Tina H.
Detoxing from prescription Opioids is almost impossible when attempted alone. At Cornerstone, we fully understand the physical and mental torment associated with both addiction and detox. With the state of California opting into the PDMP, California becomes the 28th state to enact a law requiring doctors to check a state prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) before prescribing. We aim to make your detox process as comfortable as possible and our addiction professionals know how important this is, especially in the early stages of withdrawal. Correct management of any symptoms is often the difference between failure and success.
Detox is the first stage of recovery, a vital step on the path to a life free of drugs. America’s Opioid epidemic has seen a vast increase in addiction to prescription medications such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, Norco, Fentanyl, Dilaudid, Percocet, Codeine, Tramadol, and Morphine. All these, along with street heroin, fall into a category of drugs described as narcotics. Although the withdrawal symptoms from these drugs are generally similar, we are aware that, just as each person is unique, so are their experiences of addiction and withdrawal. Therefore on entering our detox, we will prepare a care plan that will be specific to you.
Round-the-clock care from our team of experienced addiction professionals will make your detox from prescription opioids manageable. You will no doubt be aware of the initial stages of detox, the cramps, and flu-like symptoms that seem to increase by the minute. It is often these withdrawal symptoms from opioids that keep a person addicted, the fear of what is to come can extend an addiction for much longer than is needed. However, rest assured that dependence on narcotic prescription drugs can be overcome. At Cornerstone, our expert detox team is able to help manage your withdrawal symptoms with a number of medications and the kind of care and support that is only available from professionals who truly understand what you are going through.
Undoubtedly an addiction to prescription narcotics will need to be addressed primarily by reducing the substance you have been abusing. This process will be overseen by medical professionals and will be carried out gently, with your comfort remaining our priority. Addictions to drugs such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, Norco, Fentanyl, and other similar acting narcotics will usually be treated with tapering and then a switch to a substitute medication such as Suboxone.
We have noticed that polydrug use – which is when an individual is using more than one type of substance – is particularly prevalent among those suffering from prescription narcotic dependence. Generally, this has no impact on our ability to provide a successful detox, as long as we are fully informed beforehand.
During the assessment stage of the opiate and opioid detox process, you will be given the opportunity to speak to a professional who will ask you to be honest about the amounts and types of drugs you are taking. We are adept at creating treatment plans that allow for all types of drug misuse so please be honest at this stage. The better informed that we are, the easier the detox will be for you.
Before we are able to detox you from prescription opioids, we need to know of any other prescribed medications you may be taking. This could include antidepressants, antipsychotics, or a number of other legally prescribed medications. If you are unsure of the name or quantity of the drugs you have been prescribed, a list can be obtained from your physician. The reason we need this information is that our detox medications if taken in combination with certain prescribed drugs, could have an adverse effect. Contraindications are uncommon but we need to guard against this, your safety is paramount and, as such, this information is vital prior to commencing your detox.
The withdrawal symptoms associated with prescription opioids such as Dilaudid, Percocet, Morphine, and many others can be extremely difficult to cope with. You may have tried to stop in the past, only to find it too uncomfortable. If unmanaged, early stages of detox can often bring with it symptoms that are too difficult to battle alone:
The physical withdrawal symptoms associated with a prescription opioid addiction can be horrific. Without effective management, some of the physical withdrawal symptoms you may experience include aches and pains; a running nose; watering eyes; cramping of the stomach, arms, and legs; an inability to rest and sleep; nausea, and abdominal problems. When struggling with these symptoms, ’just stopping’ can seem impossible.
With our detox program at Cornerstone, through medication, support, and 24-hour care, we are able to negate or diminish many of these physical withdrawal symptoms. We endeavor to make the first stages of your recovery as comfortable as possible. Our caring and compassionate detox team can provide everything you need to complete a successful detox.
Dependence on prescription opioids is two-fold. Alongside physical withdrawal symptoms, the focus must also be placed on the psychological aspect of addiction. Over time and with prolonged substance misuse, the chemistry of the brain will be altered. The void created by the absence of your drug of choice can cause anxiety, depression, anger, or a plethora of other negative emotions. All these feelings are to be expected, and our expert detox professionals can guide and support you through this stage. Being open about how you feel throughout your treatment will better enable us to help you with understanding and compassion.
Among the many factors that determine the length a detox will take, is the amount of the substance that you have been taking and for how long. Your assessment will give our medical team a better idea of how long your individual detox should take. However, a standard opioid detox can last anywhere between 7 and 14 days. Our aim is to make the first steps of your recovery journey as gentle as possible, this will give you the strength and confidence to take the next steps on your recovery journey.
Detox, although an extremely important stage of your recovery, should just be the start of your journey. Our experience treating thousands of addicts has shown us that those who engage in a full treatment program and attend a residential inpatient treatment setting after detox, stand a much better chance of maintaining long-term sobriety. A 7 to 14-day detox, although a good starting point, can not hope to undo what could have been years if not decades of substance abuse.
Substance abuse is often a symptom of an underlying issue. In order to uncover these issues, time will need to be spent in therapy. At Cornerstone, we have a wide range of therapeutic modalities available in order to personalize the ideal therapeutic program for each individual.
To stand a realistic chance of sustained recovery, a detox should be followed with a stay in a treatment center. It is here, within a supportive therapeutic setting, that the causes of your addiction can be explored. Our treatment facility at Cornerstone offers an environment designed to capitalize on your clarity of mind post-detox. Here you can learn new skills and new techniques for combating addiction.
Our program consists of a wide variety of therapeutic modalities including 1-to-1 and group therapy, CBT, DBT, yoga, mindfulness, and music therapy. At Cornerstone, we understand the need to find fun in sobriety and we aim to replace the drugs you once took with love, support, and laughter. We organize days out to the Southern California beach, bowling, or playing miniature golf in order to show all of our clients that there can be more to life than the endless cycle of drug addiction.
Following inpatient treatment, we have a number of licensed recovery houses, where individuals may choose to reside after a residential stay.
12-Step fellowship meetings are a mainstay of our treatment program and we provide our residents transportation to and from meetings 5 nights a week.
At Cornerstone, we understand the need for continuous support in early recovery. Because of this, we are able to offer an Extended Care Program that helps our residents build a community of recovery alumni and learn how to employ the essential skills and tools learned within our residential setting in the real world, but still with a level of support from us.
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Detoxing alone is dangerous and will more than likely result in relapse. While a prescription opioid detox can at times be uncomfortable, at Cornerstone we can manage the symptoms appropriately.
The safest way to detox from prescription opioids is within a detox facility. Being informed of the process, and knowing what to expect and what not to expect will also bolster your resolve to continue your recovery journey.
Completely avoiding withdrawal symptoms associated with prescription opioids is impossible. At Cornerstone, we are able to manage all of these symptoms effectively. The fear many people have when thinking about detox is understandable but unnecessary. We will make sure that you are as comfortable as possible throughout the whole detox process. Thousands of addicts have traveled the road you’re about to choose, the road to recovery and a new life free from all substances. Be brave and reach out to our expert team at Cornerstone. Call us today at (714) 547-5375
