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Opioid Detox

What is Opioid Detox?

Opioid detox is a medication-assisted controlled withdrawal from opioids designed for comfort and safety. The Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic features an on-site opioid detox as part of our opioid addiction treatment program. 

Opioids include both semi-synthetic morphine derivatives in prescription drugs, like oxycodone and hydrocodone as well as opiates like heroin and morphine. A medication-assisted opioid detox is the first step in successful recovery from an opioid use disorder (OUD)

What Is the Difference Between Opioid Detox and Opiate Detox?

While the effects of both opioids and opiates are the same, there is a subtle difference in the meaning of the terms. Derived from nature, opiates originate from the opium poppy and include morphine, codeine, and heroin. Opioids, on the other hand, include ALL drugs in this category. The naturally-derived like heroin and morphine, the semi-synthetic like oxycodone and the completely synthetic, like fentanyl and methadone.

However, there is no real difference between prescription opioids and opiates like heroin where detox is concerned. Symptoms of withdrawal are just as severe, and it is equally important to get treatment for both. Synthetic opioids do tend to have a longer withdrawal and may require slightly different detox protocols, but for the most part, all opioids operate on the same receptors in the brain and have similar effects. 

Since the term “opioids” covers them all, it’s easiest to just use it, unless we need to single out only the completely naturally-derived opiates for some reason. 

Common opioids include:

Heroin

Fentanyl (Actiq, Fentora, Duragesic, Subsys, Abstral, and Lazanda)

Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone, Percocet)

Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco, Lortab)

Morphine (MS Contin, Kadian)

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)

Tramadol

Why Are Opioids So Addictive?

Whether prescribed or bought illegally, opioids are highly addictive. This is because they mimic pleasure chemicals in the body called endorphins, which provide powerful pain relief and promote feelings of wellbeing. The body has natural opioid receptors which opioids bind to, making the user feel high.

We use our natural, or endogenous, opioids to regulate our digestion, our mood, temperature, and many other functions. Taking opioids means our body stops producing these chemicals of its own accord. Suddenly stopping causes a massive shock to the system and results in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

To relieve these symptoms, people take more opioids which results in a vicious cycle of building tolerance, stronger withdrawals, and increased opioid use.

Symptoms of Opioid Dependence

The symptoms of opioid dependence are different for everyone, but they commonly include:

Losing interest in hobbies or activities

Experiencing mood swings

Abandoning responsibilities

Withdrawal symptoms

Physical restlessness

Difficulty sleeping or drastic changes in sleeping patterns

Missing work, school, or appointments

Financial and legal issues

Substance abuse can be different for everyone. People may not think they have a physical dependence on opioids, especially if prescribed by a doctor. Still, they may be addicted without realizing it. If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, opioid dependence treatment could be beneficial.

How Opioid Detox Works

Throughout an opioid detox program, medications can be used to reduce the risk of serious health complications. These include:

Buprenorphine – A synthetic opioid, buprenorphine is used to replace more potent drugs and shorten withdrawal symptoms. Buprhenorphine occupies opioid receptors in the brain without creating the euphoric effects of other opioids. It is sometimes combined with naloxone to prevent dependence and opioid misuse.

Suboxone – Suboxone is a brand name for a sublingual film which combines buprenorphine and naloxone together. It is a thin orange film that is dissolved under the tongue for rapid absorption. 

Methadone – A synthetic opioid often used as a long-term substitute for opioids of abuse, methadone is a maintenance medication. Practitioners decrease the dosage over time, which helps to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal. 

Naltrexone – Working to prevent opioid effects in the brain, naltrexone weakens the desire to use opioid substances. Unlike other medicines, it can’t be used in conjunction with other treatments.

Naloxone – This is a medication which acts quickly to block opioid receptors in the brain to mitigate the effects of opioid substances. It is sometimes combined with buprenorphine to prevent abuse. Naloxone by itself is the active ingredient in NARCAN, a medicine used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose. 

Medication for opioid withdrawal is very effective and helps clients cope with the physical and mental effects. The most effective treatment for opioid dependence combines medication with therapy to target the root causes of addiction.

When an individual completes opioid detox at NP Addiction Clinic, we provide around-the-clock care and medication tailored to each client to help relieve withdrawal symptoms. We support people every step of the way through their detox to reduce the risk of serious health complications and relapses after treatment.

Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

Opioid withdrawal will look different for everyone and depends on various elements. Factors that can affect the timeline and symptoms of withdrawal include:

The severity of substance abuse

The length of substance abuse

The number of opioids in your system at the time of withdrawal

The medication used during withdrawal

There are often around three stages:

Stage One – This stage typically arises six to thirty hours after opioids were last used. Symptoms can begin at any time and include muscle aches, tiredness, sweating, and trouble sleeping.

Stage Two – Arising seventy-two hours after withdrawal begins, withdrawal tends to be the worst at this stage. People often experience chills, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach ache.

Stage Three – After a week, the severe symptoms of opioid withdrawal begin to subside. However, long-term symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and irritability may persist.

The medication-assisted detox program at NP Addiction Clinic is safer than doing it alone. We provide constant support throughout and have access to medication and follow-up treatment to support your mental health at all times.

Benefits of Inpatient Opioid Detox

Inpatient treatment centers and detox programs are ideal for those wanting to overcome opioid dependence. Some of the benefits include:

24-hour care

Community support

Individualized treatment programs

Comprehensive aftercare

Safe, non-addictive medications

Detoxing alone is hard, which is why NP Addiction Clinic provides a warm, friendly environment with constant support from staff to set clients up for a successful recovery.

Though overcoming opioid dependence can be challenging, we tailor our recovery plans to each person to provide the best environment for recovery.

Contact us today if you are ready to regain control of your life with an NP Addiction Clinic detox program.

 

Why Choose NP Addiction Clinic?

Why our St. Lucie County rehab and mental health center is right for you and your loved ones.

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24-Hour Support

We are dedicated to helping people heal, recover and live better lives, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Count on us to be there when you need us most. 

On-Site Detox

Unlike most facilities, we provide a complete, in-house safe and comfortable medical detox.We care for you from start to finish.
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Mental Health Treatment Pros

We are experts in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction and much more. Our mental health expertise is above and beyond the norm.
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Aftercare and Alumni Support

Our aftercare, alumni support and MAT programs are second to none. We’re invested in your recovery and wellness for the long haul. 

Opioid Detox and Recovery Are Here

At NP Addiction Clinic, successful recovery is only a phone call away. We are always open, and we accept most private insurance plans that can cover your entire cost of treatment. A life in recovery is within reach and we can help you achieve it.

Contact us today:

24/7 Helpline: (888) 574-3506

Kim L. Buckner

Facilitator

As a Substance Abuse Motivational Speaker, Pastor, Peer Advocate, and Facilitator. Kim helps clients avoid relapse by understanding their triggers. Those people, places and things that can cause craving, as well as internal triggers like feelings, thoughts, or emotions. Kim also clients with identifying and building healthy relationships now that they’re clean and sober.

Kim’s background includes extensive experience as a motivational speaker and work in faith-based organizations helping youth and adults alike. She says she is motivated by giving back to the community, understanding, and not judging who she comes into contact with. Kim’s favorite quote is by Dr. Raymond Johnson: “The respect given to others rebounds to the giver to deny the scared in the Other is to deny it in oneself.”

Caty Burns

Clinician

Caty graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in Counseling and History. Throughout her undergrad, she worked at the local CASA program, supporting volunteers advocating for children who had experienced abuse and neglect. Caty worked for seven years at a community mental health center (CMHC), partnering with children, adults, and families.

During those seven years, she taught life and coping skills as well as behavior management, provided case management and peer recovery services, and facilitated treatment teams that included the client, family, providers, and community members. I have also worked at an IOP providing group therapy services. She is currently working towards my Master of Social Work.

In her free time, Caty enjoys reading, especially historical fiction, spending time outdoors and having movie nights with her family. Disney World is her happy place, and she dreams of living among the elephants.

Madison Knowles

Mental Health Therapist

My name is Madison Knowles, I am a Mental health therapist at NPAC. I am a single-mother of two and I have a daughter who is globally delayed and has been diagnosed with autism. I have been in this industry since I was 16 years old, as I was fascinated with human behavior. I obtained my masters in applied behavioral analysis and started off working with people with disabilities. I then found my love for counseling when I worked with juveniles who had mental health and substance use issues. I then decided to go back for my mental health therapy license after that and working in a forensic treatment center. I went on to obtain my therapy credentials and since 2017, I have also been working on my PhD in forensic psychology in which I am currently working on my dissertation. I am inspired by change and how resilient people can be. My favorite inspirational quote is “Some will, Some won’t, So what, NEXT!!!” This quote has inspired me to try, try, and try again no matter how hard life gets, someone will give you a chance eventually. As a therapist at NPAC, I have been given the opportunity to work with diverse populations such as in substance use and mental health and I am known for my work with people on the schizophrenic spectrum as well as with other clients with other severe conditions including personality disorders.

Megan Carmona, LMHC

Lead Therapist

Our Lead Therapist, Megan, is a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with adults who struggle with addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. As Lead Therapist, she provides individual, family, and group therapy sessions to our clients.  Megan says “I am very passionate about therapy, especially about supporting my clients in exploring their strengths and identity. My goal is to provide individuals with the tools that can help them achieve independence in coping with their challenges and facilitating personal development.” In her free time, Megan enjoys watching docu-series and playing video games with her family. Her dream is to own acres of land so she can care for vulnerable animals, especially old dogs, cats, and horses. 

Kristen Bensley

Primary Clinician

As Primary Clinician, Kristen works with all aspects of our clinical team, from case management to primary therapy.  She has broad experience working in the mental health field. Prior to joining our team at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic, Kristen was part of the team awarded the Evernorth Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Designation by Cigna. She says her motivation is to help people rediscover who they are and become excited about the future and all the possibilities life offers. Kristen’s favorite quote is: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

Ronn Daigle, MSW

Therapist, Utilization Review Clinician

Ronn Daigle services as a Therapist and Utilization Review Clinician at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has been working in the field of substance use disorder treatment since 2011, with experience in all facility-based levels of care. Ronn earned, both an Associate of Arts in Psychology (2013) and Bachelor of Science in Human Services, with an Addiction Studies Concentration (2015) from Indian River State College. 

Ronn additionally earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2021 and is a current Registered Clinical Social Work Intern working toward licensure (LCSW). He describes himself as detail oriented, and solution focused.

Ronn says: “There is nothing more fulfilling than working with someone who doesn’t believe in himself or herself, and being there in the moment with them when the belief begins. We work with individuals who come to us at a point and time in their respective lives where they do not believe that change for others is possible; let alone for themselves…throughout the process they eventually come to a point where they realize that change is not only possible, but achievable.”

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI

Assistant Clinical Director

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI is the Assistant Clinical Director at Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic who specializes in the treatment of LGBTQ, addiction, as well as mental health disorders ranging from depression and anxiety, to Bipolar Disorder, trauma, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders. Erika utilizes a number of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness amongst others. Erika has been in practice for close to a decade and has earned her license in Mental Health Counseling, as well as being a Master’s Certified Addiction Professional. Erika has worked with many individuals including couples counseling and family therapy, and is fluent in Spanish.
 
Throughout my years of practice, one of the things I enjoy helping people find is inner peace. Whether you are in the deepest parts of depression, overrun by your anxiety, controlled by your addiction, or there are certain issues in your life that are negatively impacting your ability to function, and have a happy, healthy life, maybe now is the time to talk about it. I am a big believer in empowerment, working hard in therapy, and utilizing different techniques to help you regain that inner peace that may have been lost along the way. I want to work with you as a team because with two people, absolutely everything is possible. I want to be there as a therapist, to help build you up, support you, but also help you be honest with yourself and accountable. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, my biggest goal for you is going to be simple….for you to no longer need my services. Why? Because if you no longer need my services, it means that you have regained your peace, you have regained your strength, you have regained your confidence. It means that you now have the tools to address any issues that try to derail you, and best of all, you will have the insight to overcome and thrive. So let’s begin this journey together, and get you to the place you want to be, emotionally, mentally, psychologically, and in your sobriety.

Aurelio Ayuso, MSW, LCSW, CAP, ICADC

Clinical Director

Aurelio has worked with those that suffer from the disease of addiction in adults and juveniles alike for over 10 years, beginning in the United States Navy where he proudly served for 20 years, working with those that were succumbed by addiction due to trauma and continuing his passion for helping those in need locally in Central Florida.

He specializes in both Addictions and Trauma, he has worked first as a therapist then as the clinical supervisor to both the Juvenile and Adult Drug Court programs in Brevard County. Aurelio has been instrumental in developing substance abuse treatment programs directly tailored to help those that also suffer from complex trauma due to their addiction. He has been recognized by several organizations for his forward thinking and ability to tailor treatment to individuals in the most restrictive environments.

Mr. Ayuso received his Graduate Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as Certified Addictions Professional in the State of Florida, and Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. Aurelio specializes in the treatment of Addiction, Trauma, and Abandonment using strength based strategies deeply rooted in Solution Focused, and Mindfulness Therapies. At the Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic he passionately develops holistic curriculums that foster the belief that through addressing the mind, body, and spirit together, the Disease of Addiction can be addressed successfully.

Robert Lehmann, MHSA

Chief Operating Officer

Bob Lehmann is the Chief Operating Officer at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has a Master’s Degree in Human Services Administration with a concentration in Mental Health Administration and over twenty-five years of experience as a senior executive at addiction and mental health treatment facilities.

One of the reasons for his commitment to excellence in addiction treatment was his experience related to family members who suffered from the disease of addiction. Bob has been actively involved in community organizations throughout his career. Recently he was one of the founders of the Florida Addiction Treatment Coalition (FATC) and is its present Vice President. FATC was designed to bring together treatment executives in Florida to advocate on behalf of treatment facilities and the clients they serve adhering to a foundation of integrity and service excellence.

Jose R. Toledo, M.D.

Medical Director

A well-rounded and accomplished individual, Jose R. Toledo, M.D., is the Medical Director of Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a neurologist with 25 years of experience and has been in private practice since 1991 on the Treasure Coast of Florida. He completed his neurology training at the State University of New York and his Fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology.

He also completed 24 months of acute inpatient psychiatry at the Western Missouri Mental Health Center, University of Missouri in Kansas City. In 2008, Dr. Toledo participated in and was certified in the continuing medical education activity entitled “Buprenorphine and Office-Based Treatment of Opioid Dependence” from The Medical University of South Carolina during which began his quest to found and head Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a brain specialist with particular competence in addiction medicine and out-patient detoxification treatment and integrates the fields seamlessly. He is certified to prescribe Buprenorphine (Suboxone). He incorporates his background in neurology into the addiction field. Dr. Toledo is member/fellow of The American Medical Association, The Florida Medical Association and The American Society of Addiction Medicine