Importance of medically supervised detox 

Quitting opiates cold turkey, without medical assistance, is dangerous and involves serious risks:  

• Relapse and overdose: Cravings can lead to relapse, and without tolerance, even a small amount can result in overdose.  
• Mental health struggles: Withdrawal can worsen anxiety, depression, or lead to suicidal thoughts.  
• Cardiac risks: Sudden withdrawal may cause irregular heart rhythms, especially for those with heart conditions.  
• Dehydration: Symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can cause life-threatening dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.  

Detoxing alone is unsafe. Addiction is a disease that requires care. At Sheridan Grove Recovery, we offer compassionate, professional support to guide you toward lasting recovery. 

Common withdrawal symptoms 

Stopping opiate use causes withdrawal symptoms as the body adapts to the drug's absence. Symptom severity and duration vary based on usage duration and dependence level.  

Our medical professionals are here to support you through both the immediate and lasting challenges of opiate withdrawal. 

Types of opiate detox programs 

There are different levels of care for opiate detox, depending on the severity of your symptoms.  

Inpatient detox 

Inpatient opiate detox involves staying at our facility throughout the detox process, with 24/7 supervision. This option is ideal for individuals with a long history of use or those managing co-occurring physical or mental health conditions. 

At Sheridan Grove Recovery, detox includes: 

• Around-the-clock monitoring: Our medical team tracks vital signs like blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and oxygen levels regularly. 
• Tailored assessments: Tools like the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) ensure precise adjustments to MAT and care. 
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Buprenorphine or methadone may be introduced early to ease withdrawal and avoid complications. 
• Emotional care: Counselors and recovery coaches provide guidance to manage stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges. 
• Crisis support: Suicide risk is compassionately assessed and addressed without judgment. 

Your detox stay will typically last a few days to just over a week, depending on your health and progress. Upon discharge, you’ll receive a personalized follow-up plan and connections to our residential programming. 

Outpatient detox 

Outpatient heroin detox allows you to visit a treatment center for medication, counseling, and check-ins, while still returning home. It’s a suitable option for those with mild addictions and no co-occurring conditions.  

Also known as ambulatory detox, it provides flexibility, cost savings, and an opportunity to apply recovery skills in everyday life. However, it demands strong self-motivation, a supportive environment, and lacks the immediate care and monitoring of inpatient programs, which can increase the risk of relapse or delays in handling challenges.  

At Sheridan Grove Recovery, we do not offer outpatient detox, but our team is here to guide you toward the best treatment option. Contact us today for support. 

Residential treatment options 

After completing heroin detox under medical supervision, residential rehabilitation can be highly beneficial. Research indicates that spending more time in treatment improves the chances of maintaining heroin abstinence. Residential rehab provides ongoing support, including:  

• Clinical care: Therapy (individual and group), medical oversight, and case management  
• Holistic support: Services like nutrition guidance, secure housing, and creative therapies such as art, music, or writing  
• Skill-building: Workshops on employment skills, financial literacy, and fostering healthy relationships  
• Aftercare planning: Connecting with outpatient care, community resources, and peer support groups  

The duration of residential rehab varies—some programs are 30 days, while others extend to 90 days or more, tailored to individual progress and goals. At our Aurora, CO, center, we offer 21–30 day residential treatment programs to help you transition smoothly from detox to long-term recovery. 

Medication-assisted treatment for opiate detox 

MAT (medication-assisted treatment) is a regulated, therapeutic approach to managing withdrawal and recovery, not replacing one addiction with another. By reducing opiate cravings, MAT significantly lowers the risk of relapse during detox. 

Suboxone detox 

Suboxone is a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). It contains buprenorphine and naloxone, which work together to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. We use Suboxone detox as part of our MAT program to help individuals safely and comfortably detox from opioids. 

Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, but to a lesser extent. This helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms while also blocking the effects of other opioids if they are used during treatment.  

Methadone detox 

Methadone is another MOUD medication that can be used in MAT for opioid addiction. It is a full opioid agonist, meaning it activates the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, but to a greater extent. Methadone is often used for individuals with severe or long-term opioid addictions because it can effectively reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 

However, methadone also has a potential for abuse and can lead to dependence if not taken as prescribed. We'll work closely with you to determine the appropriate dosage and monitor your progress throughout treatment. 

Fentanyl and heroin detox protocols 

Fentanyl and heroin are two of the most commonly abused opioids, both known for their highly addictive and dangerous nature. Detoxing from these drugs can be extremely challenging due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms. 

To ensure your safety during fentanyl and heroin detox, our protocols involve a combination of medical supervision, medication-assisted treatment, and therapy. Our team will closely monitor your vital signs and provide medication to help ease withdrawal symptoms. We also offer therapy sessions to address any underlying issues that may have contributed to your addiction. 

Detox process and timeline 

During detox, withdrawal symptoms will arise as opiates are cleared from your body. Usually, this happens in a few days, but can feel longer without support. 

Detox timeline and stages 

Opiates can be short- or long-acting. Short-acting opiates typically produce withdrawal symptoms within 12 hours of the last dose, peaking between one and three days. Long-acting opiates may take up to 30 hours for withdrawal symptoms to appear, with a peak around the fourth day. 

Tapering protocols for safety 

The safest way for some people to detox includes gradual tapering strategies. Some strategies to ensure a smooth and supportive process include:  

• Gradual dose reduction: Doses are reduced by 5-10% per month to minimize withdrawal symptoms and allow the body to adjust naturally.  
• Collaborative planning: Patients are engaged through shared decision-making to create individualized tapering plans that align with their goals.  
• Behavioral health support: Mental health concerns are addressed with therapies like CBT and trauma-informed care to build healthy coping strategies.  
• Evidence-based symptom management: Non-addictive medications are used to manage discomfort and withdrawal symptoms effectively.  
• Continuous monitoring: Regular check-ins allow plans to be adjusted as needed, ensuring safety and flexibility throughout the journey.  

Managing post-acute withdrawal syndrome 

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a common challenge that occurs after the initial detox and withdrawal phase. It can last for weeks or months, and sometimes even longer, depending on the individual. We'll help you make a plan for managing PAWS after treatment, which might include: 

• Practice self-care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health by getting enough sleep, eating well-balanced meals, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. 
• Seek support from loved ones: Reach out to your friends and family for emotional support during this time. Let them know what you're going through so they can offer their understanding and encouragement.
• Attend therapy or counseling: Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate through post-acute withdrawal syndrome. They can also help you develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage the symptoms. 

Support during detox 

Opiate detox isn't just about managing withdrawal symptoms with medication. Building a strong foundation for recovery means addressing the root cause of your substance use and finding new ways to cope. 

Addiction counseling and mental health support 

Our clients have opportunities to learn new skills in various therapy settings:  

• Dual diagnosis care: We address addiction alongside co-occurring mental health disorders with therapy, psychiatric care, and medication management.  
• Group therapy: Provides peer support, shared learning, and accountability with topics like relapse prevention, anger management, and family dynamics.  
• Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions with counselors to set goals, explore emotions, and plan for lasting recovery. 

Role of support groups 

Opiate addiction is isolating, and community is a major part of recovery. Support groups, including 12-step and 12-step alternatives, provide a sense of belonging and understanding. These groups offer a safe and non-judgmental space to share experiences, learn from others, and receive support through difficult times. 

We help our clients connect with others in recovery, both at our center and by providing information on local support groups. Finding peers who have gone through similar struggles and built a successful recovery can be incredibly empowering. 

Family involvement in detox 

Detox is the next step in recovery. Whether it's your first time quitting opiates or you're returning after a setback, reconnecting with family can help you make better progress. We know that it's a challenge to rebuild trust with your loved ones. Our team can help you build the skills to make those bonds strong again.  

Holistic and complementary detox methods 

Medication-assisted treatment isn't the only part of detox. While it does help manage cravings, a holistic approach can give you more tools for success after treatment. 

Aftercare and relapse prevention planning 

The Sheridan Grove Recovery team wants to see you succeed in recovery. That's why our comprehensive programs give you the tools you need to keep making progress after completing treatment. 

Aftercare planning essentials 

Detox is just the first step. Effective aftercare planning is crucial for long-term recovery and includes: 

• Consistent support to navigate ongoing challenges  
• Establishing healthy routines for stability  
• Preparing for future stress and emotional moments  
• Building a strong, supportive peer network  
• Staying engaged to maintain progress and thrive in recovery  

Our team will help you develop an aftercare plan that's meaningful to you. Your plan will be more comprehensive when you attend residential treatment after detox. 

Dual diagnosis treatment 

Many people with opiate addiction also face mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Dual diagnosis care plays a critical role in aftercare and relapse prevention by:  

• Supporting long-term stability: Treating mental health alongside addiction reduces the risk of relapse and improves overall recovery outcomes.  
• Providing ongoing care: We can help you learn how to connect with specialists after treatment so you have access to the medications and therapies you need to manage your mental health.  
• Creating a safety net: Learning about your mental health and how it affects your cravings, triggers, and emotions can provide you with a safety net to help prevent relapse.  

Sheridan Grove Recovery provides residential treatment in addition to detox. This is a great chance to keep working on your mental health and self-care while you’re living in a safe, supportive environment.  

Strategies for relapse prevention 

Completing opiate detox is a big achievement, but recovery requires ongoing effort. The risk of relapse is highest within the first year, particularly in the initial days and weeks after detox.  

Key components of effective relapse prevention include: 

• Continued MAT: Staying on buprenorphine or methadone for the first several months lowers the risk of relapse and overdose. Your treatment team will customize a MAT plan for you. 
• Identifying triggers: Understanding high-risk situations, such as certain people, places, or emotional states, can help you stay on track. 
• Establishing daily structure: Building a routine that includes therapy, recovery meetings, healthy meals, and self-care supports long-term success. 
• Developing stress coping skills: Using strategies like deep breathing, taking breaks, or reaching out to crisis lines or supportive individuals when feeling overwhelmed. 
• Engaging in ongoing therapy: Participating in outpatient individual or group therapy to build skills and strengthen relapse prevention. 

We’re here to connect you with the right resources after treatment. Together, we’ll create a personalized relapse prevention plan to ensure you know where to turn for support whenever you need it. 

Practical considerations 

Insurance coverage for detox 

Compassionate, evidence-based care should be accessible to everyone who needs it. We accept all Colorado Medicaid plans. We also work with most commercial insurance carriers. Our team will walk you through paying for treatment, explain your benefits, and make sure you know exactly what to expect. 

Facts about detox and debunking myths