How to Find the Right Opiate Detox Center for You (or a Loved One)

Each year that passes sets new records for lives lost. New data also point to how overdose death rates are higher than deaths from HIV, car crashes, or gun violence at their peaks. The same data also highlights how the use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl has driven these disproportionate numbers.

During one of the distinct waves of the opioid crisis, 2013 saw the number of overdose deaths associated with fentanyl and similar drugs to have grown more than 28,000 from a mere 3,000 in the preceding years. Deaths from fentanyl rose more than 45 percent in 2017 alone.

A senior public health scientist with the research group RTI International is on record saying, “if we’re talking about counting the bodies, where they lie, and the cause of death, we’re talking about a fentanyl crisis.” Fentanyl is one of the most potent drugs of any class to ever find its way into existence. It was initially used to treat chronic pain in patients who became resistant to opioid therapy, but eventually, it found its way into the public and the streets.

Fentanyl use has become so detrimental to U.S. society that we’ve seen a reduction in the country’s life expectancy three years straight. We have not witnessed a pattern like this since World War II, and life expectancy has fallen by nearly four months at birth. Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death for adults under age 55.

Robert Anderson, the chief of mortality statistics at the CDC, mentions that “the idea that a developed, wealthy nation like the United States has a declining life expectancy just doesn’t seem right. If you look at the other wealthy countries of the world, they’re not seeing the same thing.”

Synthetic drugs are much more deadly than prescription pills and heroin for a variety of reasons. They are often more potent, which means a tiny error in dosing can lead to an instant overdose.

The way inexperienced chemists synthesize the drugs in clandestine labs also means that the chemical structure of the drug is subject to change. One batch may be twice as potent as the one a user had previously. In some parts of the country, heroin has been completely phased out by fentanyl.

There is one silver lining to this all, and some early trends have been pointing toward 2017 being the peak of the overdose epidemic. One main contributor is that cities have made the conscious effort to invest in public health programs to help reduce the deadliness of drug use and connect more of these individuals with drug treatment centers.

When using prescription opioid drugs like OxyContin or Percocet, or using stronger street drugs like heroin or fentanyl, someone who wants to stop using the drugs is going to need assistance. Withdrawal symptoms from opioids can be downright unbearable, and to secure the chance of a future of abstaining from the drugs, medical detoxification is necessary.

The next question you might ask is, “How do I find the right opiate detox center for myself or a loved one?” This article will highlight that in detail below.

What to Look for When Choosing an Opiate Detox Center

Each person who enrolls in treatment has different needs that will make their process unique. Those who enter into treatment come in at a different height, weight, age, type and amount of opiates they’ve been using among others. No single treatment plan will be useful to everyone, and this just means you require a tailored treatment that fits your current and evolving needs.

When you are researching your detox options, make sure that you look for individualized treatment protocols and not a cookie cutter type format. Fortunately, The Palm Beach Institute offers customized treatment programs to address each need.

Our center offers specialized help for clients who are struggling not only with addiction but other disorders that can accompany their conditions. We treat mental health issues like anxiety, depression as well as substance use disorders. The holistic program our facility offers focuses on the person as a whole including their mind, body, and soul.

A Full Slate of Detox Services

Since factors vary from one person to another, the most comprehensive facilities will offer a range of services for their clients. The services should include options for medication-assisted detox as well as options for non-medication based detox. Other services that should be offered include:

Treatments in Detox

Along with a medically supervised detox, a range of treatments are available including:

Twice daily group therapy sessions can include 12-step meetings, stress management techniques, mindfulness training, medical education and more.

The Transition from Detox to Treatment

Detox is only the beginning of treatment, and those who complete this phase must follow through with the continuum of care. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), people who spend less than 90 days in treatment have lower success rates than their counterparts, who spend at least the minimum 90 days. While detox allows for the safe transition into a sober state, it does not address the issues that surround addiction. To do so, a client must spend time in a center to begin developing healthier habits.

Without help, those who complete their detox programs may find it difficult to enroll in a treatment center alone. The difficulty lies in a misunderstanding on how to proceed with the next steps. The best detox facilities will make the transition into active treatment simple for their clients. In some cases, they will provide the help needed to find the right program best suited for their needs. If you are ready to get help, consider The Palm Beach Institute.

Come to The Palm Beach Institute for Detox Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it’s time that you treat it the right way.

At The Palm Beach Institute, we know that abstaining from drugs is no simple feat, but with the help of our compassionate, professional doctors and staff, it’s possible to live outside of active addiction.