{"id":3909,"date":"2018-10-19T17:14:29","date_gmt":"2018-10-19T17:14:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.americasrehabcampuses.com\/?page_id=3909"},"modified":"2023-12-21T20:40:13","modified_gmt":"2023-12-21T20:40:13","slug":"opiate-detox-overview-how-it-works-and-detox-length","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.americasrehabcampuses.com\/addiction\/detox\/opiate-detox-overview-how-it-works-and-detox-length\/","title":{"rendered":"Opiate Detox: Overview, How it Works, and Detox Length"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Opiates like oxycodone, heroin, and fentanyl pose a high risk for physical dependence and can be difficult to stop using without professional treatment. Going through opiate withdrawal on your own can be painful and uncomfortable; it can also increase the risk for relapse and drug overdose. However, opiate drug detox can help you safely and comfortably withdraw from heroin, painkillers, and synthetic opiates so you can benefit from improved health and long-term recovery.<\/p>\n

What Is Opiate Detox?<\/h2>\n

Opiate detox is an addiction treatment that helps people withdraw from opiates and recover from opiate dependence. Opiates are highly addictive substances that can change brain chemistry and structure with repeated use, increasing the risk for mental health disorders and addiction. Opiate detox is designed to help people successfully stop using opiates without suffering the pain and discomfort caused by withdrawal.<\/p>\n

What Happens During Opiate Detox?<\/h2>\n

Opiate detox usually involves the use of medications that reduce and relieve opiate cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. Methadone, buprenorphine, and Suboxone are a few FDA-approved medications used to treat opiate dependence. People who receive an opiate detox can replace the abused drug with one of these medications to benefit from reduced pain and discomfort as they withdraw from opiates. Some drug and alcohol detox programs also include\u00a0personalized nutrition<\/a>\u00a0and supplement plans that help patients boost their nutrient intake during recovery.<\/p>\n

How Long Does Opiate Detox Last?<\/h2>\n

The\u00a0length of an opiate detox<\/a>\u00a0depends on factors such as treatment method, the severity of the opiate addiction, and the amount of opiates being used. Many drug detox centers replace the drug of abuse with an opiate detox medication and gradually reduce the dose over the course of several weeks until the patient is no longer opiate-dependent. In some instances, opiate detox can last a lifetime, such as with methadone maintenance therapy.<\/p>\n

Withdrawal symptoms for short-acting opiates like heroin generally set in within eight to 24 hours after the last use and can last between four and 10 days. Symptoms for long-acting opiates like methadone set in within 12 to 48 hours after the last use and can last for between 10 to 20 days. However, some patients may choose to overcome opiate dependence at a slower, more gradual pace and may work with their doctors to develop a tapering schedule.<\/p>\n

Opiate withdrawal symptoms are often compared to the flu, and may include the following:<\/p>\n