You may have heard of the term before, but what is “dope sick,” exactly? “Dope sick” is the phrase used to describe the intense physical and psychological symptoms that a person experiences when they struggle with opioid addiction and then suddenly stop using the drug. Call [DIrect] to speak with someone from Recovery Ranch PA’s knowledgeable and experienced team about what it means to be “dope sick” and how our addiction therapy programs can help.
What Is “Dope Sick”?
When someone is struggling with addiction to opioids or opiates, their body has become accustomed to having these substances in its system. Commonly abused opioids and opiates include the following:
- Codeine – A medication used to treat mild pain
- Fentanyl – A powerful painkiller
- Heroin – An illegal opioid
- Hydrocodone – A prescription opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain
- Methadone – A synthetic opioid used to help manage withdrawal symptoms of opiate dependence
- Morphine – A powerful opioid often given to people in hospice care
- Oxycodone – Like hydrocodone, a prescription opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain
Without addictive substances like these, there are genuine physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms usually start within 12 hours of the last dose but can take up to a few days for more severe cases. Experiencing these symptoms is what it means to be “dope sick”—a situation that can be so uncomfortable that many think they have no choice but to go back to drug use to feel better.
Common Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
The most common opioid withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person depending on how long they have been using opioids and how much they have been taking lately. Common physical withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure levels
- Insomnia or sleep problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle aches and pains
- Sweats
- Tremors and abdominal cramps
Psychological withdrawal symptoms may include depression, anxiety or restlessness, and intense opioid cravings.
Benefits of Medical Detox at an Opioid Rehab Center
At Recovery Ranch PA, we offer medical detox, which helps patients manage their withdrawal symptoms through medications our physicians prescribe. The benefits of medical detox include the following:
- Medical detox helps people manage their withdrawal safely under medical supervision.
- Medications are prescribed by our physicians if needed during the detoxification process.
- Most medical detox programs include coping skills training for life after rehab.
- Most medical detox programs provide emotional support during recovery.
- Most medical detox programs provide counseling sessions focusing on identifying drug-use triggers.
For those struggling with opioid addiction and dope sickness in Pennsylvania, professional treatment is essential for overcoming these problems safely and effectively. Substance abuse treatment is necessary because it gives individuals the tools to maintain sobriety once they leave rehab successfully. This includes individual counseling sessions addressing underlying issues like trauma or mental health concerns driving substance abuse behaviors. Group therapy offers peer support from others going through similar struggles, while educational classes teach healthier ways of living without drugs or alcohol. In addition, aftercare programs like 12-Step meetings provide ongoing support even after leaving rehab.
Get Help for Dope Sickness in Pennsylvania at Recovery Ranch PA
For many individuals struggling with opioid addiction in Pennsylvania, understanding what “dope sick” is—and how professional treatment can help—is essential if they want any chance of success in their recovery journey. At Recovery Ranch PA, we provide medical detox services, counseling, and other therapies designed specifically for those struggling with substance abuse issues. Contact Recovery Ranch PA today at 717.969.9126 to learn more about dope sickness and how our knowledgeable and experienced staff can help you on the path to recovery.
