Taking opioids can cause a person to experience a number of withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and drug cravings. In addition, the symptoms can cause a person to experience an increase in heart rate.
Medical supervision
During an opioid detox, your body can experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. A medically supervised treatment program can help mitigate the symptoms. These programs are administered by trained professionals who can help you get off drugs and prevent a relapse.
An opioid detox program involves a number of steps. The first step is to assess your needs. This can be done through a full evaluation of your social, mental, and physical state. The medical staff can also monitor your vital signs and intensity of your withdrawal.
The evaluation phase will also determine your level of intoxication. A medical team can also help you develop a plan for a safe and successful detox.
The evaluation phase should also include a full evaluation of your medical and psychological state. The best medically supervised detox programs have around-the-clock monitoring and a variety of treatment plans.
Ultra-rapid procedure
Often referred to as rapid opioid detox, the Ultra-rapid procedure for opioid detoxification is a type of medical detoxification that reduces the intensity of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. It is performed by a team of specialized physicians in a medical facility. During the procedure, the patient undergoes general anesthesia and the naloxone or naltrexone medication is administered. This helps flush out opiates from the brain's receptors, forcing the body to begin detoxification.
It is a safe procedure. During the process, the patient's vital parameters are monitored by a team of anesthesiologists. The medications are given in appropriate doses to prevent withdrawal. The patient is then slowly awakened.
Anesthesia-assisted rapid opiate detoxification is an alternative method to the traditional detoxification techniques. It is advertised as a quick, painless way to detoxify from opioids. However, the procedure can be uncomfortable and may lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Relapse
Whether or not an individual overcomes opioid dependence depends on a variety of factors. However, some studies have found that a number of risk factors may be associated with relapse. Identifying these factors may help doctors design more targeted treatment plans.
Researchers in the US conducted a study of medium-term outcomes after inpatient opioid dependence treatment. They monitored relapse rates for a period of three, six and twelve months. Using machine learning techniques, they identified 30 risk factors. In addition, they tested whether a patient's preadmission characteristics might predict relapse.
Relapse was measured using random urine screening tests. Of the 2512 samples collected, 103 were positive for opioid abuse. Of the relapsed patients, 54% abused opioids within a week.
Women were also at increased risk for relapse. Women were more likely to have a mood disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and multiple substance use disorders.
Seizures
Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, but can also cause seizures. They are used to treat certain types of seizure disorders, but misuse of them can lead to a dependence and other medical problems.
Seizures during opioid detox are relatively rare. However, they are a sign that something is amiss. The good news is that they can be prevented with proper medical care. In fact, using the appropriate medications can reduce the incidence of seizures.
A recent study found that some forms of marijuana may lower the odds of getting a seizure during withdrawal. It is also thought that the use of benzos in general may reduce the likelihood of developing a seizure.
Seizures during opioid detox can be a life threatening medical complication, but they can be avoided by proper supervision and treatment. The best way to prevent them is to make sure you're not using too much of any opiate.
Death
During opioid detox, individuals often experience very unpleasant symptoms. These symptoms can include diarrhea and vomiting, which can cause dehydration and heart failure. In severe cases, withdrawal can be fatal.
Many individuals with opioid use disorder fail to receive subsequent treatment after detoxification. Those who do not receive further treatment during the month following detoxification increase their risk of death from opioids.
Medication treatment appears to be an effective way to reduce this risk. Several studies indicate that combining medication treatment with residential treatment results in the largest reduction in mortality risk. However, randomized controlled studies are needed to determine whether or not this combination produces an additive effect.
Several studies also indicate that individuals with opioid use disorders who receive outpatient treatment have a better prognosis. Individuals with good genetics and a strong support system have better outcomes.