Opiate Detox and Opiate Rehab Information

General Information

The term opiate refers to the alkaloids (nitrogen containing organic compounds) found in opium, which is extracted from the seed pods of the opium poppy plant.

Traditionally and colloquially, the term opiate referred to the derivatives of morphine. However, the broader term 'opioid' is the more appropriate term that encompasses all drugs, both natural and synthetic, with opium or morphine-like pharmacological action.

The primary opiates derived from opium are morphine, codeine and thebaine. These are narcotics, used for their analgesic (pain relieving) properties. Opiates act as CNS (Central Nervous System) depressants.

Adverse Effects

Common adverse reactions resulting from the use of opiates may include itching, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry mouth, miosis, urinary retention and constipation.

Overdose Symptoms

Symptoms opiate overdose include slow respiration, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, confusion, cold/clammy skin, fatigue, and coma.

Addiction

Prolonged use of any opiates eventually changes the brain in fundamental and lasting ways, which explains why addicts cannot simply quit without professional help. This is why treatment is essential. Drugs of abuse take over the brain's normal pleasure and motivational systems, advancing the drug use to the highest priority in the individual's motivational hierarchy, thus overriding all other motivations and drives. These brain changes are responsible for the compulsion to seek/use drugs, which is defined as addiction.

Opiate Detox and Opiate Rehab

Opiate detox is critical, prior to commencing opiate drug rehab. Although opiate detox, itself, is not a treatment for addiction, it can help relieve withdrawal symptoms while the patient adjusts to being opiate free. Fortunately, there are a number of effective options for opiate rehab. Long-term opiate use should not be abruptly discontinued except under the supervision of an experienced physician, who can manage the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the withdrawal period.

Miramar Treatment Centers provide substance abuse treatment and women are able to obtain physician assisted and monitored opiate detox. Through Miramar's comprehensive inpatient substance abuse treatment women can obtain opiate rehab services in beautiful Laguna Beach and Newport Beach in Southern California.

TO BEGIN HEALING, call toll free to speak with one of our counselors.