One of the most challenging aspects of any drug or alcohol addiction is the initial stages of recovery, most commonly known as detoxification or detox. This is the time when the body and the brain chemistry react to the lack of the addictive substance and trigger withdrawal symptoms.
For those with an addiction to opioids, the withdrawal can be very difficult. The symptoms can include but are not limited to:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle cramping and pain
- Extreme cravings for the drug
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Diarrhea and stomach cramps
- Depression or anxiety
- Higher than normal heart rate, blood pressure and respiration
Unlike alcohol withdrawal, the symptoms of opioid withdrawal are not life-threatening for most people, but with other health issues present it can be a concern. Working with a qualified addiction treatment team will be critical to monitor the detox.
Assisting with Symptom Management
A qualified medical professional providing care during opioid detox may recommend the use of a medication known as buprenorphine or Suboxone. This is a medication that is used to treat the symptoms of withdrawal from opioids. It is an opioid agonist-antagonist which means that it fights the withdrawal responses in the body and the brain.
This medication is usually provided as a sublingual tablet. It is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve slowly. It will be prescribed only as long as needed and then the dosage of buprenorphine will be lowered gradually.
It is important to follow the doctor’s prescribed dosage and use. It is not recommended that buprenorphine is stopped suddenly and without stepping down the dosage as it can result in withdrawal symptoms similar to that of opioid withdrawal.
The use of this medication is only to assist in alleviating the discomfort of the withdrawal symptoms. It allows the patient to focus on their recovery, which will usually include one-on-one counseling and education and, with some patients, the use of group sessions later on in recovery.
At The Drug and Alcohol Detox Clinic of South Mississippi, we have extensive experience in working with patients with opioid addictions. To learn more or to talk to our staff for confidential treatment information, call us at 601-261-9101 today.
At The Drug and Alcohol Detox Clinic of South Mississippi, we use buprenorphine or Suboxone as a treatment option to address the withdrawal symptoms of opioid addiction. To learn more see us at www.thedrugandalcoholdetoxclinic.com.
