Opiate Rehab: Methadone Detox Rehab

Question: Father had checked into opiate rehab, questions that need to be answered.?

(Posted by: sandalsinsand on 2010-01-20 20:19:04)

Earlier tonight my father got dropped off by my brother so he could check himself into a rehab for his dependency on Oxycontin. I was not there when this happened & was later informed about the matter on the telephone. I am very upset & would like for someone to tell me what the process of detoxing from an opiate is like, what he will experience, & most importantly: is it safe & will be be okay? I know he better off w/ o the drug, I am only worried because my brother was unable to tell me more than: he is in rehab & I cannot contact him for two weeks. I am very, very upset & worried. Any information would be nice. Thank you so much.

Posted by: Patti on 2010-01-23, 08:12:53

You must be very worried about your brother. The first part of detox is done by reducing the drug gradually and giving the patient anti-anxiety drugs to reduce physical and psychological symptoms. Under the care of a medical team, this will be safe but not necessarily easy. He still might have some symptoms like nervousness, shakiness, headaches, etc. The next part is the toughest, he needs to have a strong will to stay off the drug and they will help him identify his 'triggers' (what makes him want to do his drug) and ways to keep from relapsing. When your brother gets home, let him know how much you love him, tell him you're proud of him for doing this. Let him know you support his efforts. Your brother MAY relapse. Many people with addictions try many times before they finally are able to quit. This isn't a moral failure, but if it happens (we hope not) you need to stick with him as he tries again. Look how many people try to lose weight before they finally are able to do so? This is a personal struggle, just like smoking or overeating. Best of luck to you and your brother.