What An Opioid Detox Looks Like

Opioids are the most addictive prescription drugs on the market today. They are designed to interact with the Opioid receptors in the brain, which not only blocks the pain but also creates a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. In a very short time, Opioids will rewire your brain so that your body can adapt to their presence. Soon, a person cannot function normally without Opioids, which results in detox symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, using Opioids for just five days can result in an addiction.

How Long Does it Take For Withdrawal To Begin?

If a person is addicted to Opioids, it can take between 6 and 12 hours after their last dose for the withdrawal symptoms to begin. This is one of the reasons that so many people have trouble quitting. Many addicts would rather take another dose than go through the detox symptoms. They know that if they have another fix, they will have the euphoric feeling that they crave, and the withdrawal symptoms will end.

What Are the Symptoms Of Withdrawal?

The symptoms of Opioid withdrawal are incredibly uncomfortable, and they can be dangerous. The severity of the symptoms would depend on how chemically addicted a person is. The longer a person is using Opioids, the worse their symptoms will be. They include:

  • Anxiety
  • Hallucinations
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Seizures

How Long Does It Take To Detox?

The detox process varies from person to person. There length of time that the detox symptoms last would depend on a few factors, including:

  • The period of time a person has been abusing Opioids
  • The level of chemical dependency
  • The amount they have been taking regularly
  • The type of Opioid they were using
  • A person’s age
  • Their genetics
  • Their overall health
  • Being addicted to alcohol or other drugs

Overall, the longer a person has been using and the more they have been taking, the longer it will take for them to detox completely.

What Are the Stages of Detox?

The stages of detox come in stages, depending on how long it has been since you last used it.

  • 6 to 24-hours since the last use: During this time, a person will start to have cravings for the drug. This is the point where many people take another dose because the cravings are so intense. Anxiety and depression will also set in. After that comes nausea and vomiting. When a person has nothing left in their stomach, dry heaves can begin.
  • 36 to 48-hours since the last use: During this time, abdominal cramps are common. The person will also start sweating, and they will develop a runny nose. Finally, nausea and vomiting will continue. During this stage, people often get desperate for another dose just to make the symptoms dissipate.
  • 48-72 hours since the last use: During this time, diarrhea is common. Insomnia will also set in along with muscle pain. In severe cases, hallucinations can begin at this point, and possibly seizures. This is one of the most critical points of the detox process, mainly if hallucinations and seizures occur.

How Can I Detox Safely?

Trying to detox cold turkey is usually not effective. When the detox symptoms become too severe, the addict will want to take more Opioids just to make the pain and discomfort stop. It can also be harmful to a person’s health to detox without the necessary monitoring and medication. The safest way to detox is at a treatment center. There, a person can be monitored by a professional medical staff, and they can begin Anesthesia-Assisted Rapid Detox medications. These medications won’t make the detox process painless, but they will make a person more comfortable while they are detoxing. Also, IV fluids are necessary to prevent dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. If a person becomes severely dehydrated, it can cause several serious health problems.

If you have an Opioid addiction, your best chance of detoxing safely and getting clean is to check into Grace Recovery in Hollywood, CA. When you first check in, you will begin safe detoxification. When the drugs are out of your system, you will move onto our state-of-the-art inpatient rehabilitation program where you will get the individual, group, and family counseling that you need to continue with your sobriety. We will also give you the tools necessary to remain clean after leaving the program. We can help set you up in a sober living house, continue your one-on-one and group therapy, and help you find local Narcotics Anonymous meetings. According to The American Addiction Center, addicts who quit cold turkey are 40 to 60 percent more likely to have a relapse. The best way to get clean and stick to your sobriety is to check into Grace Recovery addiction treatment in Hollywood.

Why To Travel To Southern California For Addiction Treatment

There is a lot to consider when choosing where to go to treatment. You want to find a place that has the right supports, including licensed therapists, a safe environment, and individualized treatment that focuses on you. Once you know what you’re looking for in general, you can narrow down what you’re looking for as far as what place looks like it will be comfortable and suit your individual needs. There are some very good reasons you would do well if you sought treatment in Southern California.

Getting away from your home environment and its triggers

Even though you will miss them and you may view them as your biggest supports, your friends and relatives will keep reminding you of how you were thinking during the roughest part of your addiction. Without meaning to, the people closest to you will bring you into their drama. Getting away from other problem places is good too, such as bars you used to frequent or other places that remind you too much of your old habits. You may have “triggers” that can bring you right back into your old way of thinking.

A simple change of scenery

When you are in a different place, you can get more of a feeling that you are starting your life over. Everything is new again, and the possibilities are endless. Being in a different place can help you achieve longer term sobriety by helping you off to a good start. You don’t want to look too far into the future, because you are going to start living one day at a time, but you can find a place that helps you see everything in a new way.

Privacy

Even if your family and friends support your recovery, you will feel more comfortable, especially in early recovery, if you feel as though you have some privacy. Even if you don’t want to hide anything, you will feel less self-conscious if you know that your loved ones can’t just drop in any time without warning. When you staying in Southern California and attending therapy, going to meetings, and learning how to meditate, you can focus on yourself and what you need to accomplish.

You can enjoy the weather

Southern California isn’t just far from home — it offers the most amazing weather all year round. That means that when you are in recovery you can enjoy the outdoors, meditate outside, see the sights, and take advantage of everything the area has to offer no matter when you go. The constant sunshine has a psychological effect too, helping fight depression and combat other conditions that go along with darkness and bad weather, like obesity.

The natural life

As part of your recovery, you can enjoy all the natural wonders Southern California has to offer. You can visit beaches, swim, hike, or just enjoy the scenery. Because of the area, there are also adventure sports you can take part in. For those who enjoy a feeling of excitement, adventure sports can provide that feeling of excitement in a safe setting. You can try cave diving, bodyboarding, hang gliding, kite surfing, or a multitude of other fun sports. You will get multiple advantages from finding sports you enjoy:

  • The exercise will help you regain your health
  • When you are having fun, you avoid boredom, which is dangerous in sobriety
  • You challenge yourself and succeed, increasing your self-confidence
  • When you are exercising and having fun, you aren’t having negative thoughts

Is addiction treatment in California right for you?

Grace Recovery has multiple levels of care that are tailored to suit the individual needs of each client. We offer compassionate, holistic care, and we use both traditional and evidence-based methods. You can take advantage of everything from acupuncture to support groups to psychoeducation to trauma-informed yoga.

We recognize that everyone is on a different path, and our job is to help you find your own way. If you think you could benefit from our program in Los Angeles, California, please don’t hesitate to call today.

How to Quit using Heroin

Heroin is one of the most addictive street drugs out there, and the epidemic is growing. According to a 2016 National Survey on drug use published in Drug Policy http://www.drugpolicy.org/drug-facts/how-many-people-use-heroin, roughly 475,000 people ages 12 and older have reported using heroin in the last month. Over 948,000 people reported using it in the last year, and 4,981,000 people reported using the drug at least once in their life. These statistics are grim, and they are getting worse all the time.

How Does a Heroin Addiction Develop?

When heroin is snorted, smoked, or injected, it enters the brain. There, it impacts the Opioid receptors in the brain, which bring on feelings of comfort and euphoria. Over time, the neurons in the brain begin to adapt to the drug, making it difficult to function normally without heroin. Without the drug, withdrawal symptoms start.

What Are the Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms?

Within 6 to 12-hours without the drug, the withdrawal symptoms will begin. The severity and length of time that you experience withdrawal symptoms depend on a few factors:

  • How long you have been using
  • How often you use
  • How much you are using
  • Your age
  • Your genetics
  • Your overall health
  • Whether you are addicted to alcohol or another drug.

The physical symptoms of withdrawal include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Chills
  • Bone pain
  • Cold sweats
  • Abdominal pain
  • Seizures

Heroin also causes psychological withdrawal symptoms that include:

  • Intense cravings
  • Restlessness
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Tremors
  • Agitation
  • Fatigue
  • Hallucinations

What Are the Dangers Of Quitting Cold Turkey?

Quitting heroin cold turkey is not a good idea for a few reasons. According to American Addiction Centers https://americanaddictioncenters.org/heroin-treatment/cold-turkey, people who try to quit heroin cold turkey are 60 to 90 percent more likely to relapse.

Trying to quit cold turkey can also be very harmful to your health. The vomiting and diarrhea caused by quitting heroin can cause you to become extremely dehydrated, which can be very dangerous to your health. When depression and anxiety begins, it can cause you to harm yourself and even consider suicide. In severe cases, seizures can occur, which is very serious.

Why Is Medical Detox Recommended for Heroin Addiction?

Medical detox from heroin makes the whole process more comfortable and much safer. During the detox process, you would be monitored by a medical professional. To prevent dehydration, you would be given IV fluids. You can also be prescribed medication such as buprenorphine. It is classified as an Opioid, but it doesn’t give you the feeling of euphoria that heroin does; therefore, it causes less physical dependence. This medication can be used in conjunction with the drub Suboxone. These drugs working together can help with the heroin cravings as well as the withdrawal symptoms.

There Is More To Recovery Than Detox

If you make it through the detox process, it doesn’t mean that your journey to sobriety has ended. There is more to giving up heroin for good than going to detox and getting the drug out of your system. If you are going to be successful in your sobriety, you are going to need to enter an inpatient addiction treatment center. The services provided in these facilities are essential to your sobriety.

  • One-on-one therapy: Most people start using heroin for a reason. For many, it is to self-medicate an underlying psychological issue. During your individual sessions, your therapist will help you get to the root of the cause of your addiction so that it can be treated.
  • Group therapy: During group therapy, you will sit with other addicts and a facilitator. It will give you a chance to tell your story and to hear other people’s stories. This will provide you with more insight into your addiction while creating a support system for yourself.
  • Family therapy: Addiction often puts rifts between you and your family members. When you leave the inpatient treatment center, you are going to need a support system. During family therapy, you can work with your family to mend your relationship.

Aftercare Services

When you have completed your time in treatment, the work doesn’t end there. Aftercare services are essential if you are going to stay sober when you are back in the real world. A few essential services include:

  • Sober living: Leaving inpatient treatment can be stressful. Sober living housing is the best way to ease your way back into your life.
  • One-on-one therapy: After leaving treatment, you will need to continue individual therapy with a counselor to maintain your sobriety.
  • 12-Step Program: Narcotics Anonymous provides an excellent support system when you leave treatment. Going to meetings with people who have been through what you have been through is essential to your sobriety.

Quitting heroin cold turkey is not recommended. Not only is the chance of relapse extremely high, but it can also be very dangerous. Grace Recovery is a state-of-the-art addiction treatment program where you can get the help that you need. Upon checking in, you would go to our detoxification program, so that you can get the drugs out of your system safely. Once you have successfully detoxed, you would go to our inpatient treatment center, where we will provide all of the essential services to help you be successful in your recovery.

 

How to Make the Most of Your Stay in Rehab

Any recovering addict agrees on one thing; there is life after quitting the habit. You have accepted that you were once vulnerable to either alcohol or substance abuse. Congratulations! You have passed the first step towards recovery. So, what is your next step? Of course, you will check yourself into the nearest rehabilitation center for treatment and counseling sessions. However, you need to accept the fact that your life is about to change completely. Here are some tips to make your stay comfortable.

Develop a positive attitude towards the process

The rehabilitation process sounds like a tedious process that involves medications and therapies. It is perfectly normal to fear the unknown. Always remember that the people who offer these services have your best interest at heart. It is not the time to reflect on the mistakes you made in the past. Trusting the rehab process not only helps you to develop a positive attitude in your journey, but it also allows you to accept unhealthy habits you had in the past. How do you go about this?

You have the power to shape your future. Accept the challenges that come with ditching your addiction. Therapists and counselors are trained to handle each individual differently. So each time you feel discouraged, don’t hesitate to communicate your feelings.

Embrace a healthy lifestyle

During your drug addiction, you may have avoided healthy living standards such as a balanced diet, exercising, meditation, or taking part in developmental projects. Consequently, you have compromised the wellness of your body. Well, it isn’t too late to start over. You see, change comes from within you.

In rehab, you will meet nutritional experts and life coaches who will walk you through healthy habits. You will learn the importance of adopting healthy eating habits rather than letting you perceive of it as a chore. The healthier you are, the easier it is for you to recover fully.

Decide whether you need to detox

Did you know that detox is the first step towards early addiction treatment? The process helps to remove the toxic substances you have consumed during your addiction. You need to bear in mind all the challenges that come with it. You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations, nausea, anxiety, and hallucinations among others. Remember, it is part of the healing process that takes between three and seven days.

Before checking into rehab, decide whether you are willing to go through the detox process. The specialists will determine the severity of your current condition to decide whether or not you are fit to undergo the procedure. After that, they will let you decide if you agree to the process.

Be mentally prepared for the therapy

You may be a first-time or a returning patient, but that doesn’t mean you are mentally prepared for what awaits you. Once you have checked into the facility, you will be given a timetable that determines your appointments. These appointments are tailored to allow you to discuss essential topics. Feel free to write down some of the topics you want to discuss. Don’t forget to inform them about your experiences. They may not be as bad as you may think.

Prepare for Life After Rehab

A rehab facility can be likened to a cooking recipe that guides you on how to prepare specific meals. It will highlight the ingredients and procedures to ensure you cook even if you aren’t a professional chef. After that, it is up to you to light the fire.

You are getting prepared for life after rehab is one of the essential things you need to consider. Of course, the drugs have already been eliminated from your system, making you less vulnerable to withdrawal symptoms. However, the cravings for the drugs may not wear off completely.

During your stay, it is essential to determine a hobby that will prevent you from going back to your old habits. Take this time to discover what you are good at. Is it painting, watching movies, or reading novels? As long as you develop the right attitude towards this process, you will still discover that there is more to life away from alcohol or drugs.

Conclusion

Using drugs in the past isn’t the end of life. You can still be a productive person after accepting your past misfortunes by checking into a rehab facility. Here, you will go through detox and therapeutic sessions to help you recover physically and mentally. Once you have adjusted to the program, you will realize that you can still reconnect with your loved ones and lead a healthier lifestyle. It is not the time to feel sorry for yourself. Instead, it is the perfect moment to unravel your potential as a valuable asset to the community. Remember, many people made it despite losing hope in life.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, contact us today. Grace Recovery is always here to help and we will be there for you every step of the way.

 

How to Overcome Opioid Addiction

One of the biggest reasons people are often hesitant to start an opioid addiction recovery program is fear or worry about the withdrawal process. These feelings are perfectly normal, however, and the good news is that they can be overcome. It all starts with learning more about what the opioid detox process entails and finding a treatment program that will support you from start to finish.

If you or a loved one is looking to beat an opioid dependency, you’re far from alone. While the modern opioid epidemic is an issue that has only gained widespread discussion in recent times, it has been growing for years. In 2010 there were an estimated 21,000 deaths from opiate overdose, and this number has steadily grown to be over double that today, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The APA also estimates that nearly one in three people now know someone who is addicted to opioids, and there are at least two million people nationwide currently struggling an opioid abuse problem.

So, there’s no better time than the present to start tackling a dependency to opioids head-on. While the detox process can be challenging, it is far from impossible to overcome. Here’s what you need to know:

What is Withdrawal?

“Addiction” is often used interchangeably with the word “dependency” because when it comes to substances, they are one and the same. When a person is struggling with an opiate addiction, their body has become dependent on the substance. Both their mind and their physical organs have grown accustomed to receiving opioids in certain minimum amounts, and when they are deprived of opioids in those minimum amounts, negative reactions occur. These negative reactions are withdrawal symptoms.

These natural negative reactions can be so unpleasant that, if the person is not in the right environment, they can try to cope with things by introducing more opiates into their body. This is how many people become increasingly heavy users of substances like opioids despite attempts to “quit”. Fortunately, the right recovery environment and treatment services can support them through the withdrawal process and prevent increased dependency.

Detox Symptoms or ‘Side Effects’

It’s really the symptoms or “side effects” of opioid withdrawal that intimidate people. But while they can certainly be unpleasant, it is important to understand that all of them are temporary. For many people, detox symptoms begin right after their last opiate dose, while for others it can take hours or even days.

Here is a list of the more common symptoms that can be expected once detox or “withdrawal” begins:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Anger or agitation
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased (more intense) opioid cravings

It may also help to know that many people do not experience every withdrawal symptom and instead only experience one to a few of them.

How Long Does Detox Last?

The detox period can vary from person to person. Just like the exact start time of withdrawal can vary, the time period during which it lasts will vary depending on a number of factors (including, but not limited to, substance use amount and frequency, weight, general health, etc.) In most cases, the most severe symptoms of withdrawal can last hours to about a day. Symptoms as a whole can last days to about a week.

Why Medical Detox Should Be Considered

The withdrawal process can also be a lot easier to deal with when medical detox is involved. While this course of treatment may not be right for everyone, for many it can ease them out of opiate dependency more smoothly and greatly reduce the likelihood of a relapse. In most cases, medical detox is an inpatient-only treatment program, although it may be achieved in rarer cases through partial-day programs.

In a medical detox setting, the patient is supported by a professional medical staff (nurses and doctors) who may use the assistance of certain medicines to help ease their withdrawal symptoms. The patient is closely monitored the entire time and supported both medically and emotionally.

Now, it is true that successful detox and addiction recovery may be achieved without this medical intervention. However, the emotional and physical pull of substances like opioids shows that medical assistance can greatly increase the likelihood of success. It is important to explore this option before making a final decision.

Getting Started

To learn more about the opioid withdrawal process and recovery, do not be afraid to reach out to experienced treatment professionals. After all, the first steps toward beating a dependency on opioids involve not just admitting there is a problem, but starting to look at recovery options. Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about the withdrawal process— real treatment professionals are there to help!

Last but not least, always remember that you are not alone. Thousands of people across the country enter treatment programs every year and get through the detox process to success. With determination, the right support, and plenty of knowledge under your belt, you too can beat opioid addiction and take back your life.

The Benefits of Group Therapy

Recovery can be difficult. This is a well-known truth. However, having the benefit of others around you that understand your struggle can be a lifesaver. Instead of feeling alienated am misunderstood, you’re surrounded by people who’ve been through the same things. Group therapy has the ability to create a sense of community among people on the same journey. The process embraces the individual and acts as a catalyst for greater bonding and understanding. Regardless of the addiction, group therapy creates a safe haven for people struggling with many of the same adversities. However, it does many other things too.

Communication

The goal of group therapy is to create a warm, understanding, and safe environment. Placing the chairs in a circular pattern makes it easy to see everyone in the group and invites open and honest conversation. The small close-knit group builds a sense of community. This is beneficial as members transition into society and meets people. Patients are able to rebuild their confidence and start all over again. In essence, group therapy helps members express themselves, and find their authentic voice.

Companionship

It helps to have someone with you on your recovery journey. Group therapy brings members together as a support system for one another. Often, the addiction process isolates members from friends and family. It can leave members feeling isolated and rejected. Group members often come together to fill that void building bonds that will last throughout the recovery process and beyond. This companionship is also an important part of the recovery process. It brings members together and helps form strong friendships with others that may have been through the same thing.

 Insight

Group therapy also cultivates reflective insights. Other members often bring a fresh perspective to the table which allows you to look at the situation differently. Often times, a member may be too close to his or her situation, making it difficult to truly see the situation holistically. Sharing your experiences with other members brings a fresh new perspective that a member may not have been able to see or understand on his or her own. Members are able to gain powerful insight which is also part of the powerful healing process.

Affordable Help

Group therapy is often free or very low cost. Members have access to counseling and support without having to worry about affordability. This type of support is vital to the recovery process because members can focus on getting well without worrying about money. Members can take advantage of all the advice, insight, and support of other members. Rehab is designed to benefit every member involved.

Putting It All Together

Group therapy can be an important part of your recovery process if you let it. Take advantage of the camaraderie and support that other members offer. It’s also a good idea to be as open and honest as possible. This also invites help and support. There are many things that you can do to get the most out of group therapy. Be open and honest with other members during therapy sessions. It may also help to keep a recovery journal and write your feelings and thoughts. You can even offer ideas if they come to mind during therapy. Hold yourself and others accountable. This will help yourself and other members stay on track or get back on track if they fall off. Consistency and participation are key.

An addiction problem isn’t the end of the world. With the right support system along with consistency, recovery is possible. Stay the course and use all the resources available. This is not a journey you have to take along. Your support system is there to help you if you stumble or when times get hard. Even if you fell, all you have to do is get back up and start again. Perfection isn’t the goal. Instead, sincere consistent effort is the goal. Consistency leads to better choices and habits that will continue to serve you well beyond your recovery.