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Opiate detoxification is not administered in the same manner for every patient at Tarzana Treatment Centers. Medication schedules depend on the amount of opiates the patient used upon admission, as well as the length of prior continuous opiate use.

Obviously the amount of usage determines the starting dosage from which to taper. But the length of prior continuous opiate use determines care in the final days of medical detoxification.

According to Duane Carmalt, MD, who has detoxed thousands of opiate addicts over the past 30 years, the length of prior continuous opiate use can make the experience of medical detoxification like landing a helicopter or a space shuttle. Helicopters are smooth in the final phase of landing with no “jolt” experience of hitting the ground. Space shuttles approach landing smoothly, but, due to abrupt changes at landing time, that jolt is almost inevitable.

Dr. Carmalt explains that the “helicopter” type patients have used opiates continuously for a few months. They begin detox treatment at a certain dosage, determined by an assessment, which is tapered down until opiate detox is achieved. These patients’ Withdrawal symptoms are minimal throughout treatment, including the final day.

“Space Shuttle” patients have used opiates for a year or more. They generally experience the same minor withdrawal symptoms until the final 48 hours or so of treatment. They often experience a jolt of more significant opiate withdrawal symptoms in the final days of detoxing, and require a slower taper off the final doses of medication, which can extend their stay one or two more days.

Keep in mind that patient motivation is a major factor in drug and alcohol treatment, and can have an effect on the helicopter/space shuttle strata. In fact, a strong motivation for recovery is the best tool for paving a smooth landing area in opiate detox. Opiate tolerance also affects how a patient responds to detox medications, and can cause the “Space Shuttle” effect to occur earlier in detox treatment.

Patients planning to enter opiate drug addiction treatment at Tarzana Treatment Centers should take note of these factors in medical detoxification. Not only is it good to know what to expect from detox treatment, but it can also help in scheduling aftercare for those entering residential or outpatient drug treatment.

If you would like further details about opiate detox and treatment, please call us at 888-777-8565 or contact us here.

Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County and Orange County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley, and in Santa Ana.