When attempting to identify opioid addiction, the symptoms and signs of opioid abuse can vary from person to person. That is because many factors are at stake. Â For example: When a person begins abusing the drug, the type of opioid being abused, the person’s overall mental and physical health state, and the period during which the person abused it. However, there are a few obvious symptoms to look for when trying to diagnose opioid abuse or addiction.
Physical Symptoms
Physical movement reduction and thought slow-down. Sleep issues like insomnia. Mental tension,emotional distress, anxiety, restlessness, pupillary constriction and drowsiness.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Abuse?
Behavioral:
Frequent visits to different doctors? offices for pill prescriptions. Weak performance at school or work. Reduced participation in activities that were once enjoyed, ignoring responsibilities and obligations, along with poor judgement like using opioids in dangerous situations such as operating a vehicle.
Cognitive
Impaired judgement, suicidal tendencies, continuous cravings for opioids, focal issues and memory impairment.
Psychosocial:
Anxiety, depression, withdrawing from friends and family, feelings of euphoria, decreased interest in activities the patient once used to enjoy.
How long does drug addiction treatment usually last? Individuals that go through drug addiction treatment usually progress at various rates. So there is no truly defined length of treatment. However, there is research has shown that positive outcomes are dependent on adequate treatment length. In general, for outpatient treatment or residential treatment, participation for less than 3 months has limited effectiveness Treatment lasting longer than 3 months (6 months or greater,) is recommended in order to maintain a positive outcome. For methadone maintenance, a year is considered the minimum, and some opioid-addicted individuals can continue to benefit from ongoing methadone maintenance for many years.
In short, good outcomes are contingent on adequate treatment length. It?s always best to consult a professional to determine what would be best.
One of the major problems encountered by treatment programs is treatment dropout. Therefore, motivational techniques that can engage patients will also improve outcomes. A key is to identify addiction as a chronic disease that needs continuing care and monitoring. ?Programs can succeed, but often they will require multiple episodes of treatment.
The first thing to know about opioid withdrawal is that it can be extremely uncomfortable. While it is not life threatening, it can be very dangerous if you are withdrawing from a combination of drugs. (Alcohol and drug withdrawal is different for each drug. Benzodiazepine withdrawal and alcohol withdrawal are potentially dangerous)
Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms Include:
Anxiety, Agitation, Insomnia Low energy, Irritability, Runny nose, Teary eyes Yawning Goose bumps Hot and cold sweats Abdominal cramping Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Muscle aches and pains
Stages of Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can last upwards of one month. Phase one (acute withdrawal) begins about 12 hours after your last use. And it typically peaks at around 4 – 5 days, and can last upwards of 4 weeks. Phase two (post-acute withdrawal) can last upwards of two years. Symptoms include anxiety, mood swings, low enthusiasm, variable energy, , variable concentration, and disturbed sleep
The phase one has mostly physical symptoms, and the stage two has mostly emotional symptoms. The symptoms of phase two withdrawal are less severe but last longer.
You have several options available when it comes to where you’ll detox:
Inpatient Treatment By choosing to go through withdrawal at an inpatient facility, you’ll benefit from around the clock care by a medical professional who can help you through the symptoms of withdrawal.
Typically, inpatient treatment is best for people who have been drinking for a long time or if they consume excessive amounts of alcohol as part of their addiction.
Outpatient Treatment If your addiction wasn’t as severe, another option may be outpatient treatment.. Outpatient detox consists of regular visits to a treatment facility. For the majority of the time, you’ll attempt to detox at home, which can be challenging and often can often lead to setbacks. When you visit the treatment facility, you could be prescribe medications to help you through the withdrawal process.
Self-Detox at Home Self-detoxing at home isn’t typically advised, mostly because it has a low success rate and can be dangerous without the supervision of trained medical staff.
At Home Detox Pros and Cons Alcohol detox can be a dangerous process, which is why it’s typically best monitored by a medical professional at a detox center such as Brentwood Springs Detox. Alcohol detoxification is challenging with the physical symptoms associated with withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal can be severe, and in many cases, very difficult to handle without medical assistance.
Although detoxing from home may seem like the most comfortable and best route financially, it’s also a risky route to take. If you have questions about alcohol withdrawal treatment or home detox, call The Brentwood Springs detox to speak with someone who can help.
Is it dangerous to alcohol detox on my own? While it may sound good to attempt to detox at home, Â medical professionals don’t recommend this approach. No two withdrawals are the same, and therefore there is far too much uncertainty during the withdrawal process. Â Withdrawal from alcohol, and its side effects, should never be trivialized, as it can have dire consequences. Alcohol detox and withdrawal treatment at a professional rehab facility, such as Brentwood Springs Detox, is typically the safest option for women and men struggling with alcoholism.
Will an alcohol detoxing be uncomfortable? Symptoms of withdrawal can be and usually are both physical and psychological. ?The user?s history with alcohol (how much, how long and how often) impacts their withdrawal symptoms. People that are the heaviest drinkers will experience the most extreme withdrawal symptoms.
Common Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms:
Fever Depression Nausea and vomiting Anxiety Headache Fatigue Shakiness Nightmares Rapid heart rate Perspiration Irritability Insomnia Disorientation Cognitive issues Weakness Changes in body temperature Restlessness Mood swings Appetite loss Delirium Tremens
Will an alcohol detoxing be uncomfortable?
Delirium tremens is a very severe form of alcohol withdrawal that causes tremors, confusion, and hallucinations.
Delirium tremens is most common in heavy drinkers, or people who drink the equivalent of one pint of liquor every day formanyl months.
Delirium tremens are life-threatening. It can cause fatal injuries and heart problems from sudden seizures. Seizures may occur 12 to two days after stopping drinking. On average, 1 out of every 20 heavy drinkers who experience withdrawal will suffer from delirium tremens.
