Opiate Detoxification
Know More About Opiates and Fentanyl
The opioid epidemic has become a major problem in the United States and many other parts of the world. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) reported that in a 12-month period ending on January 1, 2022, the United States had 107,375 overdose deaths.
A shocking 67% of those deaths were directly related to opiates and synthetic opiates (primarily fentanyl).
Signs and Effects of Opiate Abuse
With the number of opiate overdose deaths ravaging the country we call home, LA Valley Recovery believes it is important for those suffering from addiction along with their loved ones to be able to identify signs of abuse and withdrawal from opiates. It is common for users to be in denial about the level of powerlessness that comes with addiction. Being able to identify signs that point to withdrawal from abuse of opiates can help identify the depth of the issue at hand.
Families often ask the question, “How did I not see this coming?”. The truth is, addicts will adapt to hectic lifestyles and manipulate others to hide things better than you could ever imagine. Having knowledge of the early signs of abuse and withdrawal from opiates can be a tool to help identify these things earlier.
Signs Of Opiate Abuse and Withdrawal
There are two stages of signs that are common amongst those who are abusing opiates. There are early signs that can be overlooked if you do not know what you’re looking at. Some early signs and symptoms are:
● Slurred Speech
● Agitation
● Muscle Aches
● Runny Nose
● Insomnia
● Restlessness
● Consistent Yawning
● Excessive Sweating
Those suffering from opiate abuse can go into withdrawal within 12 hours of their last use. This typically happens when opiates have been abused for enough time to create a chemical dependency. At this point, there will be
some later signs and symptoms such as:
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Dilated Pupils
● Abdominal Cramping
● Rapid Heart Beat
● Blurry Vision
● Goosebumps
● Diarrhea
Identifying the signs and symptoms of abuse can allow the user to identify the severity of their addiction. Taking the leap of faith to admit to an inpatient treatment program at LA Valley Recovery is stressful and can be scary. Knowing the processes and procedures of our Opiate Detoxification Progam can shine a light on the possibilities for those suffering from addiction.
Our Opiate Detoxification Process
When we receive calls from those searching for detoxification, we start with our pre-screen process.
Opiate Pre-Screening
LA Valley Recovery has dedicated employees who are available 24/7 to conduct our pre-screen process. This allows us to gather information about substance use history, medical history, treatment history, and other important pieces of information in order to prepare the team at LA Valley Recovery to help you as best as possible.
Once the pre-screen is conducted, medical and clinical are updated, insurance information and benefits are confirmed, and an admission date is set, then the preparation for admission begins. The steps of detox vary between each individual, but there are some standard practices that can help paint a picture of what Opiate Detoxification will look like at LA Valley Recovery.
Intake
Upon arrival, each patient undergoes the admission and intake process, which includes the following:
Medical Checks
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COVID-19 Test
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Urinalysis Test
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Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
Admissions Process
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Consent Forms
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Search Of Person/Belongings
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Tour Of Facility
After these standard procedures are completed, the patient will then be seen by our Medical Director. At this time, the withdrawal symptom severity will be determined based on assessments made by our doctor. This will determine any changes that need to be made to the medication that will help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Opiates typically use medications like Suboxone and Subutex are utilized during the withdrawal period, but due to the symptoms of Opiate withdrawal being non-fatal, the option to avoid any medication assistance is also an option.
Once medication regimens are discussed with the medical staff at LA Valley Recovery, we will then make sure our clients are fed, shown their living space, and made comfortable in any way we can. From here, You are on your way to a new life in recovery. The initial push to muster the courage to seek the help you need is the hardest part. After that, we use the skills of our employees and clinicians to create a treatment plan fitting your individual situation.
Understanding Fentanyl's Potency and Effects
In 2022, the CDC reported that close to 110,000 people died due to the fentanyl crisis. CDC officials say that this synthetic opioid is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
Pharmaceutical fentanyl is used by medical professionals to treat pain related to surgery and advanced-stage cancer. However, it is illegally made fentanyl (IMF) that has been linked to most recently documented overdose deaths.
Signs and Effects of Fentanyl Abuse
At LA Valley Recovery, we are dedicated to offering compassionate and comprehensive resources to those suffering from addiction. Having a significant understanding of fentanyl abuse and its indicators is critical to properly addressing it in a timely, caring manner.
The potency of fentanyl makes it a substance that can quickly transform someone's dependence on it into addiction. Much like other opioids, frequent use of fentanyl inhibits the opioid receptors found in the brain. This created resistance makes it difficult for users to gain pleasure from anything less powerful than the drug, causing turbulent addiction and dangerous drug use.
The effects of fentanyl include:
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Breathing problems
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Confusion
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Nausea
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Drowsiness
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Constipation
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Sedation
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Unconsciousness
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Extreme happiness
People suffering from fentanyl addiction who stop using it suddenly can experience any of the following withdrawal symptoms:
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Severe cravings
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Cold flashes with goosebumps
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Diarrhea
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Vomiting
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Trouble sleeping
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Bone and muscle pain
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Uncontrollable leg movements
The medical professionals at LA Valley Recovery are here to provide various treatment options for those suffering from addiction and withdrawal effects. Our procedures entail medication assistance and fentanyl detox in Los Angeles.
Recovery does not have to feel like a lonely, daunting process. Identifying the adverse effects of addiction and reaching out for help is often the most difficult step. Our staff and medical professionals are here to lend you a helping hand on your journey to recovery. If you're curious about how we offer fentanyl detox Los Angeles residents can lean on, reach out to our team today.
Signs of Fentanyl Abuse and Withdrawal
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Do I need Alcohol Addiction Treatment?This is a question that is frequently asked, but unfortunately is a hard question to answer on your own. The best way to find the answer to this question would be to speak with an addiction specialist at LA Valley Recovery, your local area, or anywhere that addiction services are provided. This question can be a tough one to self-assess even when life has begun to become unmanageable. There are some questions you can ask yourself to help make the decision before reaching out to LA Valley Recovery for treatment for alcohol abuse. Do you find yourself drinking every day? When you begin drinking, are you unable to stop until you are unable to function? Have you neglected other areas of your life to focus on drinking? Have your loved ones expressed concerns regarding your drinking? If the answer to some or all of these questions is yes, then there is a good chance that inpatient detoxification for alcohol addiction is necessary.
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Is Alcoholism Linked To My Anxiety/Depression?There is plenty of evidence supporting the connection between alcoholism and anxiety/depression. It is common for someone with anxiety/depression to seek solace from those feelings and end up relying on alcohol for the relief that they are searching for. This is a temporary solution to a long-term problem. In other cases, anxiety/depression begins to spike due to the extreme consumption of alcohol. For more in-depth information on the link between alcoholism and anxiety/depression, please refer to the following link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3860396/
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What Should I Expect When Detoxing From Alcohol?The detoxification process does vary between individuals, but there are some common signs and symptoms related to alcohol detoxification. Our team at LA Valley Recovery is dedicated to walking you through the ups and downs of detox. Some of the potential symptoms include: Heightened Anxiety Cold Sweats Nausea Hallucinations Seizures Increased Heart Rate Heightened Depression Death Detoxification from alcohol is one of the most dangerous processes for someone with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Due to the potential seizures that can happen during the detoxification process, it is highly recommended that an inpatient, medically supervised program, such as LA Valley Recovery is the safest option when removing alcohol from the individual's daily routine. Though every individual experiences the symptoms of withdrawal differently based on their substance use history, it is highly recommended to attend a 24/7 supervised program in order to reduce the chances of irreversible damage or death. Detoxification is a process that must include careful monitoring, medication management, and willingness from the patient to be open and honest about the thoughts and feelings that are occurring during the process. The willingness to open up to the dedicated staff members at LA Valley Recovery must span across past drinking history, current thoughts and feelings, and the overall effectiveness of the detoxification process in order to individualize the steps needing to be taken to ensure the best possible chance at sustained abstinence from all substances in the future. For more information regarding our Alcohol Detoxification process at LA Valley Recovery, please reach out to us here for a prompt response! https://www.lavalleyrecovery.com/contact