Together We’ll Break the Cycle
Opiate Detoxification

Opioids are a potent class of narcotic drugs, one that includes prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, illicit substances like heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Opiates are naturally derived opioids, like heroin, morphine and opium. Over the course of the past decade, opioid abuse has been on the sharp incline. This is due – in large part – to the over-prescription of potent and habit-forming prescription painkillers that took place in the early 1990s. When drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin first hit the medical market, pharmaceutical companies assured prescribing physicians that they were exceedingly safe to use. It was soon discovered, however, that these medications were extremely habit-forming – even when taken as prescribed. The government implemented regulations on distribution as the number of opioid-related overdose deaths surged. Unfortunately, for many, it was too late. Rather than seek professional help for opioid dependency, a significant number of men and women made the switch to heroin – a less expensive and more easily obtained alternative to prescription painkillers.

Medically-supervised opiate detox is the safest way to maximize recovery and comfort while minimizing risk. At-home and so-called “rapid” opiate detox centers can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications, and they don’t offer the vital services that address the complex psychological and behavioral issues that are often so intertwined with opiate use disorder.

How Do Opioids Work?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains that all opioids are closely related in that they work by interacting with opioid receptors within the brain and on nerve cells throughout the body, effectively eliminating pain and facilitating feelings of pleasure and euphoria when taken in high doses. Most opioid painkillers are safe to use short-term and as prescribed by a medical professional. However, consistent use (even when taken as prescribed) has been known to lead to physical and psychological dependence. If you believe that you or someone you love has been suffering at the hands of an opioid addiction, there are several signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for.

At Pine Tree Recovery Center we strive to keep our clients as comfortable as possible. Our high staff-to-client ratio enables clinical and medical staff to monitor each client carefully, ensuring safe stabilization and administering medications as appropriate to relieve discomfort.

Opioid Abuse and Addiction

According to an article published by Johns Hopkins Medicine, the symptoms of an opioid abuse disorder might not present themselves right away. However, because addiction is a progressive disease, the symptoms inevitably worsen over time.

Below are the most common symptoms associated with opioid abuse or dependency:

• The inability to control opioid use.
• Uncontrollable psychological cravings, which typically lead to compulsive opioid use.
• Drowsiness, grogginess and noticeable changes in sleeping patterns.
• A loss of appetite which frequently leads to noticeable weight loss.
• Flu-like symptoms, including runny nose, watery eyes, stomach cramping, a low-grade fever and night sweats.
• A lack of attention paid to personal hygiene.
• Decreased libido/sex drive.
• Decreased motivation to engage in activities that were previously enjoyed.
• Neglecting personal responsibilities.
• Increased secrecy.
• Isolation from close friends and family members.
• Stealing from loved ones/engaging in other forms of illegal activity in order to support the opioid dependency.
• Experiencing financial and legal difficulties as a result of opioid use.
• Building up a tolerance, meaning for opioids are required in order for the same physical feelings to be produced.
• Withdrawal symptoms when opioid use is stopped abruptly.

Our Opiate Detox Program is an immediate solution that focuses on short-term stabilization, so clients can quickly overcome physical dependence on opiates while preparing for the next phase of treatment. We utilize a holistic approach that promotes long-term healing and lasting recovery, evidenced by our clinical offerings.

Opioid Withdrawal – Signs and Symptoms

The US National Library of Medicine reported that in the year 2016 alone, there were roughly 11.5 million non-medical users of narcotic pain relievers, and 948,000 active heroin users. Sadly, the majority of these men and women did not seek the professional help they needed. This is partially due to the fact that they remained unaware of the medical detox services readily available to them. At Pine Tree Recovery Center we believe that quality clinical care should be available to all those who seek it. The prospect of undergoing opioid withdrawal symptoms keeps many men and women actively using – however, we provide a safe and pain-free withdrawal in a comfortable, homestyle retreat.

The symptoms of opioid withdrawal that our clinical team effectively treats include:

• Flu-like symptoms that worsen in severity as the withdrawal process progresses
• Irritability and agitation
• Anxiety and panic attacks/hyperventilation
• Severe muscle aches and pains
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation
• Insomnia and other sleep-related issues
• Severe abdominal cramping
• Profuse sweating, shaking and body tremors

Symptoms of withdrawal typically take hold within the first 12 hours of the last dose. If you have been abusing opioids of any kind and need help to quit long-term, we are available to help. As far as opioid addiction goes, medically monitored detox will always be a necessary first step on the lifelong road to recovery.

A Detox Program That Plans for the Future

Once deemed medically appropriate, Pine Tree Recovery Center clients engage in individual therapy, group therapy, or even family therapy where they begin to address the underlying issues that contribute to and are exacerbated by substance use disorder. This way, when clients are ready to transition to the next appropriate level of care, they’ve already established a solid foundation of knowledge, awareness and motivation, setting them up for continued success.

Opiate withdrawal is arguably the most challenging part of overcoming addiction, but it’s temporary. Pine Tree Recovery Center’s team of credentialed clinical and medical professionals take great care in designing individualized opiate detox plans that prioritize client comfort and safety.

Medical Detox – A Necessary First Step

Why is medical detox necessary? Other than providing a safe and pain-free withdrawal, medical detox helps to lay a solid foundation for long-term recovery, and allows clients the opportunity to develop a viable aftercare plan, including a plan to transfer immediately to the next appropriate level of clinical care. Unfortunately, many individuals who are suffering from opioid addiction believe that they can skip medical detox and withdraw on their own, in an at-home setting. While the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal are not typically life-threatening (however uncomfortable), the psychological cravings lead many individuals back to using their drug of choice before the detox process is complete.

At Pine Tree Recovery Center we offer a combination of effective and proven detox methodologies, including Medication Assisted Treatment and therapeutic intervention. Our detox program is unique in that – while we do focus on physical stabilization and a completely pain-free withdrawal – we also focus our attention on mental and emotional health and well-being. Clients have the opportunity to participate in daily group therapy sessions and 12 step meetings, and the opportunity to meet with a licensed therapist in an individual session once a week. They have access to holistic treatment methods as well, such as physical therapy, massage therapy and nutritional therapy. Clients have access to a wide range of homestyle amenities as well, from private bedrooms to a fully stocked, state-of-the-art onsite kitchen. Our top priority is client comfort, and our high staff-to-client ratio allows for comfort to be successfully achieved 24-hours a day.

Why Detox at Pine Tree Recovery Center?

Opiate withdrawal can be uncomfortable, which is why relapse is so likely to occur within the first 2-3 days if you attempt detox on your own. It’s so important to detox in a fully licensed, accredited facility that can keep you focused and engaged while maintaining your health and safety. There are a few key features of our Opiate Detox Program that will help you feel more comfortable and motivated as your mind and body begin to stabilize:

• Optional in-house 12-step meetings.
• Recreational activities and exercise.
• In-house chef and full-service kitchen stocked with healthy, nutrient-dense foods.
• Educational sessions.
• Clinical and medical oversight 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Case management services.
• Aftercare planning services.
• Clinical services, including individual and group therapy.

A Comprehensive Recovery Plan

At Pine Tree Recovery Center we walk our clients through every essential phase of addiction recovery, from the admissions process to aftercare planning. While medical detox is necessary to long-term opioid addiction recovery, it is only the very first step on a multi-phased continuum of clinical care. Once a client has been deemed physically stabilized and fit to continue on to the next appropriate level of clinical care, his or her case manager will work closely alongside our clinical and medical team in helping make the transition to inpatient treatment or intensive outpatient treatment as seamless and stress-free as possible. Upon admission to our individualized program of recovery, each client undergoes an in-depth – and highly personalized – four-part assessment. Our clinical team takes a close and thorough look at medical history, current psychosocial status and physical and mental health. Based on their findings they develop a unique treatment plan, which is constantly adjusted as seen fit. Part of this treatment plan is always transferring immediately to the next level of clinical care once medical detox is complete.

If you have been suffering at the hands of opioid abuse, there is truly no better time to seek treatment than the present moment. Opioid addiction is progressive disease, meaning that it will only continue to worsen unless professionally treated. For more information on our comprehensive and individualized opioid addiction treatment program, reach out to us today 24/7 and speak with one of our Treatment Advisors by calling (888) 693-1751 or complete this online form click here.