Opioids have become popular in recent times. This is largely due to their beneficial effects such as the excellent ability to relieve pain. However, opioids also produce a euphoric effect. If you do not follow the prescription keenly, you may end up developing a dependence. The dependence can quickly morph into an addiction. Research indicates the opioids claims the lives of 128 people each day in the U.S. The deaths are mainly from overdose cases. Most of these deaths are preventable. All we need to do is be keen on identifying the opioid withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are a pointer for the need for greater care for the patient at a drug detox center like Atlanta Detox Center.
Understanding Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioids act through attaching themselves to the brain receptors. When they attach themselves to these receptors, they alter how we function. These drugs send signals to the brain so that the brain adjusts to its effects. The effects block the body’s ability to feel pain and produce an anti-depressing effect that makes you feel calmer.
The body produces its opioids but these are not enough to deal with chronic pain. The production cannot lead to an overdose too. To deal with the pain effectively, we supplement the body’s opioid production with our opioids. Manufactured opioids mimic how natural opioids work in the brain.
Opioids target the brain’s reward mechanism by flooding it with dopamine. Over supplying dopamine causes the euphoric effect. Our brains react by making us repeat the activities it associates with pleasure. The brain will configure itself to make you repeat the pleasurable activity without giving it much thought. That is how someone ends up becoming an addict or developing an opioid dependency.
If you quit opioid use abruptly after a long period of use, the brain will find it hard to adjust. This is the point an addict will start showing the opioid withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms will vary from person to person. But note that they can be fatal. It is wiser to quit opioid use with the help of a medical professional at a drug and alcohol detox center.
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioid withdrawal results from opioid dependence. Dependence refers to a situation where someone needs to take opioids to feel okay. It does not count whether they are sick or not. If you are in such a situation, you may start exhibiting certain symptoms.
Some of these symptoms are:
- Hallucinations: The addict may start to hallucinate after a long period without opioid use. They may insist on seeing or hearing things that others find strange or non-existent
- Anxiety: Anxiety sets in quite early after the last opioid use. The addict usually becomes restless. They may also display unnecessary aggression because of the anxiety
- Seizures: They are common especially in overdose cases. Severe seizures may lead to convulsions and unconsciousness
- Insomnia: Discontinuing opioid use can alter the sleeping pattern of the addict. They may find it quite difficult to sleep. Sometimes they end up waking in the middle of the night for no reason
- Body pain: Addicts may begin to feel body pains. The opioids that masked the pain no longer acts in their body
Treatment Options at Atlanta Detox Center
If you are displaying any opioid withdrawal symptoms, you should check into our detox center facility at Atlanta Detox Center. We have a variety of treatment options including:
- Heroin detox program: Our heroin detox center is an opioid treatment facility that specializes in heroin addiction treatment. The treatment is medically-assisted to help patients recover smoothly
- Drug detox center: The drug detox center helps you detoxify. It will rid your body of the opiate toxins
- Alumni support program: Our alumni program is a form of support system. It serves to motivate and keep you on track with the treatment
- Men’s detox program: This is a gender-specific plan that seeks to help men open up and speak candidly to our detox center staff about their addiction problems
Seek Treatment Today
Do not let opioid addiction ruin your life. If you notice any opioid withdrawal symptoms, seek help immediately. Time counts in this treatment. You can visit our facility or call Atlanta Detox Center at 844-658-0927. We will help treat your addiction.
