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Opiate Detox Comparisons

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opiate addiction

Opiate dependence is a disorder of the central nervous system that occurs due to continuous opioid use. Opiates are powerful painkillers that cause sedation and euphoria. Some examples include oxycodone, Suboxone, Fentanyl, Dilaudid, heroin, Norco, hydrocodone, methadone, and Vicodin. Once opiate addiction sets in, many users feel entirely powerless and continue to use despite potentially dangerous or life-threatening consequences. Unlike some drugs, which can elicit one or the other, opiates can cause both Addiction and physical dependence.

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Opiate Addiction VS Opiate Dependency

Although sometimes used interchangeably, the terms “addiction” and “dependency” are clinically two separate things. The National Institute of Health says drug addiction is present when a person compulsively uses a drug despite negative and dangerous consequences and effects. Physical drug dependence means a person needs the substance to function and can have intense cravings, according to the organization.

Opiate dependence does not always entail opiate addiction. The American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Pain Society and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, in a collaborative effort, have adopted the following definitions:

  • Addiction: “Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiological disease, with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. Examples of behaviors include one or more of the following: impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving.”
  • Physical dependence: “Physical dependence is a state of adaptation that is manifested by a drug class specific withdrawal syndrome that can be produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, decreasing the blood level of the drug, and/or administration of an antagonist.”


Opioid addiction a disorder caused by an untreated opiate dependence, with a high potential for relapse. What this means is that opiate users who are trying to get well may fall back into old patterns of drug use and abuse. Because opiates are so potent, they have a particularly high relapse rate. Intense cravings and other opiate withdrawal symptoms can trigger a relapse if not well managed, even after a period of abstinence.

Opiate vs. Opioid

Opiates come from the poppy plant, which contains opium. Opioids are synthetic or partly synthetic, which means that they are manufactured through chemical synthesis instead of the poppy plant. It has a very similar function, as to those from natural endorphins.

Opiate Addiction Epidemic

The Center for Drug Control (CDC) shows that drug overdose notably, those related to opioids continue to increase in the US. Since 1999, the number of deaths involving opioids, including prescription painkillers and heroin, has quadrupled. From 2000 to 2015, more than 500,000 Americans died from drug overdoses. Currently, an average of 91 people dies every day from an opioid overdose.

It is essential to realize that while prescription opioids are a driving factor in the increase in opioid deaths. The number of prescription opioids sold to pharmacies, there had not been an overall change in the amount of pain that Americans reported. Furthermore, deaths from oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone have also more than quadrupled since 1999.

Symptoms of Opiate Addiction

  • A compulsive desire to take the drug
  • Difficulty controlling opiate use
  • Experience of physical withdrawal symptoms with the interruption of opiate use.
  • Increased tolerance to the drug, results in higher dosages.
  • Increased focus and time took to obtain or use take the drug.
  • Continued drug use regardless of harmful consequences

How Opiate Addiction Occurs

Opiates elicit their powerful effects by activating opiate receptors that widely locates itself, throughout the brain and body. Two significant effects produced by opioids are the pleasure (or reward) and pain relief. The rush of pleasure and reward or relief from pain is so strong and powerful; it can lead to opiate abuse and addiction.

The brain itself also produces substances known as endorphins (the body’s natural painkiller) that activate the opiate receptors. Research indicates that endorphins are part of many functions, including respiration, nausea, vomiting, pain modulation, and hormonal regulation. After prolonged opiate use, the nerve cells in the brain, which would otherwise produce endorphins, cease to function normally. The body stops producing endorphins because it is receiving opiates instead. The degeneration of these nerve cells causes a physical dependency on an external supply of opioids. Abrupt or sudden abstinence leads to a withdrawal syndrome. Learn more about opiate addiction and brain chemistry.

opiate dependency

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WAISMANN METHOD® Opioid Treatment Specialists

Finding the best treatment center for opioid addiction is one of the best steps you can take towards a successful recovery. The best treatment centers have medical support for detox, experienced staff, and high rates of success. Below are some of the reasons why the Waismann Method Opioid Treatment Specialists, tops the list of facilities in the United States.

The Waismann Method® has been offering the best opiate addiction treatment available in the USA for nearly 20 years. Although we are known as the leading provider of rapid detox, we also provide non-anesthesia methods of opiate detoxification. We are located in one exclusive location, based in So. California, we provide our patients with board-certified physicians, accredited hospitals, private rooms, and a unique licensed recovery retreat.

Remember, opiate addiction is treatable and reversible. No matter how scared and maybe discouraged you feel, you can turn your addiction to opioid drugs around with adequate help.

For advice on the best opiate addiction treatment options for you, call 1-800-423-2482.

Waismann Method VS Other Detox Centers

BE AWARE! If the Components Below Are Not Available, It is NOT the Waismann Method ®

Waismann Method Treatment Entails:

* Because opiate and alcohol withdrawal can lead to medical complications, treatment by a multi board-certified M.D. is pertinent.

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