Opioid epidemic statistics continue to show an increase in the number of deaths each year from drug overdoses that involve an opioid. There were more than 47,000 opioid-related deaths in 2017, a number that is six times higher than that in 1999. The numbers involve a combination of prescription opioids, heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. When you are addicted to opioids, your best chance at recovery is to begin treatment in a detox facility. Successful opioid detox is done in a supervised setting to keep you safe throughout the process. Once the withdrawal is complete, further treatment in short-term rehab can strengthen your recovery.
What to Expect in a Detox Facility
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 20-28% of those prescribed opiates begin to misuse them. Opioid epidemic statistics continue to report a rise in the misuse of opiates and overdoses. This leads to a dependence on the opiates and can lead to an addiction. While detox provides the best chance at recovering, it is important to find an opioid detox center in Florida where you feel comfortable. When you are in a detox facility, you can expect:
- To get the support you need to withdraw from substances safely
- A clean environment that is conducive to healing
- To meet peers who are also working on their recovery
- Staff who understand what you are going through and work to be supportive
- Management of your symptoms to help you work through the detox process
When you are in a detox facility, you are beginning the work toward recovery. If you have been abusing opioids, it’s time to stop the addiction now. Opioid epidemic statistics show that the longer you abuse substances, the higher chance you have of a serious overdose. If you have already dealt with an overdose, your chances of a fatal overdose rise substantially.
Withdrawing From Opioids
Opioid epidemic statistics point to a difficult withdrawal period when discussing why people continue to abuse opioids and often relapse when trying to detox at home. Some people try to withdraw from opioids without a medical detox program, and this is generally too hard. The symptoms of opioid withdrawal can begin as quickly as a few hours after the last time of use. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Feeling like you have the flu, with muscle aches and pain
- Racing heart, or like your heart is pounding
- Stomach cramps or severe stomach pain
- Muscle spasms or muscle tension or significant sweating
- Difficulty sleeping, anxiety or depression
The symptoms of withdrawal can get worse over time and peak at about 72 hours after your last use. It can take up to a week or so for your withdrawal symptoms to go away. When you are in a detox program, you get the supervision and medical care you need to get through your detox safely.
Finding a Treatment Program for Detox
Once you decide that you are ready to stop an addiction to opioids, finding the right program can make a big difference. You might be looking for a treatment program that is close to home or want a program that is farther away, where you can take the break you need. As you struggle with your addiction, understand that you can get the help you need when you begin searching for a program. It is possible to break free from an addiction to opioids, but you have to be ready to commit to your own sobriety. Healing is accomplished when you are motivated to take your life back and you ask for the help you need to do it.
