Drugs like heroin are illegal in the United States and considered Schedule I substances, meaning that it is considered highly addictive and has no legitimate medical uses. Distribution, acquisition, or usage for purposes other than medical research are prohibited. In this article, we’ll look at the signs of opioid withdrawal and how to find medical detox in Washington.
What Drugs Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that include both prescription opioids and drugs such as heroin. Prescription opioids doctors recommend to relieve severe or chronic pain. They are used by those who suffer from persistent and chronic pain.
The illegal substance heroin, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and painkillers that can be lawfully obtained with a prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others, are examples of opioids.
Does Opioid Addiction Require Detox?
The first stage of treatment for some people with opioid addiction is detoxification, which involves a monitored withdrawal from the substance under medical supervision. By itself, this is not a solution because, unless they receive additional care, the majority of individuals with opioid addiction return to using the drug.
The withdrawal symptoms, which include agitation, anxiety, trembling, muscle aches, hot and cool flashes, and occasionally nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are exceedingly uncomfortable but not life-threatening. The dose and withdrawal time has an impact on how strong the reaction is.
What Are the Signs of Opioid Withdrawal?
The symptoms and signs of opioid withdrawal that a person will suffer are dependent on the severity of the withdrawal and what kind of substance has been abused. However, the course of the effects of opioid withdrawal often follows a specific timeframe, and symptoms typically begin about 24 hours after ceasing usage of the drug.
Early symptoms include:
- Increased sweating and a runny nose
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Frequent yawning
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
After the first few days, more severe symptoms begin to appear. They include:
- Constipation and abdominal pain
- Shivering, nausea, and vomiting
- Dilated pupils and potentially cloudy eyesight
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure level
Babies born to mothers who are addicted to opioids or who took them while pregnant sometimes also experience opioid detox signs. These may consist of:
- Digestion problems
- Poor feeding
- Low birth weight
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Seizures
Complications of Opioid Addiction
- HIV and Hepatitis: Sharing needles with others increases one’s risk of contracting or passing on infectious blood-borne diseases. About 80% to 90% of injection opioid users had positive screening results for the hepatitis A, B, and C viruses.
- Liver damage: In some situations, increased liver function tests may also be the result of toxic liver injury brought on by drugs combined with opioids or by the treatment of hepatitis.
- Lung and nasal damage: Snorting heroin or other opioids causes nasal mucosa to become irritated, which can occasionally result in the perforation of the nasal septum. During opioid withdrawal, vomited substances might be breathed into the lungs and can lead to the development of aspiration pneumonia.
- Sexual side effects: Erectile dysfunction is a common side effect in male opioid drug users, and irregular periods and irregular reproduction are common in female opioid medication users.
How to Find an Opioid Detox Program in Spokane
At Sequoia Recovery Centers, we have customized treatment plans to fit your unique requirements, values, and personal objectives. Our skilled specialists place a high priority on improving your health.
Do you live in Spokane, or you have a loved one that does who is struggling with addiction? Take the first step on your journey to be free from addiction. Contact Sequoia Recovery Centers today to learn more about our drug and alcohol detox center in Spokane.
