Opiate Detox Center at Promises Addiction Treatment Programs

Many people begin using opiates to numb pain, quiet anxiety, or sleep. Some try to self‑medicate depression or PTSD. Over time, regular opioid use changes brain circuits that control reward and stress. This process, called physiological dependence, can lead to opioid use disorder, a medical condition that ranges from mild to severe. 

Even if you feel you have it under control, you may be physically dependent and at risk for withdrawal when you try to stop. If you’re ready to talk about opiate detox, reach out to us today at 888.483.7451.

What to Expect with Opioid Withdrawal

When you stop or sharply reduce opioid use, opioid withdrawal can begin quickly. With short‑acting opiates like heroin, onset may occur within 8 to 12 hours, or sooner. With long‑acting medications, onset can take a few days. Early withdrawal symptoms can include muscle aches, anxiety, yawning, sweating, and sleep problems. As the hours pass, gastrointestinal symptoms often increase.

Over the next day or two, opioid withdrawal symptoms can intensify. Many people report flu‑like discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gooseflesh, and restless legs. You may feel depressed, edgy, and unable to sleep. Acute symptoms usually improve after a few days, then continue to lessen over up to two weeks, depending on the opioid, dose, and duration of use.

Why Symptoms Sometimes Feel Worse at Night

Your body’s stress hormones and temperature vary throughout the day. At night, lower distraction, dehydration, and fatigue can make symptoms more noticeable. Gentle stretching, small balanced snacks, and scheduled sleep support can help. In our program, nurses monitor sleep and hydration so you are not white‑knuckling nights on your own.

The Increased Risk After Detox

During detoxification, your tolerance drops. If you return to the same amount you used before, overdose risk is higher, because your body cannot manage that dose. This increased risk is one reason we pair medically supervised withdrawal with continued treatment and relapse‑prevention planning.

How a Stay at Our Opiate Detox Center Protects You

Detox is not a test of will; it is a medical process. Our clinicians use evidence‑based opioid withdrawal management to provide relief while your body resets. Care may include:

• Medication‑assisted support to reduce pain and cravings with methadone or buprenorphine when appropriate.
• IV hydration and nutrition to prevent dehydration and support recovery.
• Symptomatic medications such as clonidine or lofexidine, anti‑nausea medication, sleep support, and antidiarrheals, tailored to symptom severity.
• One‑to‑one counseling to prepare for next steps in opiate disorder treatment.
• Group work with peers so you can practice skills and reduce isolation.

This is medically supervised withdrawal in a safe inpatient setting. Vital signs are checked regularly, your care plan is adjusted as symptoms change, and doctors discuss treatment options with you.

The Detoxification Process and Timeline

Every patient starts with a medical and mental health assessment. We review current drugs used, other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines, health history, and goals. Then we create a plan that balances comfort and safety. The acute phase of detoxification often lasts a few days, then symptoms gradually ease over up to two weeks. Some people notice sleep or mood changes for longer, which we address through continued treatment.

Detox is not one size fits all. Patients using long‑acting opioids or higher doses may need a slightly longer inpatient stay. Others who are medically stable can transition to an outpatient setting once symptoms are controlled and support is in place.

Breaking the Psychological Hold of Opioid Use Disorder

Detox clears the drug; it does not change habits, stress responses, or thinking, on its own. After detox, we help you examine triggers, build routines, and practice new responses. Treatment continues with therapies and, if appropriate, medications for opioid addiction that reduce cravings and protect against overdose. Your team will discuss inpatient care, day treatment, and outpatient options with you.

What Medications Are Used for Opioid Withdrawal?

Several FDA‑approved medications are used in opioid detox and ongoing withdrawal treatment. During detoxification, we may use:

• Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that eases withdrawal and cravings with a ceiling effect that lowers misuse potential.
• Methadone, a long‑acting agonist used in specialized settings that stabilizes receptors and reduces symptoms.
• Lofexidine or clonidine, non‑opioid alpha‑2 agonists that reduce autonomic symptoms like sweating and rapid heart rate. These symptomatic medications do not treat cravings but can make the process more tolerable.

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks receptors. It does not treat withdrawal symptoms, so it is started after detox when opioids have cleared.

When is Inpatient Detoxification Recommended?

Inpatient care is often recommended when patients are physically dependent on higher doses, when withdrawal has been severe in the past, or when co‑occurring medical or mental conditions need close monitoring. Inpatient is also appropriate when alcohol or benzodiazepines are involved, when home is not stable, or when safety is a concern. While opioid withdrawal is rarely life threatening, complications can occur, and careful monitoring reduces risk.

Our Approach to Safety and Comfort

Patients are monitored by nurses who track vital signs, hydration, and comfort level. Doctors adjust medication based on response so we can provide relief without oversedation. Nutrition, gentle movement, and sleep routines are part of your plan. If you experience withdrawal symptoms that flare late in the day, we can pre‑treat expected peaks to keep you as comfortable as possible. Throughout your stay, we talk through next steps so you can receive treatment that matches your goals.

Planning for Sustained Abstinence and Recovery

Detox opens the door to change. We focus on sustained abstinence by pairing medication with psychosocial interventions like behavioral therapies, skills for sleep and stress, and recovery community connections. Together we build a practical plan to maintain abstinence, manage cravings, and handle setbacks.

Ready to Talk About Safe Detox?

If you are considering an opiate detox program, we are here to help you choose next steps that fit your life. Contact Promises Behavioral Health at 888.483.7451 to discuss opiate addiction care in Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, or Massachusetts. We will work with you to match the right treatment, whether inpatient detox with continued residential care, or a step‑down pathway that supports your recovery journey.