How We Treat Opiate Dependence

Many people dependent on opiates will break down after two or three days of withdrawal and return to using. Some detox centers do not medicate their patients during withdrawal. Known as "cold turkey," we don't believe in it. Opiate withdrawal symptoms can produce potentially dangerous health situations including elevation in blood pressure and dehydration. Left untreated, the pain of the withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to stay in the detoxification facility and makes the client more likely to leave detox prematurely.

That said, other detox facilities will overmedicate patients to the point where they are incoherent throughout their stay. They will medicate with large doses of other opiates or methadone for 7 days and discharge the patient with minimal follow-up. Substituting other drugs for the opiates only delays the onset of withdrawal symptoms. The person will leave the program feeling fine, but fall back into full-blown withdrawal as the detox medications wear off. At Sunrise Detox, we use a mainly buprenorphine-based medication that effectively manages opiate withdrawal symptoms. This medication allows our clients to remain comfortable and alert during their stay with us. We supplement the buprenorphine with a number of other medications to treat any discomfort that may arise. Buprenorphine also allows the client to leave detox with virtually no withdrawal symptoms.