program in a treatment facility, you can safely and comfortably go through the withdrawal symptoms and ensure you successfully drug detox. Detox programs will provide around the clock medical treatment teams who can provide you with individualized treatment while administering medication assisted treatment to ease withdrawals.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

 

The specific opioid withdrawals timeline depends on the person and the types of opioids they were on. Some longer lasting opioids, such as methadone, take a longer time leaving the body. Withdrawal symptoms can vary as well, but you some of the symptoms you can expect include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Watery eyes
  • Muscle and joint point
  • Sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Shaking
  • Insomnia
  • Goosebumps
  • Rapid breathing and fast heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

A general timeline of opioid detox may look like this:

Anticipatory

This stage of detox starts within 3 to 4 hours of the last dose and includes increased fear or anxiety related to preparing for opioid withdrawals. You may start to feel drug cravings as well.

Early Acute

Beginning at around 8 to 10 hours after the last dose, symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, and cravings increase and flu-like symptoms start which include sweating, nausea, vomiting, and stomach aches.

Fully-Developed Acute

Within 1 to 3 days after last done, symptoms peak and individuals may experience body tremors, insomnia, muscle spasms, diarrhea, insomnia, and increased blood pressure. This is the most dangerous stage of opioid withdrawals and when cravings are at their highest. Within a week of the last dose, acute symptoms will significantly decrease.

PAWS

Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome are mild lingering withdrawals that may last up to 24 months. These can include mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, depression, cravings, and irritability.

Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.

How Opioid Detox Helps Manage Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Inpatient treatment detox programs in Philadelphia Pennsylvania are meant to help individuals go through opioid withdrawals more easily and without harm. When you enter drug detox, medical professionals’ treatment teams will monitor your vitals around the clock and administer medication assisted treatment to manage withdrawals and cravings. Some treatment centers may also include holistic addiction treatment such as hot saunas, yoga, vitamin therapy, and acupuncture to help ease opioid withdrawals as well.

Medications Used in Opioid Detox

 

Methadone – commonly used in opioid detox, it is a long lasting opioid that eases cravings and withdrawal.

Clonidine – treats high blood pressure and suppresses drug addictions withdrawals.

Buprenorphine – also known as Suboxone, it is used to decrease opioid cravings and withdrawals without the full effects of stronger opioids.

Naltrexone – decreases the effects of opioids and alcohol if ingested, which reduces drug addictions cravings during drug detox.

Access the Best Opioid Detox in Philadelphia with Union First

 

Union First helps union members and their families find the best drug detox and substance abuse treatment centers in Philadelphia. As part of our employee assistance program, our case managers will conduct a thorough evaluation on your opioid addiction and behavioral health needs and find you the best medical detox treatment programs in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. We can help take the guesswork and endless hours of searching online for the best treatment programs that take your insurance. Through our services, you can get into opioid detox quickly and improve your probability of getting substance abuse treatment that will work for you. We can help find you several levels of care including:

  • Inpatient treatment
  • Intensive outpatient treatment IOP 
  • Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
  • Alcohol and drug outpatient treatments
  • Telehealth online therapy for opioid addiction treatment

Union First is here to help with your recovery plan with you and ensure you get the help from rehab centers you need. If you or a family member are struggling with opioid addiction or other behavioral health issues and are looking for rehab centers in your area, please give us a call any time day or night.

Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.

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