5 Benefits of an Opioid Detox Center

In Delaware, West Virginia, and across the United States, people struggle with opioid use every day. Unfortunately, the United States is living through an opioid crisis. While doctors prescribe opioids every day for pain management, surgery, and injury, once someone begins taking opioids, it’s difficult to stop. This can lead to the use of illicit opioids like street fentanyl. At Lotus Recovery Centers, our drug detox center in Delaware can help clients safely detox from opioids and prevent reuse or opioid overdose.

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioids, Lotus Recovery Centers can help. Call us at 833.922.1615 to learn more about our comprehensive opioid detox program.

What Are Opioids and Why Are They Addictive?

Opioids are synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs that come from the opium poppy. While the opium poppy has been used medicinally and recreationally for thousands of years, synthetic opioids are much stronger and more lethal than opium. Heroin, for example, was developed in the late 1800s for hospitals until it was replaced by other painkillers. Heroin is significantly stronger than opium, while fentanyl is significantly stronger than heroin.

Opioids work by blocking pain receptors in the brain and releasing high levels of dopamine, causing euphoria, joy, elation, and in some cases, confusion. Many addictive substances release dopamine, causing a “dopamine reward” effect. This means that when a person does something that increases dopamine, their brain will encourage the same behavior in search of more dopamine. Many behaviors, foods, and substances can cause dopamine reward.

Unlike other substances, a person’s opioid tolerance can build quickly. This means that someone needs higher doses or stronger opioids to feel the same effects. The more often someone takes opioids, the more quickly their tolerance builds. For those struggling with chronic physical, emotional, and psychological pain, continued opioid use quickly leads to higher doses, increasing the opioid detox center benefitsrisk of overdose and opioid-related death.

Opioid Withdrawal and Detox

Opioid withdrawal is often called “dopesickness.” Like other drugs, when a person stops using opioids, they experience withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal is especially painful and will often lead to relapse without medical intervention. Signs of opioid withdrawal include:

Intense cravings
Mood swings
Nightmares
Insomnia
Profuse sweating
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Digestive problems
Confusion
Emotional reactivity
Paranoia
Hallucinations
Reckless behavior

Medical intervention and detox is the safest, most effective way to overcome opioid addiction. Medically assisted detox uses medication and supplements to ease withdrawal symptoms and help the brain slowly recover from opioid use. Most times, medical intervention is the greatest way to prevent opioid-related death. During detox, clients begin a range of behavioral therapies to uncover and understand the root cause of opioid addiction. For those struggling with unresolved trauma, mood disorders, and pain, individual, group, and family therapy can help provide insight, behavioral changes, and plans for long-term sobriety.

The Benefits of Opioid Detox Programs

Medical intervention – Opioid detox programs provide around-the-clock medical care and supervision. This means that if a client experiences any withdrawal symptoms, they will be immediately attended to by a medical professional.
Ease of withdrawal symptoms – Opioid detox programs use medication and supplements to ease withdrawal symptoms. This allows clients to focus on their recovery rather than their discomfort.
Comprehensive care – Opioid detox programs provide a range of services including individual, group, and family therapy, trauma-informed care, and holistic therapies. This allows clients to heal on all levels – mind, body, and soul.
Increased success rates – Opioid detox programs have increased success rates due to the comprehensive care they provide. This allows clients to work through all aspects of their addiction and develop a plan for long-term sobriety.
Reduced risk of relapse – Opioid detox programs provide the tools and resources clients need to avoid relapse. This includes education on the dangers of opioids, coping skills for triggers and cravings, and a solid support system.