4 Common Treatments Available at Opiate Detox Centers

Opiates, also known as opioids, are highly addictive drugs that can be difficult to stop using on your own without some type of medical intervention. When quitting opiates on your own, you may be at high risk for experiencing severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms that eventually lead to relapse and increase the risk for an overdose. Fortunately, opiate detox centers offer safe, effective treatments that can help you get through withdrawal more comfortably.

Are you struggling with opiate addiction and aren’t sure where to turn for help? Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) to speak with an addiction treatment counselor about your options for nearby rehab and detox centers.

Here are four common treatments available at most opiate detox centers.

1. Methadone

Methadone is a medication that reduces the euphoric effects of opiates, while also reducing or eliminating opiate cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The drug produces effects that mirror those brought on by other opiates, but without offering the same feelings of pain relief and euphoria.

Methadone is generally administered in an outpatient setting once per day. If you use methadone, you’ll be required to visit a methadone clinic or opiate detox center every day to receive your daily dose. This allows you to overcome addiction while going about your normal daily activities at the same time.

2. Medical Detox

Medical staff may provide medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

Medical detox often takes place in an inpatient rehab center under 24/7 medical supervision. Since some opiate withdrawal symptoms can be severe and life-threatening, medical staff will monitor you and prescribe medication as needed to relieve your withdrawal symptoms.

Most opiate detox centers use medications similar to methadone that reduce or eliminate opiate cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications include buprenorphine and naltrexone, along with their common brand names. However, some opiate detox centers may just offer medications that treat one or some withdrawal symptoms.

3. Rapid Detox

Rapid detox is similar to medical detox, but occurs at a highly accelerated pace. During rapid detox treatment, you’ll receive IV injections of medications that block the effects of opiates. These medications may include naltrexone and naloxone, which can reverse the effects of opiates.

You may also receive IV injections of medications that relieve opiate cravings and certain withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia or nausea. Rapid detox usually only takes between four and eight hours, and allows you to fully overcome physical dependency on opioids in as little as 48 hours.

4. Addiction Treatments

Many opiate detox centers also offer programs and treatments designed to help you overcome underlying causes of addiction, such as depression and emotional trauma. You can join 12-step support groups, attend daily and weekly therapy sessions, or participate in fun, recreational activities that allow you to bond with other recovering addicts. Opiate detox centers can tailor addiction treatments to your health needs and personal preferences so you can enjoy the safest, most comfortable recovery possible.

If you or someone you care about is suffering from opioid addiction, understand there are nearby opiate detox centers that can help. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) to speak with an addiction treatment counselor about your rehab and detox options.