What Addiction Treatment Options Can Help With Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms?

Withdrawal is often the first thing a person encounters during their treatment for addiction. According to the NIDA, the first stage in addiction treatment involves detoxification where the drug leaves the body and triggers withdrawal symptoms.

With opioid addiction treatment, there are options available to help with the withdrawal symptoms. When you call 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?) to learn about your opioid treatment options, keep in mind what addiction treatment options can help you with withdrawal symptoms.

Hospitalization

It is not uncommon to spend time hospitalized during treatment. Due to the effects that opiates have on the body, the damage caused by addiction can be quite extensive. The DEA states that opiates like heroin and opium often affects the body’s muscles, cardiac functions, and respiratory functions.

As a result, there may be some serious damage done as a result of the addiction that may be further complicated by the detox process and withdrawal. Monitoring and assistance by medical personnel during the withdrawal process may be necessary and usually proves to be successful.

Maintenance Treatment

Hospitalization may be necessary in order to monitor severe opioid withdrawal symptoms.

When people hear about maintenance treatment and opiate addiction, the first thing that commonly comes to mind is methadone. Methadone, and other synthetic opiate antagonists, are often used in opiate addiction treatment to help ease patients off of the effects of the drug. They are usually administered under medical supervision and are designed to suppress the high that opiates trigger by blocking the body’s opioid receptors.

Methadone is the most common and well known, having been used since the 1960s. It is often used because of its history and many patients who respond poorly to other medications often have few problems with methadone. In recent years, other options have been developed. Buprenorphine has many of the same capabilities of methadone, yet it lasts longer and can be administered in a doctor’s office instead of a clinic.

Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids without causing drowsiness or physical dependence. It isn’t used as often because many patients find it hard to follow the treatment. A third antagonist, naloxone, is more common in cases of opioid overdose. However, it is often added to doses of buprenorphine to prevent misuse as it often triggers withdrawal symptoms very quickly.

Sleep Aids

Withdrawal can mess with your sleep, and insomnia is a common occurrence during detox. A lack of sleep can further affect the health of your mind and body, both of which you want to be as strong as possible during treatment.

Requesting a sleep aid from your treatment provider or medical professional is fairly easy and understandable. Some over the counter sleep aids may also work, but it depends on the dosage. If you do choose to use a sleep aid during withdrawal, it should be non-narcotic, as narcotic based sleep aids are easy to abuse by those with opiate addictions.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please know that help is available. Call 877-743-0081 (Who Answers?) for the opportunity to speak with one of our caring specialists about your treatment options.

Methods of Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms Treatment in Inpatient Rehab