Opioid detox is the process of removing opioids from your body and can be a difficult time. However, it can be an important step in a person’s recovery from an opiate addiction.

Medications can be used during opiate detox to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse. They can also help address any co-occurring mental health conditions.

Methadone

Methadone is a long-acting opioid drug that can reduce withdrawal symptoms in people who are addicted to heroin and other narcotics. It can also be used to relieve pain in those who have a hard time using short-term (or non-opioid) pain medications.

When taken as part of an opioid detoxification or maintenance program, methadone can help prevent the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C through injection. It can also help those who are addicted to opioids stay in treatment longer and improve their chances of lasting recovery.

The medication is a powder that is dissolved and taken orally once a day. It works by affecting the brain’s pain receptors.

It is important to take methadone exactly as prescribed, and not to change the dose without a doctor’s supervision. It can build up in your body quickly, and taking too much can lead to an overdose.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is one of the most commonly used medications in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). It helps prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings without making you feel high or sleepy. It also helps lower the risk of opioid overdose deaths.

This medication is a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates the same receptors as heroin and morphine -- but less strongly. This makes it safer to use than full opiates, and it is much less likely to cause trouble breathing.

Buprenorphine comes in different forms, including under-the-tongue products that can be dissolved under the tongue, skin patches that can be placed on your back or chest, and injections. You should always follow your doctor's instructions and talk with your health care professional if you have any questions about this medicine.

Counseling

Opioid addictions are complex, and they're often difficult to overcome. Counseling helps you learn to cope with life's struggles in a healthy way and develop a positive mindset for recovery.

In a counseling session, you'll discuss your goals for changing your behavior and overcoming the obstacles that stand in your way. You'll also work with your counselor to identify any deep-rooted issues that may be holding you back.

After you've finished your counseling sessions, it's important to review the progress that you and your counselor have made together. This will allow you to acknowledge your progress and affirm what you've learned, which can strengthen your commitment to your treatment plan and help you stay motivated.

The benefits of counseling include learning to manage stress in a healthy manner and building relationships with people who understand your problems. You can also practice coping skills and find out how to better handle situations that trigger cravings.

Residential Treatment

Residential Treatment is a great way for a person to recover from their addiction without facing the temptations of home life. It provides a supportive environment that helps patients regain structure and focus on recovery.

Typically, residential treatment lasts 30 to 90 days and includes therapeutic treatments like group and individual therapy, holistic healing practices, and addressing underlying medical problems and mental health disorders. Some programs offer dual diagnosis treatment for individuals suffering from both addiction and a mental health disorder.

In addition, medication is sometimes prescribed to help patients through withdrawal. These medications can alleviate symptoms of withdrawal, reduce cravings, and allow people to develop the tools they need to avoid relapse.

Quality facilities also focus on helping their clients set long-term goals for their lives, including career, relationships, and healing from past trauma. These goals can be adjusted throughout the program to keep a patient on track for continued success. They are important because they can help a patient develop the discipline to sustain long-term recovery after leaving treatment.