Opiate Detoxification

Opiates are outranked only by alcohol as humanity’s oldest, most widespread, and most persistent drug problem. Although law enforcement, psychiatry, and pharmacological science have been seeking solutions for over a century, more than one million opiate addicts remain in the United States alone. Still, in recent years new drug treatments, Opiate Addiction Rehab and refinements of older psychological and social therapies are offering some hope of relief.

History of Opiates

Dozens of opiates and related drugs (sometimes called opioids) have been extracted from the seeds of the opium poppy or synthesized in laboratories. The poppy seed contains morphine and codeine, among other drugs. Synthetic derivatives include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (Percodan, OxyContin), hydromorphone (Dila-udid), and heroin (diacetylmorphine). Some synthetic opiates or opioids with a different chemical structure but similar effects on the body and brain are propoxyphene (Darvon), meperidine (Demerol), and methadone. Physicians use many of these drugs to treat pain.

What Makes Opiates Addictive?

Opiates do not have serious side effects at therapeutic doses, although they can cause constipation and depress breathing. Addicts neglect their health and safety for many reasons, including a tendency to ignore pain and other normal physical warning signals. The use of intravenous needles can lead to infectious disease, and an overdose, especially taken intravenously, often causes respiratory arrest and death.

Addicts take more than they intend, repeatedly try to cut down or stop, spend much time obtaining the drug and recovering from its effects, give up other pursuits for the sake of the drug, and continue to use it despite serious physical or psychological harm. Some cannot hold jobs and turn to crime to pay for illegal drugs. Heroin has long been the favorite of street addicts because it is several times more potent than morphine and reaches the brain especially fast, producing a euphoric rush when injected intravenously. But prescription opiate analgesics, especially oxycodone and hydrocodone, have also become a major problem.

Treating addicts is not easy. Even recognizing and acknowledging the need is difficult, because addicts conceal, rationalize, and minimize, while friends and family may fear being intrusive or having to assume responsibility. Thinking about taking that first step to detoxify from opiates can be scary. Rehab for opiate addiction has proven to be very successful if the program is followed closely.

Let us Help You Detox from Opiates at Cycles of Change

Cycles of Change Recovery Services can help you detoxify from opiates and stop this destructive cycle painlessly. Opiate Addiction Rehab can give you the tools you need to prevent relapse in the future. We have helped 1000′s detoxify from opiates and recover from addiction. We can help you, too!

Las Vegas Office: Detoxify from Opiates