Opiate Detox Program in Port St. Lucie, FL
Opiates, whether prescribed or purchased on the street, are often used to alleviate pain by blocking the pain receptors in the brain. While this numbing effect may be helpful for those with chronic or terminal illnesses, serious injuries, or after-effects of invasive surgeries, it comes at a cost.
Opiates are highly addictive and can lead to dependency after even short-term use. Additionally, they can cause dramatic changes in brain chemistry and function, making it difficult for individuals to quit on their own, and may lead to painful and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
At Agape Detox Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida, we have developed an opiate detox program that allows our patients to safely, effectively, and comfortably quit drugs. Our detox program is far more successful than going “cold turkey” at home and offers 24/7 monitoring, needs-specific support, and access to a range of interventions and therapies.
We take a whole-health approach to building a stable foundation for recovery and helping our clients achieve their wellness goals. If you or someone you love is struggling with opiate addiction, we are here to help.
What Are Opiates?
Opiates are powerful, pain-relieving substances that are derived from the opium poppy plant. Certain opiates are prescribed by doctors for the treatment of severe pain but given their highly addictive nature, opiates are usually only offered on a very short-term basis. You may have received an opiate prescription if you recently underwent major surgery or if you’re recovering from a severe injury. Opiates are also commonly offered during end-of-life care.
Although naturally derived, illicit opiates are usually refined to increase potency and much like prescription opiates, they are highly addictive. Moreover, with both prescription opiates and street drugs, people can easily build a tolerance.
One of the greatest risks of using any opiate is overdose. Not only do opiates numb and pain, but they also have a suppressive effect on the respiratory system and can negatively impact other critically fundamental functions.
Types of Opiates
Two of the most commonly prescribed opiates are Morphine and Codeine. Individuals taking these drugs for short-term use will receive structured, needs-specific weaning programs from their doctors. As the healing progresses and pain decreases, doctors may cut doses, limit refills, and discuss alternative pain management strategies.
Opium and heroin are also opiates, but they are never prescribed by doctors. However, many people who take prescription opiates, develop tolerance and eventually become opiate-dependent. Suboxone, is one prescription sometimes used for detox that people may become addicted too as well. Highlighting the seriousness of opiate abuse and need for detox programs for opiate and suboxone abuse in Florida. As a result, they may turn to street drugs like opium and heroin when they’re no longer able to obtain opiate medications legally.
Opiate Addiction vs. Opiate Abuse
Clinically, opiate abuse and opiate addiction are not considered one and the same. Opiate abuse is recognized as the final step toward full-blown addiction. Individuals who abuse opiates dangerously balance on the edge of physical dependence and are likely to fall into addiction at any given time.
A person is abusing opiates when they start taking more than their doctor has prescribed. Among some of the most common signs of opiate abuse are:
- Stealing or asking for opiates from friends and family
- Exceeding dosing instruction
- Lying to get more of a drug than was originally prescribed
- Shopping for new doctors to extend an opioid prescription
Addiction occurs when a person no longer has the ability to limit how much of a substance they take and when they can no longer stop using altogether without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. You may recognize signs of addiction when the body sends out widespread signals of distress during long periods of abstinence, this indicates that a person has become dependent.
What Are Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms?
Due to evolved changes within the brain’s natural chemistry, detoxing from opioids can have a significant impact on how your body functions and feels. Within the first 24 to 72 hours of abstaining, you may experience:
- Extreme fatigue
- Persistently runny nose
- Sweating
- Chills
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Muscle pain
- Fever
- General digestive upset
Many people develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps within just 24 hours of abstaining. In fact, depending upon how long a person has used opiates and the amounts that they’ve used, these and other symptoms may present much sooner.
Ready to get started?
Give us a call today. Our admissions coordinators will answer any questions you may have about our program and walk you through the admissions process.
Do You Need Detox for Opiate Addiction?
If you want to know how to help someone who is detoxing, choosing to enroll in our medically assisted opiate detox in Florida is the safest choice.
As the brain’s pain receptors are turned back on, even minor discomfort can feel like agony for someone who’s been abusing opiates. During the initial stages of recovery, issues like depression, insomnia, and heightened anxiety can be incredibly high, lasting as long as 2-4 weeks before decreasing on their own.
To tackle the extreme discomfort associated with withdrawal symptoms, our continuous monitoring and needs-specific interventions at the Agape Detox Center in Port. St. Lucie significantly reduces the risk of relapsing.
It’s critical to recognize the risks of detoxing from opiates alone. Even seemingly minor symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can have catastrophic consequences if they persist and are not adequately treated. These and other issues during opiate detox can lead to severe dehydration, hypernatremia or elevated sodium levels, and ultimately, heart failure.
Seeking a medical detox program in Port St. Lucie will simplify the process of opiate withdrawal and guarantee that you receive the appropriate support to avoid serious side effects and potential long-term physical harm.
Agape Detox Center's Detox Program for Opiate Addiction
At Agape Detox Center, our clients receive targeted care as soon as they walk in our doors. Our team understands just how uncomfortable the experience is when willfully abstaining. We take all the necessary measures to alleviate the client’s distress using medical interventions on an as-needed basis.
Opiate addictions are paired with co-existing mental health disorders such as:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- General anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Clinical depression
- Panic disorder
As with all of our detox programs, we strive to meet the needs of our patients with co-existing mental health issues through dual-diagnosis treatment options. Our dual diagnosis program allows our clients to establish safe and sustainable plans for managing these illnesses over the long term, eliminating reliance on opiates for relief.
Agape Detox Center provides seamless, end-to-end solutions to all our clients. While some may spend 1-2 weeks experiencing withdrawal symptoms, others may face more severe symptoms for up to a month.
Our program is flexible and adaptable enough for meeting a broad range of needs. When patients in our opiate detox program are ready, they can begin inpatient addiction treatment activities right away. We also provide access to a variety of additional resources to support your recovery, including cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy, stress management workshops, skill-building and goal-setting exercises, and life-planning activities.
What to Expect From Our Opiate Detox Center in Port St Lucie, Florida
Agape Detox Center is situated on the stunning Atlantic Coast of southern Florida in Port St. Lucie. Here, you’ll experience warm weather and breathtaking surroundings. Our tranquil and serene environment provides patients with consistent peace of mind, allowing them to focus entirely on their recovery. We maintain a safe and comfortable treatment center that keeps patients completely removed from any outside triggers, temptations, and stress.
When you arrive at Agape Detox, you’ll be met with compassionate individuals who are committed to helping you succeed.
We’ll perform thorough medical and mental health evaluations to devise a customized plan for your care. After touring our facility, meeting our staff, and settling into your room, you’ll begin receiving around-the-clock monitoring. We track your vital signs and take necessary steps to ensure you remain stable and comfortable. The Agape team will revise your detox plan as needed to include additional interventions for streamlined support.
Choose Agape and Begin Your Recovery Today
At Agape Detox Center, we believe in taking a holistic, whole-health approach to help our clients overcome opiate addiction. We focus on teaching our clients the importance of good nutrition, healthy sleep habits, effective stress management, and comprehensive self-care.
Our goal is to help our clients develop healthy coping mechanisms, build self-worth, and take the necessary steps toward creating the life they desire. Contact Agape Detox Center today to learn more about our opiate detox program and how we can help you.
- November 25, 2022
- Updated Date: December 15, 2023
Detox Programs
Have any questions?
Stephanie Robilio is an accomplished Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.
