Opioid and Opiate Detox at We Level Up Lake Worth FL

The Scope of the Crisis

The statistics paint a sobering picture:

• In Florida, opioid overdoses claim nearly 11 lives daily
• Nearly 80,000 Americans die from opioid overdoses annually
• The economic burden of the opioid crisis in the United States was a staggering $2.7 trillion in 2023 alone 

Opioid addiction is especially dangerous because it can affect people from all walks of life. From teenagers experimenting with pills to older adults managing chronic pain, opioid dependence can develop in anyone. The transition to dependency often happens gradually, with many people unaware they’re developing an addiction until they try to stop.

The good news? With proper medical detoxification and comprehensive treatment, recovery is achievable—and it starts with recognizing the signs.

Medication-Assisted Treatment: A Game-Changer

At We Level Up Lake Worth, we use Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to manage withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively. These medications work by either activating the same receptors as opioids (but in a controlled, less euphoric way) or by blocking opioid effects entirely.

Buprenorphine combined with naloxone (brand name Suboxone): A medication that eases opioid withdrawal and reduces cravings without causing a significant high like other opioids. Because its effects don’t increase beyond a certain point (the “ceiling effect”), it has a lower risk of abuse.

Clonidine: A medication that eases many opioid withdrawal symptoms, even though it’s not an opioid. It’s particularly helpful for anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, sweating, and runny nose.

Methadone: A treatment option for individuals with severe, chronic opioid dependence. Its longer duration of action provides a stable alternative that suppresses withdrawal symptoms while enabling normal functioning.

Naltrexone: A medication given after someone has completed detox. It blocks opioid receptors in the brain. This means that if the person uses opioids again, they won’t experience the usual pleasurable effects or “high.”

Our medical team carefully monitors vital signs throughout detox, adjusting medications as needed to ensure comfort and safety. This medical oversight is crucial—studies show that medically supervised detox is up to 3 times more likely to lead to successful long-term recovery compared to unsupervised attempts.

Beyond medications, we may provide IV fluids when necessary, nutritional support, and comfort medications to address specific symptoms like insomnia or muscle pain. This comprehensive approach transforms what could be an unbearable experience into a manageable—though still challenging—process.

The Withdrawal Timeline For Opioid Detox 

Opioid withdrawal typically follows a predictable pattern, though the intensity and duration vary based on the specific drug used, duration of use, and individual factors:

Early Withdrawal (8-12 hours after last use)

• Anxiety and restlessness
• Excessive yawning
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Runny nose and teary eyes
• Sweating and chills

Peak Withdrawal (12-24 hours after last use)

• Diarrhea and abdominal cramping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dilated pupils
• Insomnia
• Intense cravings
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat and elevated blood pressure

Late Withdrawal (36-72 hours after last use)

• Continued psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety)
• Fatigue
• Gradually diminishing physical symptoms
• Persistent cravings

While rarely life-threatening, opioid withdrawal can lead to severe dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea, and the intense discomfort drives many people back to using—often at dangerous doses as tolerance may have decreased during the attempted detox.

Selecting the right detox facility makes all the difference in your recovery journey. At We Level Up Lake Worth, we’ve created a healing environment that combines clinical excellence with genuine compassion—because we understand that effective detox addresses both the body and the spirit.

State-of-the-Art Facility

Our Lake Worth center offers a peaceful retreat from the turmoil of addiction. The facility features:

• Modern medical equipment for continuous monitoring
• Nutritiously prepared meals that support nutritional recovery
• Outdoor spaces for reflection and recreation
• Semi-private rooms with comfortable furnishings
• Spacious common areas for community support

The environment itself becomes part of the healing process—clean, calm, and removed from triggers and stressors.

Expert Medical Team

Our staff includes board-certified addiction medicine physicians, experienced nurses, and licensed therapists who specialize in addiction treatment. This interdisciplinary team works together to create personalized detox plans that address your specific:

• Co-occurring mental health conditions
• Medical history and current health status
• Personal recovery goals
• Previous detox attempts
• Type and duration of opioid use

This isn’t one-size-fits-all care—it’s treatment tailored to your needs.

Beyond Detox: Comprehensive Care

While detox addresses physical dependency, true recovery requires healing the whole person. That’s why our program integrates:

• Group counseling for peer support and shared learning
• Family therapy to rebuild damaged relationships
• Holistic treatments like meditation, yoga, and art therapy
• Individual therapy to address underlying issues
• Life skills training for sustainable recovery
• Nutritional counseling to restore physical health

We begin planning for the next phase of treatment from day one, ensuring a smooth transition from detox to rehabilitation. This continuity of care improves long-term outcomes, as the critical period immediately following detox carries high relapse risks if not properly managed.

Safety First: Minimizing Medical Risks

Opioid withdrawal can create complications that become dangerous without proper care:

• Aspiration from vomiting
• Electrolyte imbalances from fluid loss
• Elevated blood pressure in those with heart conditions
• Exacerbation of underlying medical conditions
• Severe dehydration requiring IV intervention

Our 24/7 medical monitoring means these complications are identified and addressed immediately, preventing minor issues from becoming serious problems.

Comfort Matters: Reducing Withdrawal Severity

The discomfort of withdrawal drives many back to using. Our medication-assisted approach significantly reduces this discomfort, making it possible to get through detox without the overwhelming suffering that characterizes “cold turkey” attempts.

Studies show that patients in medically managed detox report  a significant reduction in withdrawal symptom severity compared to unassisted withdrawal. This improved comfort isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating a sustainable path to recovery.

Building Momentum for Recovery

Professional detox does more than clear opioids from your system—it establishes a foundation for lasting change, as you’ll:

• Begin addressing co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety or depression
• Connect with peers who understand your journey
• Develop a realistic plan for continued treatment
• Learn coping strategies for managing cravings and triggers
• Work with therapists who help you understand addiction’s root causes

This comprehensive approach transforms detox from simply “getting clean” to “beginning recovery”—an essential distinction for long-term success.

Breaking the Cycle of Shame

Perhaps most importantly, professional detox helps break the cycle of shame that often accompanies addiction. In our supportive environment, you’ll find understanding instead of judgment, compassion instead of criticism, and hope instead of despair.

This shift in perspective can be transformative. Many clients report that for the first time, they can see themselves as someone struggling with a medical condition rather than a moral failing—a perspective that significantly improves recovery outcomes.