Briarwood Detox Center

Guide

Why Self-Medicated Opiate Detox at Home is Dangerous

Joint Commission accredited · In network with most major insurance · Admissions answered 24 hours a day

Written by

Anna-Grace Washington

Medical Content Writer

Medically reviewed by

Dr. William J. McCreight III, MD

Medical Director, 2019–2024

Published July 22, 2022

Reviewed and updated July 29, 2026

at Home is Dangerous

Briarwood Detox Center’s opioid detox program provides medically supervised, evidence-based care.

Table of contents

Opiates are narcotic substances that are most often prescribed by doctors for anti-inflammation, pain alleviation, and for other clinical usages. While opiates are very potent and helpful in the reduction of pain, their continued usage can cause dependence on the drugs. That is why doctors are very particular about the dosage of these drugs and do not recommend continued usage.

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However, many people acquire these drugs either legally or illegally for their pain alleviation. While opiates are helpful in small quantities, prolonged exposure causes acute addiction and it becomes almost impossible to lead a life without the same.

Some of the Common Opiates

Narcotics that are broadly termed opioids differ a lot in their composition. Usage and regulation. Some of them are strictly used in the medical sector while there are other usages for other materials.

Morphine is one of the most common pain relief drugs. It is used in hospitals, battlefields, and other areas. Others include opioids such as Fentanyl, Demerol, and Codeine. Interestingly, the illegal substance called heroin is also similar to these.

Impact of Opioid Addiction

First and foremost narcotics affect the regular and normal functioning of the brain. Prolonged exposure can cause lasting damage to the central nervous system. Another impact organ affected by opioids is the liver. The liver can be severely damaged due to opioids and when coupled with alcohol consumption, the impact can be dangerous and deadly.

Other organs such as kidneys, heart, lungs, and even intestines get affected by narcotic addiction.

Opiate Detox Process

Generally, a safe detox process includes preliminary analysis and testing by a medical professional who will be able to detect the level of addiction and the harmful effects on the organs. However, all forms of addiction will have a physical impact on the body and when narcotics are suddenly stopped and removed from the system, it could cause a shock in the system.

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Often unaided attempts at treating opioid addiction can cause unfavorable effects. It might cause chaotic action of the internal organs and can even result in cardiac arrest or seizures. Other minor effects of withdrawal could be

  • Lack of appetite
  • Inability to sleep
  • Nausea
  • Continuous feeling of tiredness
  • Weight loss
  • High irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Gastrointestinal problems.

That is why it is necessary to always enter detox under supervision. A highly qualified medical professional will help you with the correct dosage of drugs that you need to take for a smooth withdrawal.

Join Briarwood Detox Center

Briarwood Detox center in Texas is a joint commission accredited facility that provides the best opiate and opioid detox in the country. Our center is fully equipped to tackle the challenges that an individual faces during a withdrawal. With the presence of qualified doctors, psychiatrists, and other health professionals, you need not worry about your treatment.

We also accept a number of insurances and we provide the full spectrum of services right from detection to in-patient treatment to community support to personal monitoring. In short, our detox center provides you with the comfort of home treatment and the safety of the detox center.

Get Holistic Treatment & Residential Detox

From Briarwood Detox Center, we can provide you relief from substance abuse, using Holistic treatment methods. By combining your mental, physical and spiritual health, you will be out of this drug problem in no time at all. Also, we can enroll you in our Residential detox program where you will completely detox your body from the drugs in about 6-12 weeks.

If you’re ready to get help with overcoming your addiction, we offer detox programs in Austin, Houston, and Colorado Springs. Call (866) 710-7710 to speak with an admissions representative or contact us online today.

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Briarwood Detox Center offers medically supervised detox in Austin. Explore our locations, see the facility, and verify your insurance in minutes.

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