Can I Detox On My Own?
By Meghan Vivo
“I thought I was going to die.”
This is how most people describe their attempts to detox from opiate addiction on their own. People want to believe that they are the exception, that other heroin and prescription drug addicts need methadone, Suboxone and drug rehab, but not you. You’re stronger, more determined, less addicted.
But it’s easy to underestimate the severity of opiate withdrawal symptoms, which can last for weeks and may even be fatal, and overestimate your ability to cope with drug cravings and pain. Those who try to detox “cold turkey” at home usually try over and over again, only to return to their drug of choice. Many give up before they even try to detox on their own, fearing that they will never be able to endure the withdrawal period.
An Important First Step
Detox is an essential first step in the journey toward recovery. Withdrawal can cause irritability, insomnia, depression, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea for the first few days. Opiate addiction is both physical and psychological and it can take days or weeks for the body to learn how to function without drugs again.
Medically assisted detox programs help addicts rid their bodies of opiates with less pain, risk and frustration than people experience detoxing on their own. This way, patients aren’t paralyzed by their withdrawal symptoms and progress can be made in a drug treatment program. Many programs also provide therapy to help addicts make long-term lifestyle changes necessary to prevent relapse when temptations and cravings arise.
Types of Opiate Detox
Opiate addiction is one of the most difficult addictions to treat. Relapse is exceedingly common, with some studies suggesting that most addicts will attempt to detox 10-25 times in their lifetime before achieving lasting recovery.
There are different types of detox programs available to treat opiate addiction. The best method depends on the particular needs of the individual patient, based on considerations like health status, psychological state, level of support and length of time addicted. With any of the following approaches, ongoing support and treatment are necessary to address the underlying causes of addiction.
Cold Turkey
As the name suggests, this approach involves sudden and complete cessation of all opiate use without any replacement drug therapies or other forms of drug treatment. Because of the excruciating withdrawal symptoms, this type of opiate detox has a very low success rate and isn’t an option for most addicts.
Rapid Detox
Rapid detox is usually a 3-5 day process that incorporates medication. Another option is “ultra rapid detox” which involves putting the addict “to sleep” under anesthesia for the withdrawal period. While ultra rapid detox is generally considered a painless way to withdraw from opiates, opponents argue that it can be dangerous to remain anesthetized for long periods of time (up to 24 hours) and some patients report that they still experienced withdrawal symptoms when they woke up.
Drug Replacement Therapies
Opiate detox can also occur using medications like methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone, which block some of the withdrawal symptoms. These drugs act like opiates but do not produce the same high and can be tapered off gradually over time. The initial detox period generally lasts 3-7 days.
- Methadone has been used for more than 30 years to treat heroin addiction and addiction to prescription medications.
- Buprenorphine is a more recently approved treatment for opiate addiction that can be prescribed in the privacy of a doctor's office.
- Naltrexone has been effective with opiate addicts who have already been detoxified and are highly motivated to succeed in their recovery.
Finding a Drug Detox Center
Once you’ve decided to take the first step toward sobriety, look for a drug detox program that has a strong reputation and is certified by the state (these facilities are regulated by government agencies). Staff should be experienced in drug replacement therapies such as methadone and Suboxone, and should offer individualized treatment plans.
Detox is not as simple as giving up the drug. Will power alone is not enough. Addiction, like any disease, requires medical treatment, therapy, a support network and lifestyle change.
Don’t let the fear of a painful detox deter you from freeing yourself of opiate addiction. Although detox is never easy, support is available. The process is safe and more comfortable when medically supervised and the investment is one that will give you a valuable head start on your journey back to health.
|
