What are Opiates?

After sustaining major injuries from car accidents, workplace accidents, sports injuries, and random encounters, sometimes medical providers will prescribe medication to assist injured victims with their pain. The go-to prescription drugs for treating pain are classified as opioids, which include codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and fentanyl. These drugs are derived from opium, which is found in the poppy plant.

Because of its ability to suppress pain and produce a sense of euphoria, opioids can be highly addictive for some people. Depending on the dosage they’re taking, their bodies can develop a high tolerance and require more to feel the same high. Unfortunately, when this happens, users may partake in illegal activities just to attain more opiates.

Because individuals develop a tolerance to the euphoric effect faster than they develop a tolerance to the dangerous side effects, it’s easy to accidentally overdose on opiates and die from cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

When individuals are constantly taking high doses of opiates, suddenly stopping can be difficult and often results in withdrawals. Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and strenuous on the body. Not only are symptoms physically exhausting and painful, but they can also be emotionally taxing. For example, individuals may experience low energy, irritability, anxiety, agitation, insomnia, runny nose, watery eyes, muscle pains, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomit, diarrhea, goosebumps, and cold sweats.

Opiate Withdrawal Phases

What to Expect from Opiate WithdrawalsDepending on how long individuals have been taking opiates, withdrawal symptoms can take anywhere from one week to one month to resolve. Withdrawals often occur in two phases. The first phase occurs within twelve hours of taking the last dose. Symptoms usually peak around day three to five and can last up to four weeks. After phase one, post-acute withdrawal occurs (which is considered the second phase) and can last up to two years.

Not everyone experiences the same withdrawal symptoms nor do they experience the same level of intensity. Some individuals may encounter mild symptoms while others experience severe symptoms. The level of intensity can vary depending on an individual’s current health status if they have any mental or behavioral disorders, their family’s history of drug use, how long they were taking the opiates, and how the opiates were administered.

Help with Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

Those experiencing withdrawal symptoms should enroll in a medical detox program to assist with the process. Doctors will be able to help patients slowly ease their bodies off of opiates until they are no longer codependent on the substance. Once patients complete the detox program, doctors may advise them to seek further assistance at an inpatient rehab center. Patients can also seek help from an alternative treatment center.

Alternative Treatment Center in Tennessee

At Discovery Place, we provide assistance for those seeking help from an Alternative Treatment Center in Burns, Tennessee. We offer a 30-Day Alternative Residential Addiction Recovery Program and a Long-Term Alternative Addiction Recovery Program depending on our patients’ needs. If you have more questions about our services, contact us today to set up a free consultation at (800) 725-0922.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

    Thinking About Rehab?

    Learn More About Our Alternative Residential Recovery Programs

      Alternative Drug & Alcohol Treatment Rehab
    • Admissions
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Talk to someone about your options

      Talk to someone about your options

      Blue Pig Media