Category: Detox

Opioid addiction is not easy to fight. For most people, the most challenging part will be getting through detox due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms opioids can cause.

Detox is the process of allowing your body to rid itself of harmful toxins. During this time, the system struggles to function without the drug and reacts with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. However, these symptoms will go away in time. 

Withdrawal is not pleasant to deal with, but knowing what to expect can be helpful. This article will discuss the opioid detox timeline so you can be prepared for what’s ahead. 

 

How Do Opioids Impact the Brain?

When opioids enter the body, they bind to receptors in the brain. They work to block feelings of pain running from the brain to the central nervous system. They also affect the rewards system in the brain producing feelings of euphoria.

When the effects of the drug wear off, people want to continue feeling euphoric and getting that sense of being rewarded. This is what makes the drug so addictive. Studies show that addiction can occur in as little as three days. 

When taken over an extended course of time, opioids can also harm the brain, causing symptoms like depression, anxiety, irritability, and hallucinations.

 

Do Opioids Cause Withdrawal? 

Yes, opioids cause withdrawal. People who use opioids at excessive doses will begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not present in their bodies. Detox from opioids symptoms include the following: 

• Anxiety 
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Runny nose
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Fever
• Muscle aches

 

What is the Opioid Detox Timeline? 

The opioid detox timeline will be different for each individual depending on the kind of opioid you were using, how long you were using, and the intensity of the doses. Here is a general guideline of what you can expect. 

• Symptoms will typically begin 8 to 24 hours after you last used. 
• Symptoms will usually peak 2-3 days after you last used. 
• Symptoms will stop 4 to 10 days after you last used. 

 

How to Detox from Opioids Safely

Quitting cold turkey from opioids is not recommended. It may not be life-threatening, but it can result in symptoms such as: 

• Dehydration which causes excessive vomiting and diarrhea
• Cardiovascular issues like increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Increased pain sensitivity occurs as your body gets used to being without pain-killing opioids
• Severe anxiety due to chemical changes in the brain
• Relapse- many people relapse to get relief from withdrawal symptoms short term

To avoid these symptoms, it is best to wean yourself off opioids gradually. Your doctor may prescribe a taper schedule. While undergoing the process, they may monitor your pulse, temperature, and blood pressure and check your vitals regularly.

Your doctor may also prescribe medications like methadone and buprenorphine. These are opioids that are long-lasting and don’t produce the same euphoric effects as stronger variations. They are meant to reduce withdrawal symptoms and wean you off the drugs. 

For best results, you may choose to check into a facility for a detox procedure. Medical staff will oversee the process to keep you as comfortable as possible. They will provide medications to minimize unpleasant symptoms. They will make sure that relapse does not occur. 

 

Finding the Right Opioid Detox Program

There are many facilities that offer opioid detox, but it’s not easy to find the one that’s right for you. You must consider the atmosphere, cost, staff experience and more. After doing a bit of research, you will find that Refine Recovery checks off all the boxes.

Refine Recovery is a luxury drug rehab in Beverly Hills, an upscale community in Southern California. We offer customized world-class treatment, a qualified, compassionate staff, and multiple paths to recovery. We see you through from detox to therapy to aftercare planning in Southern California. 

At Refine Recovery, we offer dual diagnosis in Beverly Hills that simultaneously treats the addiction and its underlying cause. We feel this is the best strategy for achieving long-term recovery. We follow up with therapy sessions ensuring you maintain sobriety. 

Opioid addiction is not easy to overcome, but with the right treatment, you will reach your recovery goals. Contact Refine Recovery for the care you need to achieve the health and happiness you deserve. We will help you move on to a higher quality of life.

If you are looking to overcome drug addiction, the first step you will go through is detox. This is a process of allowing toxins to leave your system, so you become clean. The detox process is not easy to deal with. Withdrawal symptoms are produced, which makes people likely to return to doing drugs. That’s why an effective detox program is so important. 

 

This article will talk about what’s involved in comprehensive detox so you can find the program that’s right for you. 

 

What is Detox?

Detox is a process that involves allowing drugs to leave the body. It is often the first step of recovery. 

 

Many people have a hard time getting through detox due to withdrawal symptoms. Their bodies are not used to being without the drug, and it reacts by producing symptoms such as:

• Digestive issues
• Fever 
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Depression

 

People know the only way to get rid of these symptoms is to do more of the drug. Therefore, they often end up relapsing.

An effective detox program will provide a staff that oversees a patient throughout the detox process. They keep the patient as comfortable as possible and provide medications to reduce symptoms. This reduces the likelihood of relapse occurring.

 

Who Needs to Detox Before Rehab? 

Anyone that’s physically addicted to a drug will need to detox before going to rehab. However, some people will have a more difficult time than others going through detox. It depends on how long you were using the drug and how much of it you were taking. 

 

How to Detox Safely

Depending on the drug you are using, a medical professional may recommend that you quit using the drug completely, all at once, or they may wean you off the drug slowly. This is because some drugs cause a shock to the system, making it dangerous to go cold turkey. In any case, it’s always best to consult with a medical professional during the detox process. 

Here are some other helpful hints:

Detoxing inpatient vs. outpatient: You may be able to detox at home (outpatient), or you may prefer to do it in a rehab facility (inpatient). Inpatient detox is preferable if you do not have a healthy home environment. If you live in an abusive setting, you will be exposed to people that may encourage you to go back to using, making it difficult to get clean during this difficult stage of recovery. 

Engage in Healthy Activities: You can engage in several activities during the rehab process that will soothe and calm you, making detox less unpleasant. These include meditation, acupuncture, and yoga. Detoxing in a relaxed and comfortable environment will also be helpful. 

Take Medications: People have mixed feelings about taking medications, but during the detox process, they are a lot healthier than the drug you are detoxing from. They will assist in alleviating symptoms, making you less likely to relapse. 

It’s also advisable to get rid of the drug you are using, so it is no longer in your home, and follow a healthy diet and exercise routine to ensure comprehensive detox. 

 

How Refine Recovery Can Help

There are many facilities that offer detox in their programs, but it can be difficult to find the one that’s right for you. You must think of the price, the environment, the services offered and more. When you consider this, you will find that Refine Recovery detox center checks off all the boxes. 

 

Refine Recovery is in the upscale neighborhood of Beverly Hills, CA. We offer world-class, customized addiction treatment in Beverly Hills, high-quality care, and multiple paths to recovery. We provide a three-part detox, inpatient rehab, and aftercare planning program. 

 

While all the treatments we offer are important, detox is a core part of our recovery process. We provide 24/7 supervision and withdrawal management. We ensure that patients get through this difficult phase as comfortably as possible. 

Getting over an addiction isn’t easy, but an effective detox program can help. Refine Recovery offers a comprehensive process that ensures you are successful in getting past your dependency issues. Contact us for the care you need to move on to happier, healthier living.

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that more than 28% of all opioid-related deaths in 2019 involved heroin. Despite ongoing attempts to reduce the amount of heroin “on the streets,” heroin remains easy to obtain and plentiful in many communities. Many people turn to heroin after developing an addiction to prescription pain killers. Because the effects of heroin are similar to those of prescription opioids, heroin is viewed as an alternative to prescription drugs when prescriptions run out. Research has shown that about 6% of those who misuse prescription drugs eventually switch to heroin—as many as 80% of those who struggle with a heroin addiction first misused prescription opioids.

 

Without help from a treatment center to overcome heroin addiction, dangerous and potentially fatal outcomes can result.

 

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an opioid drug manufactured from morphine. Although heroin is made from a naturally occurring substance, the seed pod of the opium poppy plants grown in Asia, Mexico, and Columbia, it is not a natural opioid. Heroin is manufactured using natural ingredients. However, it is an illegal substance.

 

Depending on the manufacturing process, heroin appears as a white powder, brown powder, or black sticky substance called black tar heroin. It is not uncommon to hear heroin referred to by other names. Some of the most common are hell dust and smack. There are several ways to “take” heroin. While the most widely used method is through injection, it can also be smoked, inhaled through the nose, snorted, or smoked. Some people engage in a practice called speedballing. This is done by combining heroin and crack cocaine to create a more potent and far more dangerous drug.

 

Why is Heroin So Addictive?

The effects of heroin on the body occur rapidly. When heroin enters your system, it binds to specific receptors on the brain, spinal column, and throughout the body. These receptors, called opioid receptors, are responsible for sensing and transmitting feelings of pain and pleasure. Using heroin leads to a rush of specific chemicals in the body and brain that lead to a sense of euphoria or the “high” people often seek when using substances like heroin. Under “normal” circumstances, a similar rush results from everyday activities like exercise, eating, or other activities that lead to happiness. Once a heroin addiction develops, it becomes more and more challenging to achieve these feelings without using.

 

The same neurotransmitters that cause someone to get high when using heroin also affect the function of several vital body functions, including heart rate and breathing. They also affect sleeping patterns. These impacts are part of why heroin use affects breathing, heart function, and one’s ability to sleep. They also explain why many deaths from heroin overdose result from respiratory failure or a fatal cardiac event.

 

What are the Signs of Heroin Withdrawal?

The signs of heroin withdrawal will be different from person to person. Factors including how long you have been using, if you use other substances in addition to heroin, how often you use, and whether you have an underlying mental health or physical health condition all contribute to your unique withdrawal experience. Regardless of the intensity of your withdrawal symptoms, however, it is vital to mention that detox and withdrawal from heroin can be dangerous and requires careful and comprehensive monitoring at a professional heroin rehab.

 

In most cases, the first symptoms of heroin withdrawal begin within a matter of hours after your last dose. For some people, acute withdrawal symptoms start in approximately six hours; however, it may take up to twenty-four hours for others. The timing for the onset of symptoms depends on many of the factors listed above.

 

Peak (or the most intense and severe) withdrawal symptoms occur during the first 72 hours after your last dose. During this time, detox symptoms are typically difficult and challenging to manage without medical and mental health support. Acute symptoms of heroin withdrawal generally subside within one to two weeks; however, some long-term symptoms may persist for months or years after detox.

 

Finding Heroin Detox Programs in Los Angeles, CA

Overcoming an addiction to heroin is not easy, but you can achieve sobriety with help from our southern California detox center. Our caring and compassionate treatment team are here to ensure you have the support and tools you need to put heroin addiction in the past. Let us help you as you progress through detox and the therapeutic process at our heroin addiction treatment program. To learn more about our programs, contact a member of our admissions team today.

Benzodiazepine is a drug that is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. While it’s effective in producing a sense of calm, it can also be addictive. This is because it produces withdrawal symptoms that make it a hard habit to break. 

This article will review the dangers of benzo withdrawal and what you can do if you notice addiction setting in.  

 

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, but they may also treat other conditions. These include:

• Seizures
• Insomnia
• Pain (they work as a muscle relaxant)
• Agitation associated with drug withdrawal
• Nausea and vomiting
• Depression 
• Panic attacks

They can also be used as a sedative or as anesthesia before a medical procedure. 

While scientists are unsure how benzodiazepines work, they believe they affect neurotransmitters in the brain. They specifically work on GABA, a neurotransmitter that suppresses nerve activity that may be tied to anxiety and other mental disorders. 

There are several types of benzos on the market. Some popular kinds include valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and more. They vary in the amount of time they require to take effect and how long they last.

 

Are Benzos Addictive?

Yes, benzos are addictive. Many people are attracted to the euphoric and calming effects the drug produces and take doses that are more than what is recommended by a doctor. Others begin taking it recreationally, and an addiction begins to form. 

 

What are the Signs of Benzo Addiction?

The first sign of benzo addiction is an increased tolerance. Users will need to do more of the drug to get the same effects. 

The next sign is benzo withdrawal. This will occur because the body gets so used to being on the drug that it is unable to function without it. It will begin exhibiting unpleasant symptoms that are both physical and emotional in nature. 

The person knows that the only way to get rid of these benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms short term is to take more of the drug. This sets them on a vicious cycle of abuse. 

Other signs of benzo addiction include:

• Blurred vision
• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Poor judgment
• Going to different doctors to try and get various prescriptions
• Not being able to stop taking the drug even if you want to
• Mood swings
• Dangerous behavior
• Dishonest behavior
• Lack of self-care
• Troubled relationships
• Legal troubles 
• Financial troubles

 

What are the Signs of Benzo Withdrawal?

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is hard to beat. Here are the symptoms you may be dealing with during detox. 

• Irritability 
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Heart palpitations
• Anxiety 
• Hand tremors
• Seizures

 

What are the Dangers of Benzo Withdrawal?

Benzo withdrawal is not only unpleasant but also dangerous. 

One of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms is seizures. While it’s rare to die from a seizure, it is possible to hit your head when one is occurring. This can cause a fatal or long-term injury. 

Another possibility is that the person can start feeling a return of the symptoms they were initially using benzo to treat, such as anxiety. When combined with other withdrawal symptoms, these can be pretty severe. They can lead to suicidal thoughts and self-harm.

 

Treatment for Benzo Withdrawal

Because benzo withdrawal is dangerous, it’s best to detox with the assistance of a professional staff. Medical experts will provide medication to reduce symptoms. They will keep the patient as comfortable as possible and supervise them to ensure relapse doesn’t occur. 

There are many facilities that offer treatment for benzo withdrawal, but Refine Recovery takes an approach that sets us apart. 

Refine Recovery is a boutique luxury rehab located in the upscale community of Beverly Hills, CA. We use dual diagnosis treatment plans that simultaneously address the addiction and its underlying cause. We understand that every patient is different, and we customize therapies that we feel are best suited to our patients. 

Our unique therapies include a variety of traditional methods, like CBT and MAT, and alternative treatments like yoga and meditation. All care takes place in our luxury amenity facilities. We follow up with aftercare, ensuring patients get the support they need to maintain sobriety. 

Benzo withdrawal makes addiction hard to deal with. Refine Recovery offers the assistance you need. Contact us to find out how you can make it through to a brighter tomorrow.

Heroin is a drug with a long history of medical and recreational use. It has gone through periods of increased and waning prevalence. It is currently on an upswing in use because it is a more accessible opioid than prescription painkillers. Heroin is highly addictive and can be quite deadly. 

The drug can have serious adverse effects, but fortunately, there are treatments available. This article will provide information on heroin addiction and how to find heroin detox “near me.” 

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an opioid made from morphine, which is derived from the seeds of opium poppy plants grown in various regions around the world. It can come in the form of a white or brown powder or a black sticky substance, often called “black tar heroin.” It can be injected, snorted, or smoked. 

When heroin enters the body, it binds with opioid receptors in the brain that control vital functions like pain, pleasure, sleeping, breathing, and heart rate. It produces euphoric feelings and has pain-killing effects. 

People are commonly prescribed opioids for pain relief. It is not unusual for them to misuse opioids and build a tolerance, so they need and want more of the drug. 

If their doctor refuses to increase their dose, they may begin buying opioids off the street instead. If street dealers don’t have prescription meds available, addicts may start using heroin instead. 

Signs of Heroin Addiction

When a person takes heroin regularly, they will start building a tolerance to the drug. They will need to take more of it to get the same effects; this is the first sign of addiction. 

Withdrawal symptoms may also begin to manifest. The body will get used to having the drug in its system. When the drug is not present, flu-like symptoms will occur. 

The only way to get rid of these symptoms is to take more of the drug. This results in a deadly cycle of dependency. 

Withdrawal symptoms and increased tolerance are two signs of heroin addiction. Here are some other things to look out for. 

• Pinned eyes
• A tendency to nod off
• Flushed skin
• Severe itching
• Insomnia
• Collapsed veins
• Withdrawal from social situations
• Digestive issues
• Weight loss 
• Sexual dysfunction in men
• Irregular menstrual cycles in women
• Lack of interest in the things you once loved
• Troubled relationships
• Legal issues
• Financial troubles
• Nausea
• Related physical conditions such as heart infections, HIV and hepatitis (from shared needles), abscesses, respiratory problems, and more

How to Find Heroin Detox Near Me

If you google the term ‘heroin detox near me,’ several facilities will pop up. But it’s important to find one that offers the care that’s right for you. 

There are several things to look for when finding a rehab center best suited to your needs. Here are some things to consider:

• A caring and competent staff
• A customized therapy plan
• A clean and comfortable atmosphere
• A high success rate
• Treatment options suited for your needs

Refine Recovery is the facility that offers a well-rounded rehab experience. Detoxification and residential care take place in our luxury rehab in Beverly Hills, CA. We provide dual diagnosis treatment that addresses addiction and its underlying causes. We take a holistic approach inspiring a mind-body balance that supports long-term recovery goals. Heroin addiction can significantly reduce the quality of life. Don’t let it rob you of your precious moments. Reach out to Refine Recovery today. We will set you on a path for the success and happiness you deserve.

Detoxification, or detox, is often the initial step in the continuum of addiction treatment care. Whether you are seeking substance abuse rehab for yourself or someone you love, you may wonder, “How does detox work in rehab?” Read on to find out how detox works on the path to addiction recovery.

What Is Detox?

Detox is the process by which the body is rid of all traces of drugs and alcohol. This is a necessary step to ensure that a person is physically stable and ready to begin addiction treatment and therapy.

When a person is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, the body becomes used to having the substance(s) in its system. When the use of harmful substances is stopped altogether, the body and brain have to adjust to the sudden drop of the amount of the chemicals, leading to unpleasant symptoms that are often called “withdrawal symptoms”, which can be physical and psychological.

Physical Symptoms of Withdrawal Can Include:

• Restlessness
• Vivid, unpleasant dreams
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle and bone pain
• Diarrhea
• Excessive sweating
• Exhaustion and fatigue
• High fever and chills
• Flu-like symptoms
• Heart palpitations
• Headaches
• Shivering and shaking

Psychological Symptoms of Withdrawal Can Include:

• Paranoia
• Panic attacks
• Confusion
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Agitation and irritability
• Intense cravings for the substance
• Difficulty concentrating
• Short-term memory loss

In the most severe of cases, a condition known as “delirium tremens” (DTs) can occur. Symptoms of DTs include:

• Elevated body temperature
• Rapid heart rate
• Extreme confusion
• Auditory and/or visual hallucinations
• Uncontrollable shivering/shaking
• Seizures 

Once the process of detoxification begins, the majority of symptoms begin within 24 hours to 2 days and can persist up to 10 days. The amount of time a person experiences symptoms of withdrawal varies largely, depending on the substances used, the amount of time substances have been abused and the person’s physical and mental functioning. 

How Does Detox Work In Rehab?

The process of detox in rehab is geared toward minimizing the negative impact of symptoms of withdrawal, making the detox experience as comfortable and safe as possible. The most effective form of detox is one that is both supported and medically assisted by trained specialists, usually taking place in a rehab facility. 

When a person goes to detox, the first step is a medical assessment so an accurate picture can be built of the patient’s individual needs. Information is obtained on the person’s medical history and details about their addiction, including substances used and the duration of time that the person has been using, in order to develop a personalized treatment plan. Once the treatment program is developed, patients can expect to be coached on healthy eating and getting adequate sleep while detoxifying.

Medically-assisted detox is commonly used in rehab, which may include medications such as Dramamine, Tylenol, natural supplements, antidepressants and more. This treatment avenue uses medication to minimize the uncomfortable and sometimes life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal. It is often needed for substances such as opioids and alcohol, which can cause severe physical dependence, causing the person to be unable to function normally without taking the drug. 

Detox in a rehab facility offers other benefits, including a supportive and comfortable environment, around-the-clock medical supervision, support for transitioning into the next phase of treatment and access to medications that help ease the withdrawal symptoms and cravings that are associated with the drug. 

Why You Should Detox at a Rehab and Not at Home

Attempting to detox at home instead of in a medically-assisted detox program is risky for multiple reasons. 

First of all, self-detox can lead to several complications. Slowed breathing, extremely high or low heart rates, seizures, convulsions or hallucinations can all lead to dangerous consequences if left untreated. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over 5 percent of people who attempt detoxification at home experience delirium tremens. Medication-assisted detox programs help prevent such symptoms from occurring through continual monitoring and clinical support. 

The risk of relapse is higher for those who choose to detox at home as well. Many people return to using the substance in order to make the withdrawal symptoms go away. In these instances, risk of overdose is high, thus making at-home detox inherently less safe than medically-assisted detox. 

Another issue during detox is that many people neglect their physical health during addiction and are not only suffering from nutrient deficiencies (that can lead to internal organ damage) but a lack of sleep. Lack of good hygiene is also not uncommon during active addiction. Each of these potential problems are addressed in detox, while at home they are not always recognized.

Detox in a rehab facility also equips patients to enter into a formal substance use treatment program. People who choose to detox at home are less likely to enter into addiction treatment programs. 

Reach Out to Us Today at Refine Recovery

Coming to the realization that you have a substance abuse problem is difficult but necessary. At Refine Recovery, we understand how important a safe and comfortable detoxification process is at our drug and alcohol addiction center. We strive to fight against the disease of addiction with you in our safe and secure environment, run by trained medical staff. Get addiction help today by contacting our caring staff who are waiting with open arms.