Opioids are potent, highly addictive drugs. There are two types of opioids: prescription drugs, like oxycodone and Vicodin, and illicit opioids, including heroin.
Opioid addiction is a severe and complex condition. People who develop opioid addiction require comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs.
In this article, we will provide an overview of opioid detox treatment in Pompano Beach, FL. You will learn:
- How opioid addiction develops
- The signs of opioid addiction
- What happens during opioid withdrawal
- What to expect in a detox treatment program
- Where to find addiction treatment in South Florida
If you or someone in your life struggles with drug and alcohol abuse, effective treatment is available at First Step Behavioral Health. Our rehab center is located in beautiful Pompano Beach, Florida, and can provide the care you need for long-term recovery. Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting us now.
Opioid Addiction: An Overview
Opioids are a class of substances that includes both prescription and illicit drugs. People may take prescription opioids to manage moderate to severe pain. Common prescription drugs include:
- Codeine
- Dilaudid
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Meperidine
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Tramadol
Opioids bind to brain receptors in areas related to pain control, emotions, and pleasure. People may experience euphoria (intense pleasure) while taking opioids.[1] This can cause them to misuse their prescription drugs.
Prescription drug misuse includes:
- Taking a higher dose than prescribed
- Taking a medication more often than prescribed
- Using the drug differently than prescribed, like crushing and snorting the pills
- Taking a drug longer than your doctor told you to
- Using a drug recreationally (without a prescription)
Over time, misusing opioids can lead to physical dependence and addiction. People who develop an addiction to opioids often cannot quit using them without the help of an addiction rehab program.
In some cases, people who become addicted to prescription opioids may turn to illicit drugs like heroin when they can no longer obtain their medication.
What Happens During Opioid Withdrawal?
Addiction is the loss of control over your substance use. People with opioid addiction do not choose to use opioids. Their body depends on the drugs, so they must take them to avoid getting sick.
When you become physically dependent on a drug, you will likely experience psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it. Opioid withdrawal can be extremely challenging. Symptoms include:[2]
- Anxiety
- Bone pain
- Chills
- Elevated body temperature
- Excessive sweating
- Faster heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Intense cravings
- Nausea
- Vomiting
People experience different symptoms and discomfort levels based on the type and amount of opioids they use. However, most people who attempt to detox on their own will be unsuccessful.
The support of a drug rehab program in a secure treatment facility can ensure you stay safe as you achieve sobriety.
What to Expect from an Opioid Detox in Pompano Beach
For many people, opioid addiction recovery starts in a medically supervised detox program. Here is an overview of what to expect from an opioid detox program.
Evaluation
A mental health or addiction specialist will assess your needs before you start treatment. This evaluation will consist of:
- Questions about your current and past substance use
- A medical and mental health history
- Physical examination
- Lab testing
- A family history of addiction or rehab
This information will help your team identify issues that may complicate treatment. It will also allow them to create the most effective treatment plan.
Detox
Each person follows a tailored treatment plan that may include:
- Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. You may participate in a medically assisted treatment (MAT) program that offers methadone, buprenorphine, Suboxone, or clonidine therapy.[3] These medications can help you safely detox from opioids and avoid relapse.
- Round-the-clock supervision, access to mental health and medical care, and support
- Mental health and emotional support, including group and individual counseling, when appropriate
- Exercise, nutrition support, massage, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies to support the mind and body during detox
Opioid detox can last days or weeks, depending on the severity of your addiction and the type of drugs you use. Consistent care and support can help you stay focused on long-term recovery, even when detox is challenging.
Treatment After Opioid Detox
Detox is the first step of long-term recovery. After completing detox, it is crucial to participate in comprehensive treatment programs that support lifelong sobriety.
Comprehensive opioid addiction treatment includes:
- Medications to reduce the risk of relapse
- Mental health treatment, including counseling and behavioral therapies
- Relapse prevention and coping skills education
- Aftercare planning and support
Many treatment centers offer inpatient and outpatient detox and treatment programs. This allows people to transition easily from one program to another as their recovery needs change.
Opioid Detox Program in Pompano Beach
1st Step Behavioral Health’s drug detox program is rooted in personalized care. Each client’s journey begins with a Comprehensive Nursing assessment and Evaluation, admission urine drug screening, Medical History & Physical Assessment, Initial Psychiatric Evaluation, Clinical Interview, and an intake process.
Our clients are partnered with dedicated primary counselors who work with them to evaluate their needs and aspirations throughout the treatment. Together, they formulate an Individualized Treatment Plan, periodically reviewed to assess the client’s progress or make necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.
If you or someone you love lives in the Fort Lauderdale area and needs rehab in Pompano Beach, contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists now. Our intake staff can answer your questions and help you find the right treatment to meet your needs.
References:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): Opioid Use Disorder
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): Opioid Withdrawal
- JAMA Network: New Relief for Opioid Withdrawal
