Before moving on to opiate detox, it is important knowing what opiates are. Medical explanation reveals opiates as narcotic alkaloids occurring naturally in the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) latex sap (a SW Asian herb with grayish leaves and white/reddish flowers) though modern medical science and chemistry have been able to create its semi-/biosynthetic versions (benzylisoquinoline alkaloids); these are the chemical derivatives of the narcotic alkaloids.
The naturally occurring and biologically active opiates are morphine, thebaine, codeine and papaverine from which, synthetic opiates like heroin, hydrocodone and oxycodone are derived along with morphine, thebaine and codeine. However, noscapine and the rest (more or less 25 in the naturally occurring group) have nominal or no effects on the human CNS; hence, these will be kept out of the discussion.
Opiates, over time, make the body develop a tolerance, which shoots up the quantity of intake, requiring collective interventions to control the drugs intoxicating effects and their withdrawals. It requires purging the addictive substances from the body and freeing an individual under its influence. However, it is a process that despite lessening the drugs physical effects brings forth intense physical pain and psychological disturbances, making a relapse obvious most of the times. This is why a complete detoxification from opiates (or be it any other drug) requires post- opiate detox psychological measures and gradual tapering (with medications simulating the effects of the opiates) to numb the reward centers of the brain from the effects of the alkaloids.
One thing that must be kept in mind is an opiate detoxification program is nothing without the post-detox care dealing with an addictions psychological aspects; the care restores the normal psychosocial factors by curing the intermingled and complex, addiction-specific behavioral issues.
Detoxification from opiates can be done through several procedures; however, unless the following steps are covered, it shall be wise to search for a better alternative.
i. Evaluation: This initiates the opiate detox process and finds out the opiates that a person is currently addicted to. A blood test is, therefore; paramount, which also reveals related physical and psychological behaviors and helps physicians to design a detox procedure thats most suitable.
ii. Stabilization: This is a stage where the actual detoxification starts. This is either done through medications and anesthetics after explaining to a patient what he/she may expect while undergoing treatment and the recovery stage. The involvement of close friends and family members is considered important in this phase; they provide the required emotional support.
iii. Treatment: This brings a patient to the last step of a detox process and is also vital to alter his psychology and is different from stabilization, which deals with treating physical dependency.
Even for (ultra) rapid opiate detox (which is for patients so severely addicted that natural withdrawals may lead to coma or death), the above three steps are indispensable; however, one cant expect them in the run-of-the-mill detox centers. For such specialized approaches, its paramount that trained, qualified, specialized and certified medical practitioners stay present; else, its the cure that might turn partial wreckage to a complete ruin.
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