Opioid Detox

Steps Recovery Center recognizes how vital the mind, body, and spirit are in their connection to the whole person. We take a holistic approach to treating drug addiction that includes treating the whole person, and find that it tends to be more successful, especially since drug addiction affects every aspect of a person’s life. With a customized and individualized program, a holistic approach just makes sense. It affords an opportunity to meet the patient’s physical and psychological needs and allows them to engage physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Take that First Step

General Information

Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug use that’s difficult to control. Although the initial choice to take drugs is voluntary, repeated drug use can lead to chemical changes in the brain that challenge a person’s self-control. These changes are persistent, making drug addiction a relapsing disease.

It’s common for a person in recovery to relapse, but that doesn’t mean treatment is ineffective. As with other chronic health conditions, treatment should be ongoing and tailored to a patient’s needs.

What is Medication-Assisted Opioid Detox?

Medically-supervised opioid detox involves the use of certain medications a doctor prescribes, to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms that can accompany the ceasing of using opioids. Symptoms that can be uncomfortable or painful include anxiety, drug cravings, restlessness, gastrointestinal distress, tachycardia, and excessive sweating.

Medications Used

The two most commonly used medications prescribed for opioid withdrawal are agonists methadone and buprenorphine (a partial agonist). Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like clonidine and lofexidine are also used. The aim is to have the patient wean off the drug(s) as smoothly as possible with medication-assisted treatment.

When this approach is used, it usually doesn’t result in sustained abstinence from opioids, nor does it address reasons for the abuse in the first place. It also doesn’t address the damage done to relationships, finances, or employment. It also doesn’t consider the physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual health of the individual. Keep in mind that full detoxification from opioids is only successfully achieved in transitioning to the intramuscular medication naltrexone. The patient will still be in a state of physiological dependence on opioid agonism when transitioning to methadone or buprenorphine.

Timeline of Using Medications

It’s important to note that the use of these medications to detox from opioids safely is a short-term treatment and that to recover fully, there needs to be long-term solutions. With that said, here is a timeline of starting the medically-assisted medication, buprenorphine, for opioid detox.

Immediately-8 hours after the last dose: The individual abstains from opioid use, or a medical professional imposes an 8-hour interval between previous opioid use and buprenorphine.
24-48 hours later: The person begins treatment when they have mild-moderate symptoms, which can begin within 24-48 hours after stopping the drug.
The doctor verifies that the person hasn’t used methadone, oxycontin, or a long-acting opioid analgesic.
An appropriate maintenance dose is selected, beginning with a low dose.
48-72 hours later: The dosage increases over several days if needed
72-96 hours or more: Once withdrawal symptoms have abated, the patient is slowly weaned off the medication and transitions to naltrexone for the remainder of the withdrawal.

Transitioning to Naltrexone

Naltrexone blocks the sedative and euphoric effects that opioids produce, so the person taking it doesn’t get the high it is used to achieving. This is so the individual’s brain can reset itself without the addictive drug, and the person’s cravings subside. The Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, approved the use of naltrexone to help reduce the effects of withdrawal. If someone is using medically-assisted withdrawal with methadone or buprenorphine for detox, they have to be entirely off it to start naltrexone.

The drug can be given in pill form daily or as an injectable once a month. Naltrexone works differently than methadone or buprenorphine, which activates opioid receptors in the body that suppress cravings. With naltrexone, it binds and blocks opioid receptors, which helps reduce opioid cravings, and there’s no worry of abuse. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has more information on using these medical-assisted medications for opioid abuse.

Guided Detox For Success

There are effective treatments for addiction, but the first step on the road to recovery is to recognize there is a problem. Sometimes, when a person denies they have a problem, families and concerned friends may stage an intervention for prompt treatment—particularly if the addicted person is harming themselves or others. It’s important to get a physician’s assessment and diagnosis, then a treatment plan can be formulated, whether that means outpatient rehab, inpatient, or at-home treatment.

Rehabilitation often includes medications used to control drug cravings and therapy that can help addicted individuals understand their motivations and behavior, develop better self-esteem, cope with anxiety and stress, and address other mental problems.

jason ward

2021-05-18

I'm from Idaho and i had a hard time finding help I ended up at Steps 350 miles from home. I was treated with respect and dignity . I was in a dark spot and found the help I needed.

Lisa Wissler

2020-06-02

My first experience with Steps was in 2014. I was very scared and didn’t know what to expect. I had so much shame and was shocked at the idea that I was going into rehab. How had my life lead me down that road? I wasn’t “that kind of person” I arrived on a Thursday night and I was so broken & ashamed! What started out to be the worst day of my life became the best decision I ever made! I stayed for 90 days and remained sober for two years. Sadly It wasn’t where my story with Steps ended, but I’m very grateful that I was blessed to still have the relationship and resources available when I needed them. After a relapse in 2016 when my father passed away I attended aftercare week after week through Annie’s house, I also visited often to learn through family group. But my relapse continued and slowly took its toll as my mental health deteriorated along with all the shame that continued to build. After almost two years of continued struggle one of the counselors through steps who had constantly tried their best to help me remember the tools I had been given why at Steps suggested I check myself back in and see if maybe they could help again. That was over eight months ago! I feel better than I did the enter two years I was sober the first time. Even during my first bout of sobriety I felt suicidal. I don’t deal with that anymore and it is a true miracle. I love Steps and Annie’s house, there staff and all they represent! They truly love addicts and want them to succeed! And today I am not ashamed and I am tickled to be “one of THOSE people”!!!

Konner Zoellner

Steps recovery helped me so much. They changed my life!

gary hanson

2019-06-05

Steps ;saved our daughters life as well as her kids!

Natalie Painter

2019-01-01

The staff and facility is amazing- Couldn't ask for anything better. The program is well rounded with rec activities, equine therapy, gender therapy, group therapy, individual and couples therapy, and also attends various 12 Step support groups such as AA or NA. They also have family therapy and processing with options for individual settings or in a group. These help families understand what their loves ones who suffer from addiction is going through and how to support them, and also gives them their own support system.

James Merritt

2018-12-18

Staff is very knowledgeable and compassionate. Excellent facilities, great food.

Eric Hawke

2018-12-14

I would recommend Steps to anyone seeking help for his/her addiction. This program saved my life. The facility is nice and the food is outstanding! However, the program and the staff are the real treasure of this facility. Truly personal, caring and considerate interactions were the norm, and the support provided is world class. 10 out of 10 for sure.

BRIAN MEYER

2018-11-14

This place saved my life! The therapists were very helpful, friendly and really cared about the clients wellbeing. The tech’s were alway helpful with meds and anything that was needed. House manager was amazing, had high expectations on job duites, and kept a very clean organized atmosphere. Food was always amazing I never went hungry! The information and skills that I have learned and applied to my life are priceless. If your not willing to put forth the work to change your life this is not your place, but if you are this is the first Step to take. I Love everyone at Steps. Thank you for all your help.