Opiate Detox: October 2009

Methadone Treatment, Addiction and Detox

Most people associate methadone with opioid treatment, to help addicts get off heroin, for example, and ease them into recovery, free of any drugs or pharmacological intervention. By design it works, but as with anything, there are times when the use of the drug is abused.

For starters, methadone is a synthetic opioid, and beyond drug addiction treatment, methadone is used as an analgesic for treatment of various pain conditions. It is a powerful pain killer, used as a substitute for morphine, and it is less expensive. When methadone is prescribed, there is careful monitoring of the dosage and frequency of use, so patients are closely watched.

Why methadone for opioid addiction treatment? Patients are placed on a methadone program to help with the withdrawal symptoms from addiction to opiate drugs, such as heroin. Those suffering from the disease will explain that the withdrawal is worse than the actual addiction, so many avoid treatment for fear that the withdrawal will be too severe. Also, when off their opiate drug of choice, addicts have to deal with the intense cravings that go along with abstinence.

Therefore, methadone, used under very controlled circumstances, is a tool to help addicts come down off the drugs without severe consequences. Understand that methadone is classified as a schedule II of the Controlled Substance Act, so even though it is used as a tool for treatment, it is still a powerful drug and can easily be abused. When used as an analgesic, physicians must have Drug Enforcement Agency registration. You can see that there are serious controls on methadone, and getting a prescription is not easy.

The physicians who are authorized to prescribe methadone have made an application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the FDA, along with the Department of Health and Social Services, decide the dosage and the cases where methadone may be used. Clinics that use it have extra state and federal licenses. Moreover, because there are so many controls, there are only about 700 methadone clinics in the country, and some states do not have any methadone clinics at all. Addicts do not have an easy path to methadone treatment, and even if they do have access, the regimen itself is highly controlled and many addicts have difficulty following the plan.

Methadone can be taken by injection, or by mouth. When administered for the control of opioid withdrawal, methadone doses are slowly increased over five to seven days, but this is not always the case. It depends on how the patient responds to the treatment. For example, if the patient has a high tolerance to opioids, then the dosage will be higher, if necessary. Outpatients are encouraged to make frequent reports to medical staff during the early stages of treatment. This communication is vital to determining the proper dosage of the methadone. Each individual may need to have several adjustments before the right dosage is achieved.

Because methadone is a synthetic opioid, there are side effects which should be clearly understood. Patients can experience respiratory depression, which of course is a major concern for heroin users. Likewise, it is not uncommon for patients to have nausea, or to become confused. Patients also need to understand that methadone and alcohol do not mix, and the use of any other drug must be strictly by design and carefully considered.

There are alternatives to methadone treatment. For example, buprenorphine allows for an easier withdrawal. Remember, the patient has to withdraw from the heroin, and then be eased off the methadone. Buprenorphine is also different because if a person decides to abuse the drug for recreational purposes, they will be disappointed because they won't get high. They will, however, get the side effects. Opioid addiction in the last 10 years has also seen the advent of suboxone treatment, but like methadone, suboxone, a synthetic opioid, can be abused.

The important thing to remember about methadone detox is that the drug is used to help a person avoid the discomfort of withdrawal. It is a serious drug and carries serious consequences when abused. Persons seeking methadone treatment need to understand that the strict controls and the heavy oversight of their program are needed to ensure that the treatment is effective.

Ned Wicker is the Addictions Recovery Chaplain at Waukesha Memorial Hospital Lawrence Center, the author's website for addiction support:

Drug-Addiction-Support.org or

Drug Addiction Symptoms

Drug and Alcohol Detoxification with a Holistic Approach - Alcoholism, Heroin Addiction, Opiate Addiction, Prescription Drug Addiction and Others by John Giordano, CAP, MAC, CCJS and Trina Geiss, MPH

April 14, 2004 -- Today's drug and alcohol detoxification centers are really just stabilization centers. In order to comply with the term โ€˜detox', detoxification centers would have to wait until all drugs are out of the client's system before discharging them. This, of course, is not cost effective. There are several new approaches to treatment that not only aid in alleviating the symptoms associated with addiction, but also enable the individual to embark upon a new life with a more positive outlook than ever before. These new treatments are considered complementary, or alternative to conventional medicine. Unfortunately, addicted individuals are far from functioning in society if they do not enter a treatment program immediately following a detox episode. Otherwise, they are sure to fail and relapse back into their drug abuse. With our current โ€˜detox' methods, failure occurs much more often than not and most people never make it to receive the type of treatment they need. This is because most of the individuals leaving detoxification centers are still drug affected, rendering them unable to make clear decisions about treatment programs and recovery options. In order to effectively combat this alarming and growing problem, alternative treatment methods must be explored.

One such complementary modality that is quite popular for a variety of functions is acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture is most widely used for its pain relieving properties through sensory stimulation2. More recently, acupuncture has been shown to successfully treat depression4,5 and alcohol withdrawal7. Acupuncture can be an efficacious treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms when used in combination with traditional therapies7. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the desire for alcohol1. The relief acupuncture causes works through local tissue healing effect and central anti-stress mechanisms2. Acupuncture detoxification therapy uses the application of acupuncture needles to the ear, also called auricular acupuncture. These points target different bodily functions and organs. The effects witnessed on the individual include relaxation, decreased anxiety and restlessness, reduced perspiration, intestinal cramps, watery eyes, and sneezing. It also aids in the excretion of toxic substances for a speedier recovery3,11. Acupuncture for addicted individuals supports a positive mood, relieves stress, and aids in craving control. This therapy also appears to assist in the healing process of the mind based on the client's affect. In Oregon, heroin addicts MUST try acupuncture before getting methadone6. The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Panel on Acupuncture reviewed the scientific literature and concluded that acupuncture for addiction "may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management programโ€. Overall, acupuncture has been shown to increase substance abuse treatment adherence, reduce recidivism, and stabilize mood.

Decreasing withdrawal or craving symptoms is an integral part of the recovery process. Substance detoxification of the addicted individual is paramount for the holistic healing process to occur. Some of the most difficult substances to overcome include opiates and amphetamines. One such holistic treatment that has worked wonders with withdrawal and craving symptoms is ibogaine treatment. Ibogaine is taken from the shrub, Tabernanthe iboga, and native to West Africa10,13. Indigenous people use ibogaine in low doses to fight fatigue, hunger, and thirst; it is taken in higher doses as a sacrament in religious rituals10. Ibogaine has been shown especially effective for opiate detoxification and for short-term stabilization of addicted individuals preparing to enter substance abuse treatment8. Its healing effects have been shown to significantly decrease craving for both heroin and cocaine along with a decrease in depressive symptoms9,10.

Ibogaine appears to be a hopeful detox drug for the future. The results seem extremely promising for long-term recovery and relapse prevention. Research has been performed on ibogaine's efficacy in treating alcohol addiction, and researchers found that there was some proof that ibogaine suppresses alcohol intake in animal models9,12. Ibogaine treatment is not accepted by the FDA and therefore must be obtained in clinics outside the United States. Ibogaine leaves the individual feeling clear-headed with increased motivation and significant insight into the causes of their addiction. For most, ibogaine does not serve as the proverbial โ€œmagic bullet,โ€ however this treatment is definitely above current detoxification methods, where individuals leave shrouded in their addiction while remaining hopeless of a future free from the clutches of drugs.

There are a variety of other holistic substance abuse detox treatments that aid those previously mentioned in overcoming cravings and ridding the system of toxins. These should be used in conjunction with other therapies. Proper diet and nutrition consisting of vitamin C, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and sulfur proteins can have a very positive effect. Vitamin C is a very potent anti-oxidant and will help cleanse and destroy free radicals in the tissues. It also aids in intestinal motility, which is an important component of getting clean and sober. Amino acids, especially glutamine will stimulate the body's natural opiates and endorphins to help alleviate some cravings. Essential fatty acids such as flax oil in combination with foods containing sulfur proteins (cysteine or methionine) such as yogurt, eggs, codfish, sesame paste, garlic, and onions will allow fat soluble toxins to become water soluble for excretion through sweat and urine6. In order to facilitate and expedite excretion of toxic substances, perspiration must be enhanced. This should be done through rigorous exercise and steam therapy, such as a Turkish wet steam. Following heavy perspiration, the individual should clean themselves with a high-fat soap to remove toxins excreted on the surface of the skin and prevent their readsorption6.

Utilizing a variety of techniques that recognize the numerous needs and requirements of an individual undergoing substance abuse detoxification and treatment will have much more positive effects concerning treatment outcome. Addiction is a disease that weaves its web throughout every facet of an individual's life, therefore, when treating this insidious disease all angles must be approached from a fresh perspective to gain insight into more efficacious treatment opportunities.

More information can be found at http://www.drugrehabcenter.com, http://www.drug-alcohol-rehab.net and http://www.helpaddicts.com or by calling 800-559-9503 24/7 for a free consultation.

Works Cited:

1.
Bullock ML, Kiresuk TJ, Sherman RE, Lenz SK, Culliton PD, Boucher TA, Nolan CJ. (2002). A large randomized placebo controlled study of auricular acupuncture for alcohol dependence. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, vol. 22(2): 71-7.

2.
Carlsson CP. (2001). Acupuncture therapy today. Background, clinical use, mechanisms. Lakartidningen, vol. 98(46): 5178-82, 5185-6.

3.
Fidler S. (n.d.) The successful use of auricular acupuncture in the supported withdrawal and detoxification of substance abusers. Retrieved 4/2/04 from: www.acupuncture.com/Research/addictres.htm

4.
Gallagher SM, Allen JJ, Hitt SK, Schnyer RN, Manber R. (2001). Six-month depression relapse rates among women treated with acupuncture. Complement Ther Med., vol. 9(4): 216-8.

5.
Han C, Li XW, Luo HC. (2002). Comparative study of electro-acupuncture and maprotiline in treating depression. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, vol. 22(7): 512-4, 521.

6.
Hoffmann DL, Kane E. (n.d.). Addiction. American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

7.
Karst M, Passie T, Friedrich S, Wiese B, Schneider U. (2002). Acupuncture in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms: a randomized, placebo-controlled inpatient study. Addiction Biology, vol. 7(4): 415-9.

8.
Leal MB, Michelin K, Souza DO, Elisabetsky E. (2003). Ibogaine attenuation of morphine withdrawal in mice: role of glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry, vol. 27(5): 781-5.

9.
Levi MS, Borne RF. (2002). A review of chemical agents in the pharmacotherapy of addiction. Curr Med Chem, vol. 9(20): 1807-18.

10.
Mash DC, Kovera CA, Pablo J, Tyndale RF, Ervin FD, Williams IC, Singleton EG, Mayor M. (2000). Ibogaine: complex pharmacokinetics, concerns for safety, and preliminary efficacy measures. Ann NY Acad Sci, vol. 914: 394-401.

11.
Miller J. (n.d.). An evaluation of an acupuncture program for drug treatment in San Diego county. Retrieved 4/2/04 from: www.acupuncture.com/Research/DrugSD.htm

12.
Rezvani AH, Overstreet DH, Leef YW. (1995). Attenuation of alcohol intake by ibogaine in 3 strains of alcohol preferring rats. Phamacol Biochem Behav, vol. 52: 615-20.

13.
Vastag B. (2002). Addiction treatment strives for legitimacy. JAMA, vol. 288(24): 3096-3101.

Dealing With Opiate Withdrawal

If you are addicted to painkillers or to street drugs such as heroin then you have probably struggled in the past with opiate withdrawal at some point. Every opiate addict knows the pain and discomfort of withdrawal and the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms, and thus they do anything they can to avoid them and thus stay trapped in a cycle of addiction. The only real way to break from this addiction is to somehow make it through the pain and discomfort of withdrawal and learn how to live a new life without drugs. But in order to make it to this goal you have to at least get through detox.

One way to get through this process is to check into a drug rehab. Doing so will probably give you the best odds at staying clean in the long run and beating the addiction. There are several reasons for this, but the bottom line is that an inpatient rehab gives you access to the most resources in terms of fighting your addiction.

For starters, they will put you through a medical detox, and give you medication that will help you make it through withdrawal. If you do not have this advantage and are trying to do it on your own then the temptation to relapse will be very high indeed. Second of all they will connect you with professional therapists and counselors. These people can help you in a lot of different ways, and get you set up for success after you leave rehab as well. Third, you will be connecting with a number of peers, who are going to be supportive of you and help you to stay clean from a social perspective.

And the list goes on. If you want a real advantage in staying clean, then look for it in a drug rehab center.

Learn more about oxycodone withdrawal and also about drug rehab Georgia.

About Heroin Detox

If you or someone you know is addicted to opiates such as heroin or hydrocodone then you are going to have to go through detox in order to change your life and ultimately get off the drugs. The fear of detox and the severity of the withdrawal symptoms can prevent many addicts from getting and staying clean, so it will help to have a plan in place in order to deal with these symptoms.

If your plan is to simply stop taking the pills and go through the withdrawals cold turkey, then that is not a very good plan. People who do this almost inevitably will end up relapsing very soon after trying, and the success rate will be very low. In order to increase your chances of staying clean you need to ask for help.

For most people this will mean going to a drug rehab of some sort where they can detox you in a medical setting. The reason this is an advantage is because they can give you medication at the rehab that will help to control your withdrawal symptoms and prevent you from feeling so miserable. They can do this without getting you addicted to any other medications as they will carefully ween you down if they have to until you are completely drug free.

Many people think if they go to rehab they will end up hooked on medications and so they justify their decision not to go get clean. This is ridiculous and if you go to rehab you will in fact emerge drug free if that is your choice. The decision is up to you, all you have to do is to ask for help and then follow through with your decision.

Learn more about heroin detox and Hydrocodone detox.

Heroin Drug Detox

Recovery is a great thing for those of us fortunate enough to actually find it. Many people go their entire life using one form of drug or another without ever making it into recovery.

This is sad because there are so many places one can go today for help for instance; if you happen to be a heroin addict there is places where you can go to detox from heroin. It does not actually really matter what kind of drug you use if you look there is help available.

There are people who continue to use without ever making it to a heroin drug detox or any other type of addiction treatment for that matter. They are simply going to die from the disease of addiction.

I happen to know a lot about heroin addiction because I used and abused heroin it for many, many years. I have seen people who swore up and down that they would never go to rehab and that they would die first a lot of them did. Some of them did get beat down enough to actually try to stop using heroin by going to heroin detox.

If you wish to stop using it can be done but it will take action on your part no one can make you stop using but yourself. Once you have made the decision to stop using help is available for you to go through yo heroin withdrawal.

They have even come out with something new since I kicked heroin and its call heroin ultra rapid detox. If you choose to stop using in this fassion you will be rendered unconscious with anesthesia and given medication to remove all the opiates from your body.

When you wake up you may not remember a thing how awesome is that but don't get the idea in your head that you can go out and use again because this form of detox is very expensive.

For further information please visit heroin drug detox. Also, For further information please visit heroin withdrawal.

Detox Or Detoxification - Whatever You Call It , You May Benefit

Detox or detoxification includes two things:

1) Withdrawing poisonous substance from the body.

2) Withdrawing one's mind and soul from the darkness of abused substances.

The term Rapid detox was first used ten years ago and was specially related to opiate addictions. But today, it is mostly used to advertise and describe various methods of detox. Rapid detox can be used to describe the methods of alcohol detoxification, drug detox and other substances.
Drug detox

It is a process to withdraw one from drug addiction. Detoxification assists the overcoming of uncomfortable symptoms at the time of drug withdrawal. The ultimate goal of drug detox is to get the body rid of toxins formed due to drug use. It is carried out in various ways depending on where you decide to receive the treatment. Most drug detox clinics provide treatment only for physical withdrawal of drugs and alcohol.

Alcohol detoxification

Alcohol detoxification is the process to withdraw one from alcohol addiction.

There are various aspects of alcohol detoxification:

1) The first aspect of alcohol detoxification is the medical aspect. There should be a medical specialist and a qualified nursing staff in order to help the patient during the procedure. It is an established fact that if a medical practitioner can set the patient's mind calm then the entire procedure goes smoothly.

2) The second aspect of alcohol detoxification is physical. During this process there should be a nutritionist in the medical center to put the patient on a perfect meal plan. If the patient takes balanced diet then the rest of the alcohol detoxification process will go more smoothly.

3) The third and the most important aspect of alcohol detoxification is the emotional aspect. The medical center should have a trained team of psychologists and counselors to help the patient psychologically. The process can be extremely emotional at times. Specialists should be there to assist the patient move forward through emotions.

4) Alcohol detoxification always combines a therapy with medication and that of psychological counseling. These programs are often long lasting; they mostly take two to four months and needs staying at medical institutions. Therapy techniques and personal counseling assist the patients to recover from alcohol completely and more comfortably. The drugs are given to avoid withdrawal symptoms that the patients may experience. Complete recovery from alcoholism is most preferable and the ideal situation.

5) Alcohol detoxification therapies use drugs like Disulfiram, which cause a severe and immediate hangover after consuming alcohol. Drugs like Naltrexone, helps in complete and comfortable recovery.

6) Nutritional therapy has also proved helpful in alcohol detoxification. During this stage, some patients feel 'insulin resistance syndrome' which results in the failure of processing sugar in body. "Insulin resistance syndrome" causes behavioral upsets and mood swings. These mood swings and behavioral upsets can be controlled with specific dietary regimen. Due to these types of psychological problems one should include a dietary regimen during alcohol detoxification.

7) There are some specific programs that help heavy drinkers who are not yet alcoholics but on the same way yet to become alcoholics. Moderation management also helps such people.

Detox Or Detoxification - Whatever You Call It , You May Benefit

Choose A Drug Detox Procedure You Can Be Certain Is Safe

Two doctors had their licenses suspended last November following the deaths of two patients to whom they administered rapid detox procedures. The family of one patient sued the doctors for wrongful death. One doctor settled out of court, and the other was just recently ordered to pay the family $34.3 million. The reports also said that other patients were hospitalized after the procedures. Although these doctors did not follow correct medical procedure, many experts feel rapid detox is too dangerous and that someone who wants to get off drugs or alcohol should use other, safer drug detox methods.

What is rapid detox? The addicted person is put under general anesthesia and a drug like naltrexone is pumped into their body for three to six hours. The naltrexone forces the withdrawal process to begin.

If that was all you knew about rapid drug detox, you'd think it sounded pretty good. You're under, not feeling a thing, and it's over in a few hours. But nothing could be further from the truth.

The fact that you're unconscious during the procedure does not, unfortunately, relieve the body itself from the severe pain and trauma of withdrawal. One doctor who observed a person undergoing rapid drug detox commented that the reason the person has to be strapped to the table is that the body flops around "like a fish out of water". Being under general anesthesia for that length of time also adds to the stress. And recovery can take weeks.

Dr. Frank Evans, president-elect of the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine and director of the health professionals program at Bellwood Health Services in Toronto, was quoted in The Star.com as saying "Patients still suffer from significant pain, anxiety, agitation, depression, diarrhea, all of the symptoms of an opiate withdrawal, days to weeks after," he said. "I have never heard of any patient being completely symptom-free after 24 hours." Dr. Evans said that, in his opinion, rapid detox is "a waste of money."

And it's a lot of money. The going rate in some clinics is $15,000.

Danny Oppenheim Jr., the patient whose family filed the wrongful death suit, was a 33-year-old husband and father. He became addicted to painkillers after being prescribed them to recover from surgery. According to his widow, Danny just wanted to get better. "What they promised was like a dream come true," she said.

But for Danny, and his friends and family, that dream turned into a nightmare. If someone you care about wants to get off drugs or alcohol, find a safe and effective drug detox program you can be certain won't do the same to you.

The Mind-Body Connection To Detox

The mind-body connection to addiction may open up new forms of drug-free detox treatments. The breakthrough was discovering that certain drug (opiate) receptors in the brain are only found in humans and different types of animals that have spines or back bones. Specific (limbic) systems that control emotions in the brain are affected by stimulating these drug receptors. Drugs stimulate these receptors but so does physical movement.

What is a detox diet?

A detox diet is thought to strengthen organs involved in detox and promote the excretion of stored toxins through the organs of elimination: the skin, intestines, liver, lungs, kidneys and lymphatic system. A detox diet program may include a special diet, herbs and supplements, hydrotherapy, exercise, breathing techniques and/or sauna.

Think about all the toxins we are constantly pumping into our bodies and it's pretty obvious that the detox system could do with a helping hand. Symptoms that it is functioning badly include: tiredness, dark circles under the eyes, dull skin and bad digestion.

Detox Hot Tips

1. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake a few days before you start;
2. Buy a detox book or pick out some tasty recipes to cook so you don't get stuck for ideas;
3. Go shopping in advance - with the right foods at hand you shouldn't go hungry;
4. Tell all your friends and family what you are doing in advance. If they know how serious you are they are less likely to try and force feed you a pint/bar of chocolate/Sunday roast when you next see them;

Who shouldn't detox?

If you have any history of cancer, kidney, liver, heart disease or any other disease, are pregnant or under 16, do not contemplate detoxing without talking to your doctor.

Fresh Vegetables

All fresh vegetables except corn, which can be an allergenic food. Great detox foods include broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli sprouts, onions, garlic, artichokes, beets, red and green vegetables.

Helping a Heroin Addict - Choices For Opiate Addiction

For heroin addiction help in England people first turn to the NHS National Health System. Opiate addicts and family usually go to see their GP. The system is flawed as the impetus is on sending the heroin addict to the methadone clinic. What we end up with is a bunch of zombie like drug addicts who continue to be a burden on society and on the social network. The drug addict still enslaved. Private residential rehabilitation is the other option.

Choices for Opiate Addiction in the UK

For the heroin addict what they really want is to be free of drug addiction. Like the day you were born, free of the physical and mental desire for drugs. To me the following are not really choices but they are yours under the NHS.

Under the current system the GP can offer you a legal substitute called Naltrexone which acts as a blockade for the high if the addict was then to use an opiate such as heroin. The idea being that if you cannot experience the high, then you won't use. I don't buy this concept as the person is still stuck to pills, the reasons for his drug use were never addressed, it does not fix cravings.

Will You Choose Methadone? More difficult to withdraw from than heroin, methadone unfortunately seems to be the cheap solution most commonly offered by the medical system to the heroin addict. 1.8 million methadone prescriptions are given each year in the UK. This is a highly addictive drug and not a solution if you want to live a drug and addiction free life. If a drug is this addictive wherein the withdrawal is more crippling than that of heroin why would anyone see this as a solution. At the end of the day, the reasons a person began using mind altering drugs in the first place are not resolved. You still have a messed up individual barely getting by in life taking a bad drug that will eventually kill him.

Another prescription drug is Buprenorphine. Joining the type of drugs that street drug dealers come to profit from. To most addicts aka Subutex, Subuxone just becomes another dependency and I hear of drug addicts taking it along with their heroin, crack cocaine, ecstacy and speed.

what's left? Private Residential Rehab, including full physical detox to eliminate cravings and full life rehabilitation so the person feels like a capable member of society again. This is the only life-long solution.

Freedom from Heroin Addiction in the UK - here is someone's story "I was a heroin addict for over 10 years, until I went to NN. Nothing in my life had gone the way I wanted it to, I had no control or self-respect and I had succumbed to the effects of drugs. It took its toll on every single aspect of my life until I actually thought the only way to beat my addiction was to kill myself. So I tried and every time I put a needle in my arm I was truly wishing I would not wake up after. I came to the program in one hell of a mess. I was always a person who gave up on everything I had done but this time I was determined that I would complete the program and stay drug-free for the rest of my life. The program itself is so amazing! It gave me the frame of mind and control I had craved for so many years. I had tried other various treatment programs in the past and nothing had worked for me like this program. Every single aspect of my life is now in place for me. Everything I had ever wanted is coming to me. I'm confident, controlled and for the first time in 27 years I am actually happy. MM"

Do you want to learn more about the causes of addiction and how end it?

Go to: http://www.detox-narconon.org

Paula Dewar is a professional rehab consultant and refers clients to Drug-free Detox and Rehab Programs which End Addiction for Life. Paula speaks English and Portuguese.

PS: To subscribe to our free newsletter giving our Latest Discoveries go to: http://www.detox-narconon.org/family-training/subscribe.php

Drug Detox: A Life Changing Experience

First of all, detox is a term used to define the process of detoxification, which is used to describe the process of removing any toxic waste from the body. Many people today use detox as a way of cleansing their colons of unwanted waste, but for many, detox is more than ridding yourself of a few extra pounds. For many, ridding the body of alcohol and drug remnants and also withdrawing from the use of such is called drug detox. Never, under any circumstances, should a person attempt to perform a drug detox without proper medical supervision.

Drug detox is the first step in a method that will involve the body's own process of ridding itself of drug chemicals that it has grown to rely on. What most people don't realize, is that the remnants of drugs or alcohol in a body system of an addict will produce cravings for more unless every one of those remnants is expelled from the body. It is the first and most difficult step for most recovering addicts, who won't begin the actual recovery process until they complete the drug detox program. Hundreds of drug detox centers are scattered throughout the United States and other countries and can deal with mild to severe addictions to drugs like heroin to addictions caused by anti-depressants and pain killers such as Xanax, Darvocet and Codeine, among a wealth of others.

New medications used in many drug detox facilities enables those withdrawing from drugs of any sort to take prescribed medications to make the process easier and less uncomfortable. Some such drug detox facilities offer closely monitored withdrawal from opiate addictions with a high rate of success. Individual and group counseling is also available at a drug detox center. Staff members encourage patients to talk about their addictions, a main step in the healing process. After the drug detox process has been completed, many drug detox centers also offer drug rehabilitation counseling services as well.

The key to a successful drug detox program is to admit that there is a problem and then to make a decision to so something about it. A drug detox center can help you do just that, and is equipped to help people get off such drugs and abused medications slowly and safely. A drug detox center in hospitals or community settings includes medical and psychiatric support for patients. A good drug detox center will offer more than a room and a bed, but will offer both emotional and caring support for patients and their families. A drug detox center can help not only the person undergoing the detox process, but friends and family when it comes time to offer ongoing support after discharge. Many people are ashamed or embarrassed to admit they have a problem and refuse to go to a drug detox center. But trying to withdraw from drugs on your own is a dangerous and painful process without correct and trained medical supervision. A drug detox center can provide everything someone needs, from medications to counselors for patients. No one should go through the drug detox process alone, and a drug detox center is the best place to undergo this life changing experience.

Surviving a Heroin Detox at Home

People who've been victims of drug abuse, addiction or even alcoholism would be able to tell you that getting pass the phase of withdrawal symptoms was the hardest but once that phase had passed, life was better and things got easier. If you're trying to kill a bad opiates addiction and want to survive a heroin detox, know that with the right amount of willpower and effort, you can do it at home. First thing you'd need to do would be to get rid of all drugs and substances that make you chemical dependant from your household. Take out the trash too, because in desperate times, you would be surprised to see that you would be willing to dig in through the trash for a quick fix. Aside from that, look up the internet for withdrawal symptoms. If you want to kill your habits, you'd need to be prepared for all that would come your way and you should be able to fight each challenge without falling apart. Set a week in which you'd like to start over and clear your schedule for that one week. Take off from work, send your kids to the sitters and have the house all to yourself. In this time period, write out your goals, make visualizations and believe in yourself. Then, focus on curing the symptoms you'd be feeling by preparing with over the counter medication like ibuprofen, aspirin, painkillers, sleeping pills and anti-nausea as well. In addition, there is no harm in preparing hot baths for yourself with bath salts and going for frequent massages through this week. These little self pampering activities would not only soothe your body from all the symptoms, it would also take your mind off things and help you relax. To sum it up, you can hold yourself together, just stay focus and be dedicated.

For more information about side effects of prescription drugs including Prednisone side effects visit DrugSideEffectsInfo.com

A Few Different Ways of Dealing With an Opiate Addiction

Anyone who has been addicted to opiate drug before knows how difficult it can be to get off of them. Examples of opiates would be painkillers such as prescription medications like Vicodin or Oxycontin, but also street drugs such as opium and heroin. One of the reasons that it can be so difficult to break away from an opiate addiction is because the pain and discomfort that a person will feel during withdrawal can be very intense. Because of this, the potential strategies that we might use in order to get off of opiates mostly deal with ways of getting through this physical withdrawal.

The first strategy you might try is to check into a drug rehab center and detox there. This is generally the most accepted strategy for a few different reasons. First of all, you are going to get the highest level of support and possible resources from such an inpatient treatment center, whereas other strategies might not have this full level of support. Another reason that this is a good option is because the medical staff at a drug rehab can properly treat your physical withdrawal, making it more comfortable for you than it might have been otherwise. In addition to all this, going to a drug rehab has the greatest potential for aftercare options, and can probably provide a person with the most choices when it comes to continuing care. Of course, going to a treatment center is expensive, and many struggling addicts cannot afford it. If you can get it, go.

Another tactic for overcoming an addiction to opiates is to go to a physician and ask for some sort of drug therapy medication. This might involve taking various medications, such as Methadone or Suboxone therapy. To be specific, Suboxone is a man made opiate drug that can take away cravings for opiates when taken every day as maintenance, and can thus increase a person's chances of staying clean. One issue with this technique for staying clean is that it does not really mandate any sort of therapy or program involvement on the part of the addict. These tactics could be used together, but since they are not really mandatory, most people will become lazy and only rely on the drug therapy to get them through this recovery phase. Research has demonstrated that this does not work in the long run unless an addict gets more involved with either programs or therapies to try and change their life.

One last idea is to simply quit cold turkey, without using any assistance, and simply hope that this works out for you. As you can imagine, this is a recipe for disaster, and will likely result in a relapse very quickly for just about any opiate addict. But amazingly enough, some people have quit cold turkey and made it stick.

How would you like to learn more about opiate addiction? Visit http://www.spiritualriver.com/

Detoxification - Rapid Detox

The rapid detox is formulated especially for those who are addicted to drugs, opium and heroin. This is a method of removing the toxins in the body by a medical treatment performed in the intensive care unit at a hospital. The traditional treatments performed on the persons addicted to these kinds of drugs may produce harmful results in the recovery. Not only the person isn't cured, but he may be left with immense pain on the way to complete recovery.

For this reason, rapid detox is employed and effective. The most famous and efficient in the rapid method is the waismann method. It is also well known in the names of Neuro-regulation methods. It often performed in an intensive care unit.

The person who is addicted to the opium or heroin is subjected to cleansing of the opiate present in the neurons of the brain. At the time of cleansing, the anesthesia given to the patient makes him unconscious, so that he doesn't have a glimpse of what had happened. The patient can return home in few days after the cleansing is over.

This method proves to be effective in 70 percent of people who got the opiate cleansed by the waismann method, never thinking of drugs for a complete year.

The traditional treatments were not able to remove the patient's intense desire for the consumption of drugs. Hence the Waismann method not only cures the patient, but also makes him a drug free person.

The Waismann method of rapid detox is a painless and effective method.

Anand Ikav is an author living in India. He is an expert in detox for hypertensive patients and you can learn a lot from his website detox program.

Things to Try For Overcoming Opiate Addiction

There is potential for just about any person to become addicted to opiate pain medications. While many people will take these types of pain pills without any problems, a small percentage of people will become dependent on them. This creates huge problems, not only with dependency but also in terms of pain management. The opiates will basically stop working on the pain and the addict will have to take more and more medicine just to feel normal and avoid feeling sick from withdrawal. If this happens to you then there are a couple of things that you can do about it.

One thing you can do is to go to a drug rehab and go through detox. In that case you will be medically supervised during your withdrawal from the drug and medical staff will likely give you medication that will help you through the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. This is the ideal solution for most people who are addicted to opiates but keep in mind that it is quite expensive in most cases. If you have insurance then you might be able to go to treatment without paying much, but if not then you will probably have to pay cash and the costs will be similar to a stay in a hospital.

Another option you will have if you get addicted to prescription medications is to work with your doctor on a solution. In some cases a doctor can prescribe different medications that can be used to treat your opiate dependence and possibly also give you medicine to treat any pain issues that you might be having.

There is another option for opiate addiction known as ultra rapid detox but this is fairly expensive and is not covered by insurance companies. If you choose to go this route you will need to research it heavily so that you clearly understand the costs and the risks involved.

Learn more about hydrocodone addiction and vicodin addiction.

Do You Need To Undertake A Rapid Detox Program?

Some rapid detox programs are aimed just at people suffering from drug or alcohol addiction and these types of rapid detox are normally carried out in hospital under general anesthesia by qualified doctors who are experienced in detoxification. Other rapid detox programs are aimed at cleansing and weight loss.

Do Rapid Detox Programs Ensure Rapid Weight Loss?

I have tried several detox programs over the years and have lost lots of weight very quickly. Some rapid detox programs are designed more for cleansing while others are aimed more at weight loss. I have found that the best rapid detox programs that ensure rapid weight loss are those that combine the both.

What Is A Rapid Detox in Relation To Addiction And Do You Need To Do One?

This process gets the body ready for the rapid detox which lies ahead. This Treatment is known as AAROD or anesthesia assisted rapid opiate detoxification. It blocks the dependency of the drug addict by interfering with the receptors in the patient's brain. This process normally takes six hours, where medication is given to the patient to bypass the withdrawal symptoms. Since it short-circuits the withdrawal symptoms, it does not trigger any pain. The real detoxification starts after the rapid detox has been successfully undertaken. The rapid detox is usually applied for opiate drugs addiction like Codeine, Lortab, Morphine, Percocet, Dialudid, Oxycontin, etc which are normally used as painkillers. It is very hard for the patient however this rapid detox program is not related to food intake.

The Rapid Detox For Weight Loss-Do You Need to Do One?

If You Are Overweight, feel run down, have aching muscles, feel lethargic, suffer from headaches, indigestion, mood swings, constipation, heartburn, colds and are often irritable or restless then Yes now is a good time to do a rapid detox diet.

If you find it hard to lose weight and your skin and hair are dull and lifeless, you will definitely benefit from detoxing.

A rapid detox diet will do wonders for the way you look and feel in yourself. You will lose weight because you will be eating healthier foods. I lost two dress sizes in four weeks when I did my rapid detox diet and you can do this too-it is easy. You will feel more relaxed and less stressed and will be happy with the shape of your new body.

Some Various Strategies for Overcoming Opiate Addiction

Anyone who has been strung out on heroin or even hooked on a prescription pain pill can know how tricky it can be to get off of opiate drugs. The power of the withdrawal makes it extremely difficult to even think about going for a few days without taking more of the drug, and so the cycle of using continues so that the addict can avoid these symptoms. The various techniques for detoxing from opiates and getting clean from them all have ways of dealing with the withdrawals.The first strategy you might try is to check into a drug rehab center and detox there. This is generally the most accepted strategy for a few different reasons. First of all, you are going to get the highest level of support and possible resources from such an inpatient treatment center, whereas other strategies might not have this full level of support. Another reason that this is a good option is because the medical staff at a drug rehab can properly treat your physical withdrawal, making it more comfortable for you than it might have been otherwise. In addition to all this, going to a drug rehab has the greatest potential for aftercare options, and can probably provide a person with the most choices when it comes to continuing care. Of course, going to a treatment center is expensive, and many struggling addicts cannot afford it. If you can get it, go.Another tactic for overcoming an addiction to opiates is to go to a physician and ask for some sort of drug therapy medication. This might involve taking various medications, such as Methadone or Suboxone therapy. To be specific, Suboxone is a man made opiate drug that can take away cravings for opiates when taken every day as maintenance, and can thus increase a person's chances of staying clean. One issue with this technique for staying clean is that it does not really mandate any sort of therapy or program involvement on the part of the addict. These things could be utilized, but since the are not required, many people will simply rely on the medication to solve all their problems. Research has demonstrated that this does not work in the long run unless an addict gets more involved with either programs or therapies to try and change their life.One last idea is to simply quit cold turkey, without using any assistance, and simply hope that this works out for you. As you can imagine, this is a recipe for disaster, and will likely result in a relapse very quickly for just about any opiate addict. But amazingly enough, some people have quit cold turkey and made it stick.

Would you like to learn more about opiate addiction?
Visit http://www.spiritualriver.com/

Some Strategies for Dealing with Opiate Addiction

Anyone who has been strung out on heroin or even hooked on a prescription pain pill can know how tricky it can be to get off of opiate drugs. The power of the withdrawal makes it extremely difficult to even think about going for a few days without taking more of the drug, and so the cycle of using continues so that the addict can avoid these symptoms. The various techniques for detoxing from opiates and getting clean from them all have ways of dealing with the withdrawals.

The first strategy you might try is to check into a drug rehab center and detox there. This is generally the most accepted strategy for a few different reasons. First of all, you are going to get the highest level of support and possible resources from such an inpatient treatment center, whereas other strategies might not have this full level of support. Another reason that this is a good option is because the medical staff at a drug rehab can properly treat your physical withdrawal, making it more comfortable for you than it might have been otherwise. In addition to all this, going to a drug rehab has the greatest potential for aftercare options, and can probably provide a person with the most choices when it comes to continuing care. Of course, going to a treatment center is expensive, and many struggling addicts cannot afford it. If you can get it, go.

Another tactic for overcoming an addiction to opiates is to go to a physician and ask for some sort of drug therapy medication. This might involve taking various medications, such as Methadone or Suboxone therapy. To be specific, Suboxone is a man made opiate drug that can take away cravings for opiates when taken every day as maintenance, and can thus increase a person's chances of staying clean. One issue with this technique for staying clean is that it does not really mandate any sort of therapy or program involvement on the part of the addict. These tactics could be used together, but since they are not really mandatory, most people will become lazy and only rely on the drug therapy to get them through this recovery phase. Research has demonstrated that this does not work in the long run unless an addict gets more involved with either programs or therapies to try and change their life.

One last idea is to simply quit cold turkey, without using any assistance, and simply hope that this works out for you. As you can imagine, this is a recipe for disaster, and will likely result in a relapse very quickly for just about any opiate addict. But amazingly enough, some people have quit cold turkey and made it stick.

How would you like to learn more about opiate addiction?
Visit http://www.spiritualriver.com/

Opiate Addiction and Detox Programs

Methadone addiction can be very difficult to deal with because the drug is so sticky and hard to detox from. In fact it is much harder to detox from Methadone than it is to detox from heroin and so it is almost like the cure is worse than the disease in many cases. If you are on Methadone and are trying to get off then really you only have one way to do so that will go anywhere near smooth for you.

What you need to do is to slowly ween yourself down from the Methadone in 10 milligram increments. The slower the better. Take your time and keep steadily reducing the dose. If you can get it down to about 30 milligrams per day or less then you should try to finish your detox in a drug rehab center. There they can give you other medication that will help you to be fully detoxed from the drug and become entirely drug free.

Many people who were on Methadone as a maintenance drug are switching over to Suboxone because it does not really get you high and give you the same doping effect that Methadone does. If you are hooked on Methadone and you still feel that you need something long term for either pain or for opiate dependence then you should look into the possibility of switching over to Suboxone. Talk to your doctor about it and look into the cost of doing so. Unfortunately it is usually more expensive to do so but it is a much better option in terms of the side effects and the dependency issue.

Learn more about Methadone addiction and a drug detox program.

Opiate and Drug Addiction

Cocaine and opiate addiction actually go hand in hand, as many addicts who are addicted to one become addicted to the other as well. It is a popular combination on the streets as the two drugs work powerfully together when taken at the same time. Essentially what happens at the chemistry level is that the cocaine increases the effectiveness of any opiates taken. This makes for a powerful combination and seriously increases the risk of addiction.

Treatment for this combination of drugs is going to be very similar to treatment for regular opiate addiction. The addition of cocaine into the mixture does not really affect the type of treatment that should be pursued. There are a couple of different options for this type of rehabilitation and the most popular one is to check into a drug rehab. This will generally include a few days in a detox unit followed by a few weeks of residential inpatient treatment. This is a good plan for anyone who is addicted to drugs in this manner and will generally produce the same or better outcomes as other forms of treatment. In other words, going to rehab is usually your best bet.

There are other forms of treatment and one of them is called ultra rapid detox. If you choose to do this then you will need to pay cash for the procedure as it is not covered by insurances yet. It is also quite expensive and there are some risks involved. It is an outpatient procedure and after you go through it you will be fully detoxed when it is over with. Most people have only minor or no withdrawal symptoms at all at this point. However, the cost is very high and if you use drugs again afterward then the entire procedure was wasted. Of course this is true of any treatment method, but it is especially noticeable if you have an outpatient procedure done that costs several thousand dollars and you manage completely reverse it in a mere instant by taking a drug.

Learn more about cocaine addiction and opiate addiction.

Opiate Addiction Treatment - The Secret Key To Lasting Success

You may not realize this but before buprenorphine treatment with suboxone or subutex was available, it was extremely difficult to treat opiate addiction outside of a hospital based detox. This all changed in 2002 when buprenorphine became legally available as suboxone and subutex formulations. Keep in mind that buprenorphine is available as both forms - suboxone and subutex.
But opiate addiction treatment with buprenorphine does NOT always go smoothly. In fact I have identified keys to success - or failure - with suboxone - subutex treatment.
I'm often asked what the most common mistake is that people make when they enter buprenorphine suboxone treatment. (Unfortunately, their are plenty of common buprenorphine suboxone mistakes made by patients and treating physicians.
The most common one is related to the person's mindset about the suboxone treatment itself. People who are most successful with this process are those who realize that the medication is NOT the most important part of the treatment process. This statement may seem strange, so let me further explain.
Most people who come to me for treatment have been dependent on their opiate (hydrocodone, oxycontin, heroin, percocet, etc.) for an extended period. This could be many months or years. Most of them have never heard of buprenorphine. That means that they have been in an intense opiate addiction pattern of behaving for a long time. This pattern has literally taken over their life - they spend alot of their time thinking about getting the next dose so they don't go through withdrawal. Other life obligations - to varying extents - are placed secondary. They will let nothing get in their way of making sure they get their opiate.
Additionally, their is the learned, repetitive behavioral pattern of actually reaching out for the opiate addiction every few hours or so that has been ingrained into their minds.
Once on the buprenorphine (suboxone or subutex forms) their is no more need to reach out for something to feel better. Their is no more need to be psychologically "thought focused" on getting the next "hit". This is great ofcourse, and the goal of the medication. And the fact that the buprenorphine treatment is so easy when done right further lulls people into a false sense of the suboxone or subutex itself doing all the work.
However, this is also where their can be problems. Since you have been dealing with this addicted pattern for so long, your brain is not going to simply "forget" it once you are on a stable dose of buprenorphine.
You may still have stressors in your life that may trigger a craving - even a mild one - that can put you at risk for snapping back into the addiction even if you are on the medication.
This is the problem I see with many people who simplistically look at being on the medication as the sole way to recover from opiate addiction. But the medication does NOTHING to help your "unlearn" the addictive pattern and learn new, more empowering life patterns that help you avoid relapse and truly be in addiction recovery.
Simply put, those people who view opiate addiction recovery as simply taking buprenorphine and doing nothing else to enhance recovery are the most likely to fail and begin to use again once the intial detox with the medication is over.
The most successful in my practice are those people who realize that the buprenorphine medication (as suboxone or subutex) in combination with addiction oriented psychotherapy is the best way to go.
Keep this in mind before you enter treatment and make sure that whoever is prescibing the buprenorphine is a DEA certified suboxone-buprenorphine doctor and able to deliver high quality psychotherapy or at least puts a high degree of importance on it and gives you an appropriate referral.
Stephen Gilman, M.D. Addiction Psychiatrist reveals exactly how you can be successful with buprenorphine (suboxone, subutex) treatment. To receive your FREE, no-obligation 5 part mini-course visit Suboxone Secrets Discover even more FREE information about buprenorphine suboxone success at http://www.suboxone-treatment-newyork.com

About Opiate Addictions

Opiate addiction can be a real problem for anyone who has suffered from any sort of illness or injury in which they have chronic pain issues. Many times doctors are too quick to put people on these potentially addictive medications and inevitably some people will end up with real drug addiction from it. When this happens it becomes very difficult to try and manage their pain and they will slip into a cycle of addiction where they start to build tolerance and go through medication quicker and quicker.

If this is the case and someone is trying to medicate their chronic pain away but is now developing tolerance, then the best thing to do is to find alternative methods of treating the pain. Trying to manage it with opiate painkillers is a losing battle and eventually they will have to take more and more of the medication just to feel normal and not be sick. When this happens their best option is to get to a drug rehab center where they can be detoxed from the drug and start trying to find a better way to manage their pain.

At a detox center the people there can give them medications to help with their withdrawal symptoms and get them detoxed from the opiates so that they can start living a new life. It is only through detox and a new method of pain management that most opiate addicts can really have a chance at living a normal life. Once they get their pain under control then they can go back to a productive and healthy life that they can maintain without heavy doses of narcotics just to feel normal.

Learn more about opiate addiction and a hydrocodone addiction.

Buprenorphine (suboxone, Subutex) Opiate Addiction Treatment - The Secret Key To Lasting Addiction Recovery Success

You may not realize this but before buprenorphine treatment with suboxone or subutex was available, it was extremely difficult to treat opiate addiction outside of a hospital based detox. This all changed in 2002 when buprenorphine became legally available as suboxone and subutex formulations. Keep in mind that buprenorphine is available as both forms - suboxone and subutex.

But opiate addiction treatment with buprenorphine does NOT always go smoothly. In fact I have identified keys to success - or failure - with suboxone - subutex treatment.

I'm often asked what the most common mistake is that people make when they enter buprenorphine suboxone treatment. (Unfortunately, their are plenty of common buprenorphine suboxone mistakes made by patients and treating physicians.

The most common one is related to the person's mindset about the suboxone treatment itself. People who are most successful with this process are those who realize that the medication is NOT the most important part of the treatment process. This statement may seem strange, so let me further explain.

Most people who come to me for treatment have been dependent on their opiate (hydrocodone, oxycontin, heroin, percocet, etc.) for an extended period. This could be many months or years. Most of them have never heard of buprenorphine. That means that they have been in an intense opiate addiction pattern of behaving for a long time. This pattern has literally taken over their life - they spend alot of their time thinking about getting the next dose so they don't go through withdrawal. Other life obligations - to varying extents - are placed secondary. They will let nothing get in their way of making sure they get their opiate.

Additionally, their is the learned, repetitive behavioral pattern of actually reaching out for the opiate addiction every few hours or so that has been ingrained into their minds.

Once on the buprenorphine (suboxone or subutex forms) their is no more need to reach out for something to feel better. Their is no more need to be psychologically "thought focused" on getting the next "hit". This is great ofcourse, and the goal of the medication. And the fact that the buprenorphine treatment is so easy when done right further lulls people into a false sense of the suboxone or subutex itself doing all the work.

However, this is also where their can be problems. Since you have been dealing with this addicted pattern for so long, your brain is not going to simply "forget" it once you are on a stable dose of buprenorphine.

You may still have stressors in your life that may trigger a craving - even a mild one - that can put you at risk for snapping back into the addiction even if you are on the medication.

This is the problem I see with many people who simplistically look at being on the medication as the sole way to recover from opiate addiction. But the medication does NOTHING to help your "unlearn" the addictive pattern and learn new, more empowering life patterns that help you avoid relapse and truly be in addiction recovery.

Simply put, those people who view opiate addiction recovery as simply taking buprenorphine and doing nothing else to enhance recovery are the most likely to fail and begin to use again once the initial detox with the medication is over.

The most successful in my practice are those people who realize that the buprenorphine medication (as suboxone or subutex) in combination with addiction oriented psychotherapy is the best way to go.

Keep this in mind before you enter treatment and make sure that whoever is prescribing the buprenorphine is a DEA certified suboxone-buprenorphine doctor and able to deliver high quality psychotherapy or at least puts a high degree of importance on it and gives you an appropriate referral.

About Rapid Drug Detox

When most people talk about rapid drug detox they are referring to a procedure known as ultra rapid detox that can help a person overcome opiate addiction. The idea is that an opiate addict can undergo this procedure, be put to sleep, and then have all of the drugs flushed from their system while they are put under. After they wake up they generally do not experience any physical withdrawal symptoms and can then supposedly return to living a normal life without the drug addiction.

Now this procedure is somewhat controversial because it is expensive, somewhat risky, and does not produce consistent results. It is too new to be covered by insurance companies so people who want to undergo the procedure have to pay a lot of cash to do so. Some addicts have apparently died during the procedure as well and so there is some element of risk involved when compared to more traditional detox methods. Understand that with opiate addiction that there is no danger of death or seizures when undergoing cold turkey withdrawal, as there is with other drugs like alcohol.

Now even if a person wakes up from ultra rapid detox and feels great they still have to deal with the social and psychological factors that led them to abuse drugs in the first place. Without addressing these needs the addict is extremely likely to relapse eventually and return to their old habits. Ultra rapid detox can lead people into a false sense of security regarding their recovery when in fact the addict needs to put in more effort from a social and emotional standpoint in order to stay clean and sober in the long run.

Learn more about drug detox or rapid detox.

Opiate Addiction - A New Breed of Drug Dependency Warrants Unique Approach

If you're an opiate addict today, nobody is quite sure what to do with you. You buck the trend, you don't quite fit into any of the pre-defined categories of substance abuse and your addiction doesn't progress in a linear and predictable fashion. You're different and that makes you very difficult to treat...or rather, it makes "The Opiate Addict" in general very difficult to treat. Most of the drug-rehabilitation community has no clue how to treat your addiction the way that you need to be treated and it's driving everybody nuts...especially you.

Let me explain. Have you heard the term "evidence-based medicine" before? Well, I could write a long, nauseatingly boring essay on the central tenets of evidence-based medicine but I'll spare you and just give you the basics. As a result of numerous factors including, managed care, litigation, legislation and a bunch of other issues that don't have to do with you, doctors have been "forced" to adopt treatment protocols as opposed to being able to treat you based on their intuition and what their experience has taught them. For instance, if you go into your doctor with a series of symptoms, your doctor will most likely treat you based on what the "data" has shown to be clinically effective as opposed to what his or her experience has taught them. The "data" that I'm talking about includes, clinical trials, other studies, clinical abstracts, clinical advisory panels etc. etc. The data is the "evidence" in evidence-based medicine.Â So you could say that most doctors these days are going to treat you based on the odds and pre-defined clinical protocols rather than treating you as an individual case with unique circumstances. And most of the time, these clinical protocols work...but sometimes you could be the odd man out. It's all about risk-avoidance and not necessarily about good medicine. Again, I don't fault the doctors for protecting themselves against lawsuits and to their credit they are also following clinical protocols because that provides you with the best chance of getting your treatment paid for. If the insurance company sees that your doctor is not practicing "evidence-based medicine" they are not going to pay for it.

Well these same clinical protocols and evidence based medicine applies to the treatment of addiction. However, there's a bit of a problem. Opiate addicts are a unique breed and do not follow the same "rules" that say, an alcoholic might. By the numbers, alcoholics follow a pretty reliable pattern of behavior therefore, the treatment follows the same reliable pattern. "John Doe" begins drinking, John Doe drinks more, John blacks out occasionally, then John crashes car and eventually, John either dies of disease, gets killed, is put in jail or checks into a treatment center. Regardless of where or how John begins his alcoholism, John usually ends up in the same place as the rest of the alcoholics..."the bottom."

As a result of John's inexorable slide towards "the bottom", it's much easier for rehab and addiction centers to anticipate what type of treatment John is going to need when he arrives at a treatment center. The "Data" says that John will need 30 days in-patient treatment in a rehab facility, complete sobriety for the rest of his life and some type of cognitive or psycho-therapy. And in most cases, The Data is correct and although it's a stretch to say that the medical community has found a panacea for alcoholism the point still remains that most of the "Johns" that enter rehab need similar treatment...evidence-based treatment. So what makes opiate addicts so tough? Well what if you mixed, "John" with "Sue" with "Uncle Freddie" and threw in Sheriff Jackson just for good measure? What if all of these people did not follow the same pattern of addiction and behavior?

Well that's where I believe the addiction and rehabilitation community finds itself now when it comes to opiate addiction. All of these people could be taking the same drug yet have wildly different behaviors and therefore completely different therapeutic and clinical needs. "Well just go ahead and throw out the evidence based medicine," - that would be the simple answer. But that's not what has happened. Most treatment centers and detox facilities treat every opiate addict the same way because they cling to the notion that evidence-based treatment is still the best way to approach opiate addiction and dependency. Without clinical protocols, the whole system breaks down. In fact, most opiate addiction treatment facilities don't even have an opiate addiction treatment protocol; they base their treatment on alcoholism! This is not good medicine and it's not reality. People with opiate dependency deserve better.

The reality is that opiate "addicts" sometimes aren't even addicts! Many of you out there had an injury or an accident and had been taking the pills as directed until they didn't work anymore so you take more to keep the pain at bay...you couldn't care less about the "high." Then there are those of you who do have addictive personalities and all you care about is the high. Are you telling me that the construction worker that has been taking Vicodin for 2 years due to a back injury and is now physically dependent on the drugs should receive the same treatment that a person who snorts Oxycodone and vice versa? Absolutely not. The key difference between opiate addiction and something like meth addiction is that the vast majority of those people who are addicted or physically dependent to opiates today are people who began using prescription drugs for a legitimate reason. Nobody began using Meth for a toothache. So you have millions upon millions of people out there who truly want to stop using but see no viable or appropriate options for them within the addiction/rehab community. They need help with withdrawal! And I read news article after news article talking about the rising tide of opiate addiction and how alarming it is that these addicts aren't getting help when all of the rehab centers stand arms outstretched waiting to heal them. The "reason" says the rehab community? Denial!

Listen Mr. Administrator at "Sunshine Rising Recovery", it's not denial that is withholding the run-of-the-mill opiate dependent person from your $40,000, 30-day inpatient treatment program from checking in, it's the fact that your "product" is not what they want or need. For every one person who is an opiate addict in denial, I'll show you ten that are achingly not so. I'll show you ten people that would give their right arm to get off these pills if they could find a way to do so comfortably without having to resort to some, outrageously expensive, slightly-tweaked alcoholism treatment just to get through the withdrawal. Most of the people that I talk to on a daily basis are more than willing to accept their predicament and to accept that they need help; but they need the right kind of help and for the most part, the addiction and recovery community is not providing it. So... most people just keep taking their pills waiting for the right treatment to come along. And if they have to keep waiting, then how much are we contributing to the issue of opiate addiction as opposed to intervening before people really get hooked?

There's evidence that a few rehab and detox centers here in Texas are willing to accept opiate addiction as a truly unique pathology and are creating outpatient detox or short-stay detox treatments with intensive out-patient programs which are more appropriate for the many different types of opiate addiction. For instance, The Right Step group of treatment centers has a multitude of different treatment plans that cater to the budgets and needs of the many different faces of opiate dependency. Yes, they do have long-term in-patient programs for people who truly demonstrate addictive behavior but they also have several "Intensive Out-Patient" Centers in Texas and Louisiana that treat primarily the physical withdrawal and detox from opiates and then provide ongoing therapy to make sure you stay on-track and comfortable as you transition your life from one that revolved around pills to one that revolves around things that matter.

Opiate addiction is a big deal these days for good reason; it's the fastest growing drug addiction problem by far. I can only hope that the drug-rehab and recovery community begin to truly appreciate how different opiate addiction is from other types of addictive behavior and make meaningful and progressive changes to their treatment protocols like The Right Step has done. Otherwise, those of you who are desperate to get off pain killers comfortably and get the treatment you need might be in for a long wait.

George Catlin is the founder of Withdrawal-Ease, provider of an opiate withdrawal natural supplement system. Find out more information about opiate addiction and opiate withdrawal symptoms.

What You Should Know About Opiate Treatment and Detox

If you are addicted to opiates of some sort, such as prescription pain pills or street drugs like heroin, then you should know some things about opiate treatment in general before you try to get clean. Certainly you will want to make a huge effort to get clean as soon as possible, but you want to do it in a way that will lead you to lasting recovery. It does not do much good to clean up, only to stumble into a relapse shortly thereafter.

The preferred method of getting clean from opiates for most people is to check into a drug rehab. This is ideal for a number of reasons. First of all, if you do anything else, you are going to be on the outside and temptation to relapse will be much greater. In a rehab setting you will not have quick access to drugs, so it is going to be much easier for you to stay clean for a few weeks.

Second of all, if you go to inpatient rehab, you will have support from other people who are going through the same struggle you are. This is a much bigger help than most people anticipate, and can really make a huge difference. Finally, one of the biggest pluses for going to rehab is that they will be able to give you a medical detox, in which you will probably be given medication that will seriously curtail your withdrawal symptoms. This alone should be worth the price of admission for almost any opiate addict who is struggling to get clean.

Learn more about Suboxone treatment and also about Hydrocodone detox.

Ingredients Of A Good Drug Detox Program

You may have reached a point in your life where you are ready to make a change, and free yourself from an abusive drug habit. You may have even considered some different detox options. However, the stunning variety of programs available may have confused you, as it does many individuals looking to get into a program. This short guide will provide you with a few insights on what to look for in a good drug detox program as well as what preparations you need to take to give yourself the best chance of success.

Building Treatment Perspective

The first step towards a successful drug detox program is to push your mind to arrive at a point where you are ready and serious about the course. When people suffering from serious drug addiction enroll in a detox program, they are asked to prepare themselves first to keep away from the temptation of drugs, a mighty task for those with a history of abuse.

So the first key is to focus on the credentials of the physician running the program. There are various examinations undertaken in detox or drug rehab, so make sure that your doctor is a specialist vis-เ-vis drug detoxification.

The next step is to get an assessment to identify where the body stands. This helps medical practitioners arrive at a decision around the program scheduling. Every patient reacts differently and therefore treatment could vary after the diagnosis, where it goes according to body needs. This process should take into account biological, physical, and social factors.

The Detox Period

While undergoing such a program, proper medicinal practices are imperative as they help to reduce problems that patients feel due to discontinuation of drug intake, which could be insomnia, uneasiness, body aches, etc. Treatment period is usually said to stretch between two and three months but that may not be applicable for all cases.

Nowadays, there are many rehabilitation centers that work on programs focusing on withdrawal phase to help patients stop use of drugs with least inconvenience. Detoxification programs eliminate drug residues from the body by using elements like exercise and low-heat sauna treatment.

Positives Outcomes

One can draw a lot of positives from the detox program that is followed. According to recent studies, the good news is that that rehabilitation doesn't have to be carried in captivity. Hence, people undergoing such programs can lead their normal routine life, contrary to the misconception that prevails. The long term thought on drug addiction has been restrictive in nature, leading to program failures that resulted in the perception that drug addiction is incurable and is a life term illness. But if you do a bit of research on more modern and well-researched programs, you can almost certainly find one that allows you to lead a relatively normal life during the course and that gives hope for long term success in beating addiction.

Surviving a Heroin Detox at Home & Making Sure You Don't Give a Repeat Performance

People say that opiate detox is like having a bad flu. Well, if you've been there you know that is the understatement of the century! Detox from opiates is a painful, miserable experience. Even at inpatient facilities with medical assistance there will still be some discomfort.

If you want to, or have to detox at home there are ways of making it more tolerable.

Days or even months before you begin your detox it's helpful to start a mental detox. This is the real key to maintaining sobriety, or even returning to 'normal person' status. By 'normal person' I mean returning to the person that you were prior to opiate addiction.

Experts will tell you that this is impossible, once an addict always an addict, that you have a disease. Well, it's just not true. All of those things 'experts' tell us are theories. The methods the medical community uses, based on those theories have been failing to work for 60 years now.

It is possible to train yourself to no longer desire your drug of choice. It all starts in the mind, with your thoughts.

I had some "Addict heal thyself" light-bulb moments while I was still a heroin addict, just before I finally got sober. I want to share with you the most profound:

1. No person, program, or meeting could do anything for me to help me reach my goal of returning to who I was prior to heroin. In fact, they did everything in their power to discourage me from believing that I could be cured.

2. If I believe it's possible I can make it happen.

3. I have control over every aspect of my life. I am not now, nor have I ever been powerless.

It was a very important day for me when I gave up on finding help through any outside sources. That was the day that I took my power back. I decided that if everyone wasn't wrong that I would make them wrong. When I stopped looking for help outside of myself I finally decided to help myself.

Though it seemed sudden when I came to this realization, in retrospect it wasn't. I had been reading personal development books for quite a while. I read a lot about the power of the mind. It struck me, reading about people bending metal with the power of their mind and having surgery without anesthesia using only metal abilities, how could these amazing things be possible, yet we are taught to believe that once an addict always an addict? It simply can't be possible that I can change everything about my life except this one enormously important area.

And so, I have been happily chemically independent for some time now. I think the secret of my success is that I had a running start. Prior to putting the needle down I went to work on myself. I wrote goals, did visualization, watched and changed my thoughts, and I meditated. After a short time I just didn't want drugs anymore. Even when I went into withdrawal I just didn't want the drugs. I don't struggle one day at a time, attend meetings, avoid people places and things - I don't have to.

Detox itself will be more tolerable if you are working toward something that excites you.

Once you've made worthwhile goals and learned a little bit about the powers of the mind the desire to get sober and get a great life will increase. Once you feel that passion you know you're ready to put down and move on. This is true for any drug.

If you are opiate, benzodiazepine, or alcohol dependent you're likely in for some physical withdrawal. If you decide to detox at home there are a number of things you'll want to do to ensure as much comfort as possible. Remember that detoxing from certain substances can, on rare occasions, be fatal (this is the case with alcohol and benzos) so you will want to discuss your options with a doctor.

To ensure as much comfort as possible begin planning your detox ahead of time. Focus on treating the symptoms you are going to be feeling.

1. Make sure that you reschedule any commitments for at least a week.

2. If you have children you might want to make arrangements for them to stay elsewhere or for you to stay elsewhere. At a minimum make sure there is someone else looking after them. Don't underestimate the depression and irritability and lack of energy that accompanies detox.

3. Have over the counter medications on hand that you may need

a. Anti nausea

b. Anti-diarrhea

c. Sleep aids

d. Benadryl (to stop the endless eye watering, sneezing, and nose running)

e. Epsom salts for hot baths (these can be lifesavers, especially if you are prone to intolerable skin burning sensations like me)

f. Motrin for pain

4. If you can, ask that someone gives you frequent massages. This will take your mind off of the discomfort and help the muscle and bone pain. Even a hand massage can work wonders.

5. You will likely feel hot and cold sweats or be freezing even though you are sweating through the sheets. Having someone to change your sheets for you is always helpful. I used to have so little energy that I could barely walk to the bathroom, never mind changing sheets!

6. This is a bit controversial, but some legal herbs can be very helpful. Kava Kava, a powdered ceremonial herb can be used to take the edge off.

7. Once you endure the worst of it (days 2-4) try to get up and walk around as much as possible. At first you will probably be dizzy, but it's important to keep your body moving.

8. Throughout the process stay hydrated. Back headaches accompany most detoxes and water should help to relieve them.

There are some symptoms that people rarely mention, like the sensation of burning skin. I often felt as though I had a very bad sunburn when I went through withdrawal. You might experience strange sensations on your skin and scalp, eyes that are so dilated any amount of light can be overwhelming, and any stimuli can be too much for some people. There was one time I had to walk into a Walmart during a detox and it was stimulation overload. The florescent lighting blinded me and I felt dizzy, there was so much stuff! I never made it past the front door.

Also, people can get extremely horny during withdrawal. Opiates can kill sex drive and sexual sensation, but when the body is stripped of them, the sex organs go into over drive. Unfortunately, you're normally too uncomfortable to want to have sex with anyone other than yourself!

For me, it was usually once I started to feel better, around days 5-7 that I would relapse. This is why I think it's important to work on yourself before you put down the dope. The current paradigm of "put down then heal" just doesn't work for the majority of people.

If you have not had success the traditional route, give my counter-intuitive method a try.

There is a cure for chemical dependence, don't accept anything less! Learn to reprogram your mind, make it your ally and success partner. For more information visit http://www.successforaddicts.com

Today's Opiate Detox

Drugs are bad, we all know it - we've all heard.But so many people are feeling the need to turn to drugs to ease their pain or depression, and many others are becoming addicted to painkillers that were once prescribed to them for an injury or surgery in the past.More and more people have struggled for years with drug abuse and are now looking to do something about it. Opiate drugs are very addicting and many people find themselves quickly becoming reliant on drugs such as morphine, heroin, or oxycodone.These drugs go right to the central nervous system and provide the body with a substitute for its endorphins.Eventually the body will stop making its own endorphins, which are the natural pain killers of the body and give a high when experiencing something pleasurable.Naturally, this is where the problem arises, because without the body making its own endorphins, it begins to rely heavily on opiates to get that feeling and avoid pain. Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms Withdrawing from opiates causes severe side effects, including nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, anxiety, restlessness, and pain in the joints and muscles.Because of the unpleasantness of the detox, it is a frightening thing for many addicts to think about.It might just be easier for some to keep taking the drug than to face the detox from it. Methods Detoxing from opiates is not life-threatening, but because it is difficult it takes someone committed to recovering to undergo it.There are many methods for opiate detox.Some people quit cold turkey or use naltrexone which blocks the opiate so it does not have any effect on the body.It takes only a matter of days for the most severe symptoms to subside.Others are able to gradually be weaned off by using another drug, like buprenorphine.The problem many people have found with a replacement drug like buprenorphine is that they soon begin to rely on the new drug, and many people are never able to be drug-free.It has been argued that with those that continue to use buprenorphine, at least this drug is manageable and an addict might be able to function in life better than while addicted to other opiates. Recovery After the detox from opiates is complete, the patient will eventually begin to feel better and now the focus will be on staying clean from these drugs.The body will no longer be dependent on the drug, but the mind will feel the need to use them again.A person that has gone through opiate detox should immediately enter a rehabilitation program to ensure they stay sober.Usually drug abuse becomes intertwined with a person's lifestyle and to just take away the drug and not change the lifestyle does little for the patient.It may take years of regular counseling and support group meetings to keep a person from turning back to drugs. Sources Desperation to Overcome Addiction Leads to Unusual Solutions 4/14/2009 Pollard, Ruth In for the quick fix 4/10/2009

This article was written by Jared More for Poinciana At Palm Beach. Poinciana At Palm Beach is an upscale opiate detox center in Florida if you would like more information give us a call at (561) 818-2922.

Opiate Detox and Heroin Facts

Opiate detox and what to expect. Heroin facts, effects and dealing with opiate withdrawal symptoms. Drug addiction resources and information.

The process of opiate detox can be extremely unpleasant for someone who is not prepared. Proper eduction about such drugs as heroin and other opiates can help in dealing with a variety of opiate withdrawal symptoms. Knowing the heroin fact and the effects of opiate addiction can give insight and enable a smoother recovery. Below are heroin facts as well as other opiate detox facts that can provide someone with some comfort when dealing with the various opiate withdrawal symptoms.

1. Opiate Detox - The process of opiate detoxification varies from person to person. Generally, opiates stay in your system for just a couple of days. The hardest part of the opiate detox as far as opiate withdrawal symptoms are concerned are usually the worst during the first 3 days. For those attempting to detox at home, it is highly suggested that you clear your calendar for up to four or five days at the least. During this time, it is extremely important that one stay hydrated and sleep as much as possible, although sleep may be harder at times. The key to recovery is rest. what happens more often than not is that while a user in on an opiate, they tend to rely on that opiate more than they realize, pushing themselves further and further, getting less sleep, less calorie intake and letting the drugs take the place of good health habits. When an individual gets off of the drugs, they no longer can rely on that drug to push them further, thus can increase the negative opiate withdrawal symptoms beyond what would normally take place.

2. Heroin Facts - If you are a heroin addict, or even an opium addict for that matter. The manner in which you take the drugs is going to affect the longevity of opiate detox and the severity as well. Those who shoot the drugs are going to suffer probably the strongest withdrawal symptoms, smoking second strongest and ingestion third. It may be a good idea to switch the manner in which you currently use sometime before the detox to ensure a smoother heroin detox. Also before the detox, get plenty of sleep, eat well and stay hydrated. The better you take care of yourself now, the better you'll be during the withdrawal symptoms.

3. When going to a outpatient clinic, you may be required to pass positive on a drug test before you are prescribed any medication for recovery. Keep this in mind beforehand as it may be a useful resource to have rather than quiting cold-turkey. There are a few methods used to help those during a period of detox and most of them work quite well. Get a doctors opinion on which method is best for you.

4. Get a list of resources before hand. Visit websites, print information, get phone numbers and so on. If you are going through this alone, it is an excellent idea to have phone numbers, websites and a number of resources ready in case you need to contact them. At the bottom of this article is a link to an opiate addiction help website that may be able to give you such phone numbers and information as well as at-home programs that are guaranteed to help.

5. Get a book or home program to help you through your heroin detox or any other kind of opiate detox you may be going through. Programs or books such as these provide you with on-demand information and resources fro experts who can really help you make it through the rougher times. They may cost some money, but will save you thousands in the long run. Don't take a chance on doing it a worse way. Make the transition as easy for you as possible, you deserve it. Having a book or program might just give you the insight and inspiration you need to really make a change.

6. Stay positive. This may be harder at times, but having a positive attitude can really make a difference when dealing with addiction recovery, withdrawal symptoms and opiate detox. Try to be the best person you can and free yourself of those negative self-defeating thoughts that make life so hard.

These tips are just a few ideas to get you through the hardest of times during opiate detox and withdrawal symptoms. Knowing the heroin facts and heroin effects among various other opiates can make the change as less painful as possible and you will come out a better person.

For Opiate Addiction Help visit http://www.OpiateAddictionHelp.com - Get the answers on Opiate Detox and Heroin Facts you need.

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