How Can I Recover From Opioid Addiction?
Opioids are extremely powerful drugs that can trigger an addiction. Whether you’ve taken prescription drugs or use illicit opioids, there is hope for addiction recovery. By learning the steps towards treatment, you are one step ahead towards sobriety.
We’ve heard the term “opioid crisis” in the news and other forms of media outlets, and it is for a reason. There is no other drug that causes widespread addiction and destruction of lives than opioids. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. The leading drug of choice in these accidental deaths are opioids.
Opioids come in many forms, and their legal purpose is for pain management. Although these drugs relieve even the most severe pain in patients, it also comes with pleasurable effects due to its capability to release high amounts of dopamine in the brain. This effect is what causes opioid-seeking behaviors which is the first sign of addiction.
Opioid Addiction Treatment Programs
Perhaps you’ve come across this post after thinking to yourself: “I need help with opiate addiction.” If these thoughts resonate with you, we commend you for taking the first step! It takes a brave heart to acknowledge that you need help with an addiction.
Having said that, there are various types of opioid addiction treatment options for you to choose from. This all depends on your unique situation–there is no one-size-fits-all approach to substance use disorder rehab. What works for others may be different from what works for you.
Before learning about the options available for you, it may be helpful to understand the signs of opioid addiction, especially if you are looking for information on behalf of a loved one as well.
Signs That You Suffer From Opioid Addiction
There are different signs that someone is suffering from opioid abuse. Including in this list are signs and symptoms on three different domains: Physical, Mental/Emotional, and Behavioral. If you notice most of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it is possible that they are suffering from opioid addiction–it is best to get help right away before the condition worsens.
Physical signs
- Weight loss: Opioid addiction causes people to lose interest in other naturally pleasing activities such as eating. Sicknesses due to opioid use can also lead to weight loss.
- Drowsiness: This powerful drug causes many muscles, both voluntary and involuntary, to relax artificially. As a result, the person may always appear drowsy or fatigued.
- Flu-like symptoms: Muscle aches, fever, colds, and nausea are also signs of opioid withdrawal or a lower dose of the drug.
Mental/Emotional signs
- Depression and anxiety: Depression and anxiety are common for drug addiction sufferers because they are dependent on the substances just to “feel normal”. The heightened threshold of pleasure causes them to be depressed and anxious when they don’t have a supply of the drug.
- Personality disorders: Drugs can also cause different types of personality disorders or exacerbate them for those who have it already. Schizophrenia, bipolar, or borderline personality disorders can sometimes be seen with sufferers as well.
Behavioral signs
- Isolation from family and friends: Some addicts feel a sense of shame with their problems, or just want to keep their opioid habits private. Thus, they may isolate themselves with family and friends.
- Presence of drug paraphernalia: If you are suspecting substance use disorder in a loved one, you may notice syringes, plastic packets, glass tubes, and other types of drug paraphernalia in their belongings.
- Financial problems: An opioid habit can cause a lot of money. Thus, people can experience financial problems related to frequent use.
- Loss of interest in previous pursuits and responsibilities: Those with opioid addictions can also have a decline in performance at school, work, or home responsibilities. In severe cases, they may skip these pursuits altogether.
Inpatient opioid rehab
The best way to battle an opioid addiction with the least risk of relapse and overdose is through an inpatient opioid rehab. It is important to find high-quality opiate addiction treatment centers that are licensed, and have the appropriate facilities needed for inpatient rehab.
What to expect during inpatient opioid rehab:
- Clients are asked to stay within the rehab facility in 30, 60, or 90-day intervals.
- They will go through the stages of rehab such as medical detox, treatment proper, and aftercare instructions.
- The first few days up to a week will be dedicated to managing withdrawal symptoms. Once the client is stable, they will be able to go through several treatment options such as 12-Step Rehab, Non-12-Step, Holistic rehab, Dual Diagnosis, among many others.
Detoxification Centers
Although this is usually part of inpatient rehab, some patients with opioid addiction prefer to have medical detox only while receiving support in their local resource centers. Medical detox is the process of lessening the dependency of the patient to opioids, either through tapering off the dosages or use of medications. Many opioid treatment centers offer medically assisted treatment (MAT) along with the inpatient rehab option.
What to expect during detox:
- Clients will be staying in the rehab facility during the period of detox which can last from days until a couple of weeks.
- There will be healthcare professionals on standby during treatment to assist in a safe and effective detox process.
- Clients have the option of staying for treatment or being discharged after detox.
During detox, clients are asked to stay in the facility until they are clear from experiencing the effects of opioid withdrawal.
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Intensive Outpatient Rehab
In some cases, patients do not have the option of staying for long intervals in the rehab facility. Others who need help with opiate addiction have mild conditions that they want to manage using evidence-based strategies at home. Many top-notch rehab centers offer an Intensive Outpatient Opioid Program (IOP) for clients who want a customized treatment without the lodging and leaving responsibilities temporarily.
What to expect during IOP for opioid abuse
- Clients can either receive referrals and written instructions on how to manage triggers, reduce cravings, or deal with life stressors in terms of substance use disorder.
- They also have the option of attending classes, counseling, and treatments without having to stay in the rehab facility, unlike inpatient clients.
- Family members and other loved ones in the immediate home environment are encouraged to have strong participation in the client’s IOP for positive results.
Aftercare
Aftercare programs are just as crucial as the treatment themselves in the sense that they prevent the chances of addiction relapse. Before the detox, inpatient, or outpatient program is over, the clients will be provided with aftercare instructions to help them stay motivated in staying sober. Aftercare programs can include:
- Referrals to counseling and support groups: Patients can be instructed to continue in their counseling sessions and become plugged in with local addiction support groups.
- Nutrition and fitness instructions: Having a healthy body is essential to avoiding stress and being addiction-free. Addiction specialists in partnership fitness experts will provide a nutrition and fitness guide that clients can follow through.
- Healthy habits and sample schedule: Many recovering addicts cannot imagine what a day is like without the use of substances. It can help to offer a sample guide on the list of things they can do to prevent idleness as an open door for relapse.
Finding A Rehab
Effective rehab centers can be challenging to come by, especially ones that are geared toward opioid addiction recovery. Here is a simple guideline when finding a quality rehab center you can trust:
- Make sure that the rehab center is a licensed facility with qualified professionals.
- Check if they accept major insurance providers to cover service expenses.
- Look into the treatment programs and see if they have varied options for opioid addiction treatment.
- Ask pertinent questions about lodging facilities, assessment and management, what to expect, and other concerns you may have regarding treatment.
If the rehab facility can truthfully and confidently answer your questions, this can help you make an informed decision about a life-changing process.
Opioid Recovery Is Within Your Reach
The information provided above will hopefully provide people with a clear picture of how codeine addiction treatment is. By providing education, we hope to encourage people to recognize the signs, ask questions, and seek substance use disorder treatment as they need it.
Sources:
- Virginia.edu – “Opioid Addiction 2016 Facts and Figures”.
- Nami.org – “Borderline Personality Disorder”.
- Lifetothefullest.abbott – “Eating Stress-Relieving Foods Can Help Lower Anxiety”.
Medical disclaimer:
Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.
Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.
