For the average person, the words and terminology used in describing detoxification from opiates can be confusing and overwhelming. Speaking with someone trained in the field is the best way to gain a better understanding of Opioid detox. Often individuals or family members of individuals seeking help for opiate addiction will use the internet as tool to become more informed about addiction and recovery. This page provides basic definitions for some of the terms used in much of the documentation about Opioid detox.
Dependence : Dependence is a state of adaptation where one thing is affected by the presence or lack of presence of another thing. If an individual has developed a dependence on opiates or Opiods, his or her mind and / or body is in a state that requires regular exposure to Opioids or opiates to maintain a sense of comfort.
Detox / Detoxification : Detox is a shortened version of the word detoxification. Detoxification refers to a process of removing harmful, pollutant, poisonous or wasteful substances from the body. Generally, substances removed during a detox procedure are those that cause illness, injury or death. These substances interfere with normal bodily processes and functioning. Sometimes detoxification is thought of as cleansing. Detox typically refers to a person's detoxification from drugs and / or alcohol rather than another type of detoxification.
Opiate : An opiate is a substance which relieves pain in the body which is created out of the opium poppy. It binds to receptors on a cell, relieves pain and induces sleep. Opiates include codeine, morphine, and heroin.
Opioid : (sometimes misspelled opiod or opoid) An Opioid is a pain relieving substance which modifies the bodily process. Opioids are manufactured by a process which involves chemically changing an extraction from a naturally occurring plant. Effects of Opioids on the body are similar to the of opium. Opioids bind to opiate receptors of cells and relieve pain, dull senses and sedate. Opioids include : Demerol® , Dilaudid®, Percodan® an Methadone® .
Rapid Detox (Anesthesia Assisted Rapid Opiate Detox) : Rapid detox is the shortened named from Anesthesia Assisted Rapid Opiate Detoxification. Anesthesia Assisted Rapid Opiate Detoxification (AAROD) is medical procedure in which a patient is placed under general anesthesia, for approximately four to six hours, and is administered an opiate antagonist, a substance which causes a rejection and blocks opiates within the body. Because the patient is under anesthesia, he or she does not experience as much physical discomfort as he or she would normally experience while undergoing the detoxification process.
Relapse : Relapse refers to a backslide. The word relapse is used medically to describe the occurrence of a bodily condition or state that has affected someone in the past. When an individual becomes addicted to an Opioid or opiate, stops using the drug and then returns to using the drug, it is often called a relapse.
Treatment : Treatment is a process of providing relief to an individual who is suffering. Treatment for Opioid or opiate dependence involves professional care that can support an individual in order to stop use of opiates or Opioids and change behaviors. Treatment for dependence on any drug or alcohol is available at varying levels of intensity. Treatment for Opioid or opiate dependence can involved both physical and psychological care.
Withdrawal : Withdrawal is a state of being after something has been removed. An individual who stops using Opiods or opiates will be in withdrawal until his or her body adjusts to this change. Individuals in withdrawal from opiates or Opioids experience physical and psychological changes or symptoms as a result.
Withdrawal symptoms : Withdrawal symptoms are physical and psychological changes which a person will experience after discontinuing the use of a substance. Opioid and opiate users experience sweating, shaking, headaches, nausea, vomiting, pain in abdominal muscles and diarrhea after discontinuing their use. They also experience an intense desire to for the Opioid or opiate, confusion, depression and anxiety when they stop using the drug.
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