Detox is a difficult process, no matter what the situation is. Not only is it physically and emotionally challenging, but treatment options can be costly and cause an inconvenient disruption to daily life that many would rather not deal with. That’s why the option of detoxing at home may seem attractive. However, at-home detox for painkillers is fundamentally dangerous and can result in severe health complications.
The following home detox risks can be avoided by going through an opiate detox center program in Stuart, Florida.
What are Painkillers?
Painkillers or forms of opioids and opiates are chemically related drugs that interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the brain and nervous system to produce a euphoric effect and eliminate pain. With over 2 million Americans 12 and over misusing prescription opioids, they are among the most commonly abused drugs in the country. Types of opioids include heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and others.
Phases During Home Detox for Painkillers
When you are withdrawing during home detox for painkillers, your body will have a dramatic reaction. Dependence on opioids changes the structure of the nerve cells in your brain. The nerve cells need the drugs in order to function properly. Taking these drugs away abruptly will result in withdrawal symptoms which will come in two phases.
First Phase of Detox
The first phase of your withdrawal during home detox may result in:
- Fatigue: Most of us already have a hard time keeping our eyes open at work. Fatigue guarantees you’re not going to be too productive while detoxing
- Excessive Yawning: A yawn and a stretch usually help with feelings of fatigue and mental fog, but it is irritating to deal with multiple times a minute
- Anxiety: Most of us already worry too much, and added anxiety can contribute to feelings of helplessness and drive you right back into the arms of opioids
- Muscle Aches: Cramps, soreness, and muscle aches limit mobility and cause pain over extended periods of use – not quelled until well off painkillers
- Restlessness: Tied in with anxiety is a desire to do everything and anything. The fatigue and muscle aches will probably turn that restlessness into more anxiety
- Sleeplessness: Think you were going to sleep this detox off? Most people report being unable to get anything more than an hour or so of sleep, as the aches and anxiety kept them up all night
- Excessive Sweating: Steer clear of clothes, bedsheets, chairs, and couches unless you want to do a day of laundry after your detox is over
- Running Nose, Tearing Eyes: Many compare detox to the flu, because these symptoms often manifest themselves for days after, causing discomfort and general misery
- Agitation: To top it all off, you will be easily agitated – not just mentally, but physical contact can range from uncomfortable to outright painful
Second Phase of Detox
The second phase of your home detox for painkillers might bring the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Goose Bumps: In addition to anxiety, your skin will crawl and make your clothes feel extremely uncomfortable
- Rapid Heart Rate: The elevated heart rate will make you feel like you just ran a 100m dash. Don’t plan on getting any caffeine in your system while your heart is racing
- Diarrhea: On top of the general pain and anguish of detoxing without help, much of your time will be spent in the vicinity of the bathroom, on top of the aches and drowsiness
- Abdominal Cramps: Splitting pain from your abdominal area is a common side effect of detox, causing long bouts of doubling over
- Nausea and Vomiting: No unassisted detox would be complete without involuntary purging – and nausea that accompanies it
- Dilated Pupils: Everything seems far too bright, and as an unfortunate side effect, dilated pupils also give the impression of drug influences
These symptoms can last anywhere from a week to a month. There can also be long term withdrawal symptoms which may result in mental and behavioral issues.
Home Detox for Painkillers
People who do opt for at-home detox for painkillers are advised to taper off the drugs slowly to limit the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms. However, for most people, this self-regulation is unfeasible as it often just leads to relapse.
Furthermore, some withdrawal symptoms can result in serious health complications. Dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting is common for those going through withdrawal. Many end up in the hospital because of this. For all these reasons, at-home detox for painkillers can be extremely difficult, dangerous and even impossible for many.
Choosing a Detox Center
Enter a treatment facility, healthcare experts provide advice when it comes to the stages of withdrawal. They will monitor your vital signs throughout the process. If they see you are facing serious health complications as a result of the withdrawal, they will be there to offer medical help. They will provide a comfortable setting for you during your withdrawal and prevent any incidence of relapse.
Treatment facilities also provide medications to make the withdrawal process more comfortable. They can administer Librium which helps with agitation, chloral hydrate or Trazadone can help you sleep and clonidine is good for all over symptoms. If you attempt to drug detox at home, you will not have access to these medications.
Challenges will arise when you are seeking help for your addiction, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. Many facilities accept insurance making the costs more manageable. See if friends and family are able to assist you. Conduct an online search to find state-funded treatment centers that provide financial support. You can also talk to your boss about applying sick and vacation days to make up for your absence. Family members may also be available to take care of children and pets while you are away. Or you can look into an intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Florida to keep up with obligations.
Talking to family, friends, and employers about getting help may also be a deterrent for many. Once you open up, you will find many who are sympathetic to your plight. People are likely to support you and applaud your efforts to seek help. Addiction is a disease that requires medical attention and maintenance like any other condition.
Detox in Florida
Finding help through opiate detox may be difficult, but it is doable, while at home detox for painkillers could be impossible. Furthermore, investing in detox at a licensed facility reduces risks of relapse and the possibility of health complications. Recovery is a big step which is why every effort should be made to do it right. Let a health professional see you through this process for a safer and healthier recovery with the following programs:
- Residential treatment program in FL
- Partial hospitalization program in FL
- Intensive outpatient program
- Continuing care in Stuart, FL
Home detox isn’t worth the risk. Contact Wellness Counseling and Residential Detox by calling 772.324.4130 today.
