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Opiate Detox in Las Vegas with Medication-Assisted Treatment

Safe, comfortable detox from prescription opioids using buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, or other FDA-approved medications. Our physicians specialize in managing opioid withdrawal with compassion and medical expertise.

What Is Opiate Detox?

Opiate detox is the medically supervised process of withdrawing from prescription pain medications like OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, hydrocodone, and morphine. At Better Choice Treatment Center in Las Vegas, we use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making detox safer and more comfortable.

Prescription opioid addiction has become an epidemic in America. What often starts as legitimate pain management prescribed by a doctor can spiral into dependence and addiction. Once your body adapts to regular opioid use, stopping causes severe withdrawal symptoms that make quitting nearly impossible without medical help. Our Nevada-licensed physicians specialize in opiate withdrawal management using evidence-based protocols that dramatically increase your chances of successful detox and transition to rehabilitation.

Understanding Opiate Dependence & Withdrawal

Opiates work by binding to receptors in your brain and nervous system, blocking pain signals and releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine. With regular use, your brain stops producing these chemicals naturally and requires the drug to function normally. This is physical dependence. When you stop taking opiates, your body goes into withdrawal as it struggles to regain balance without the drug.

Common Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • Severe muscle aches and bone pain - often described as the worst pain ever experienced
  • Gastrointestinal distress - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping
  • Flu-like symptoms - chills, sweating, fever, runny nose, watery eyes
  • Psychological symptoms - severe anxiety, depression, irritability, agitation
  • Sleep disturbances - insomnia, restless legs syndrome
  • Intense cravings - overwhelming urge to use again
  • Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
  • Dilated pupils and sensitivity to light

Opiate Withdrawal Timeline:

6-12 Hours (Short-Acting Opiates)

Symptoms begin for drugs like Percocet, Vicodin, heroin. Anxiety, drug cravings, sweating start.

24-48 Hours

Peak intensity for short-acting opiates. Severe pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Symptoms begin for long-acting drugs like OxyContin, morphine.

Days 3-5

Physical symptoms peak for long-acting opiates. This is typically the most challenging phase requiring maximum medical support.

Days 5-7

Physical symptoms gradually improve. Anxiety, insomnia, and cravings may persist.

Week 2+

Acute withdrawal resolves. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) like mood swings, sleep issues, cravings may last weeks to months.

Why You Can't Do This Alone

The pain and suffering of opiate withdrawal is so severe that 95% of people who attempt to quit "cold turkey" at home relapse within 72 hours. It's not a matter of willpower—it's biology. Your brain is screaming for the drug, and the physical agony makes it nearly impossible to resist.

Additionally, severe vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dangerous dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. While opiate withdrawal is rarely life-threatening on its own, complications can arise, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Medical supervision ensures your safety and dramatically increases your chances of completing detox successfully.

Opiates We Treat:

  • OxyContin / Oxycodone - Extended-release pain medication
  • Vicodin / Hydrocodone - Combination pain reliever
  • Percocet - Oxycodone + acetaminophen
  • Morphine - Hospital-grade pain medication
  • Codeine - Milder opiate for moderate pain
  • Tramadol - Synthetic opioid analgesic
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) - Potent pain medication
  • Oxymorphone (Opana) - Extended-release opioid

Note: We also treat heroin and fentanyl dependence—see those dedicated pages for specialized protocols.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Options:

  • Buprenorphine (Suboxone) - Partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal by 70-80%. The gold standard for opiate detox. Taken as a sublingual film or tablet.
  • Methadone - Long-acting opioid replacement that eliminates withdrawal and cravings. Carefully dosed and monitored by our physicians. May continue after detox as maintenance therapy.
  • Clonidine - Blood pressure medication that reduces anxiety, sweating, muscle aches, and restlessness during withdrawal.
  • Comfort Medications - Anti-nausea (Zofran), sleep aids (trazodone), muscle relaxers, anti-diarrheal medications, and pain relievers to manage specific symptoms.
  • Naltrexone - Started after detox completion to block opioid receptors and prevent relapse (cannot be used during active withdrawal).

Our Opiate Detox Protocol in Las Vegas

Better Choice Treatment Center follows evidence-based protocols developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Here's what to expect:

Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment

  • • Medical history and physical examination
  • • Substance use history (types, amounts, duration)
  • • Urine drug screen to identify all substances
  • • Blood work: liver function, kidney function, complete blood count
  • • Psychiatric evaluation for co-occurring disorders
  • • Assessment of withdrawal risk using COWS scale
  • • Review of current medications and allergies

Step 2: Medication Induction

  • • Wait for mild-moderate withdrawal before starting buprenorphine
  • • First dose typically 4-8mg sublingual
  • • Monitor response over 2-4 hours
  • • Adjust dose based on symptom relief
  • • Typical stabilization dose: 12-24mg daily
  • • Add comfort medications as needed
  • • IV hydration and vitamin supplementation

Step 3: 24/7 Monitoring & Support

  • • Vital signs checked every 4 hours minimum
  • • COWS assessments to track withdrawal severity
  • • Medication adjustments as symptoms change
  • • Nurse availability for immediate needs
  • • Physician rounds daily
  • • Psychological support and counseling
  • • Nutritional support and hydration management

Step 4: Transition Planning

  • • Decide whether to continue MAT or taper off
  • • Seamless entry into residential rehab (strongly recommended)
  • • MAT continuation throughout rehabilitation
  • • Relapse prevention education begins
  • • Family involvement and education
  • • Aftercare planning and support resources
  • • Connection to outpatient providers if needed

Should I Continue MAT After Detox?

This is one of the most important decisions you'll make in early recovery. Research overwhelmingly shows that continuing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine or methadone after detox dramatically reduces relapse rates and saves lives.

Benefits of Continuing MAT:

  • Reduces relapse risk by 50-70% compared to abstinence-only approaches
  • Eliminates cravings allowing you to focus on therapy and life rebuilding
  • Reduces overdose death risk by 50% or more
  • Allows brain chemistry to gradually normalize over months/years
  • No "high" or euphoria—you feel normal, not intoxicated
  • Can be tapered off slowly when you're stable in recovery (typically 12+ months)

What Research Shows:

Studies consistently demonstrate:

  • • People on MAT are 60% more likely to stay in treatment
  • • MAT reduces illicit opioid use by 70-80%
  • • MAT patients have better employment outcomes
  • • MAT reduces criminal activity and HIV transmission
  • • Longer MAT duration = better long-term outcomes

The Truth About MAT:

MAT is not "trading one drug for another." Buprenorphine and methadone are FDA-approved medications that stabilize brain chemistry without causing euphoria. They're prescribed and monitored by doctors, just like insulin for diabetes or blood pressure medication for hypertension.

Ready to Start Opiate Detox in Las Vegas?

Our medical team is available 24/7 to begin your safe, comfortable detox with medication-assisted treatment. Most insurance plans accepted. Call now for immediate admission.

Start Opiate Detox: (888) 555-1234

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Opiate Detox Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Opiate Detox