Detoxing and Recovering from Opioids
What You Should Know
The Reality of Opioid Dependence
Opioids were once seen as a lifesaver for patients with severe or chronic pain. Opioids were created to allow patients with cancer and other diseases or serious injuries to resume their normal activities with far less pain. While opioids are a lifeline for many people with severe pain, opioid addiction is one of the fastest-growing addiction categories because it can be manufactured quickly and shipped all over the country. In 2018, over 11 million people used opioids without a prescription. If you are addicted to opioids, you need to know that you can detox and recover from opioid addiction. Here is some information you need to know about the detox and recovery process.
1:1 Client Counselor Ratio
Personalized support designed around you, not a group average.
90%+ Completion Rate
Our approach leads to higher program engagement and success.
Whole-Person Healing
We treat trauma, mental health, and addiction together for lasting change.
Led by Those in Recovery
Founded by people who’ve lived it. Guided by those who understand it.
Complex Detox Realities
Why Detoxing from Opioids is Different
Detoxing from opioids can be a complicated process. Depending on how long you have been using opioids and the severity of the addiction, you can experience a whole host of symptoms beginning about 12 hours after you stop using the drug. Some of the withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, vomiting and other stomach issues, muscle pain, sweating, and anxiety. While many of these symptoms are uncomfortable, they are usually not life-threatening. However, it can be difficult to detox from opioids without help from physicians. You may need to withdraw with the aid of medication to help alleviate many of the withdrawal symptoms. Also, if you have any kind of mental health or physical condition, you need to detox under a doctor’s care to make sure you can detox safely.
Next Steps Toward Healing
After the Detox Process
When you are free from the physical symptoms of opioid addiction and withdrawal, you are then ready to begin the recovery process. In general, you will want to enter an inpatient recovery program, which allows you to work on yourself and your addiction. Many residential treatment programs allow you to stay from 30-90 days, depending on what your needs are and whether you have other needs that need to be addressed, such as your mental health.
While you are in recovery in an inpatient treatment program, you will be involved in both individual and group therapy. You’ll also have time to relax and enjoy some outdoor activities and participate in recreation, exercise, and meditation. By surrendering yourself to this process, you’ll learn to focus on your needs and how to communicate and connect with other people without drugs.
There are a lot of reasons inpatient recovery programs are important for people recovering from opioid addiction. First, you are safer in an inpatient recovery program. People who arrive at an inpatient rehabilitation center have had dangerous, chaotic experiences filled with sickness and excessive anxiety. Inpatient recovery means you are in a safe, welcoming environment where you can focus on yourself. It’s important to remember that your body has been through a lot.
Addiction has consequences for your entire body, such as your liver and kidneys, and can lead to malnutrition and even muscle deterioration. Inpatient rehab allows you to focus on your body and your health. Also, people who are struggling with addiction find that they are disconnected from friends and family. Recovery means you have time to work on your family relationships and build new ones with people in your recovery program. You will also learn ways to handle stress and stressful occurrences without drugs. Recovery is all about the renewal of your body, mind, and spirit.
SCA Recovery is Here to Help with Opioid Recovery
If you are struggling with an addiction to opioids, let SCA Recovery help you move out of addiction and onto a new path of healing and recovery. Our facilities are located in the Los Angeles area, and we serve individuals in Orange County, LA County, Ventura County, and surrounding areas so that you can begin your new journey toward hope and healing. Reach out today – let’s talk.