Opiate addiction is a problem that has been growing in the United States for the past decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a 300% increase in opiate overdose deaths from 1999 to 2024, which is an alarming statistic. Find out more about the dual diagnosis recovery option here.
Opiate Addiction
It is a condition that is characterized by the addiction to both opiates and other drugs, such as alcohol. Opioids are a classification of drugs that include morphine, heroin, oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®, Norco®), and codeine.
Opiate Addiction Symptoms
According to experts in The Edge Treatment, the symptoms of opioid use disorder can vary from person to person because everyone has different tolerances for these substances. Some common signs include:
- Cravings for opioids
- Decreased attention span
- Difficulty concentrating or staying focused
- Mood swings
- Nausea/vomiting
- Constipation
- Problems with memory loss
- Sleepiness
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Social isolation
- Weight changes
- Cognitive impairment
- Poor decision-making ability
- Financial issues
- Legal issues
- Family conflicts
- Employment difficulties
- School performance
- Relationship troubles
- Tolerance
- Increased usage
Opiate Addiction Treatment Options
The most common treatment options for opiate addiction are a detoxification program, inpatient rehab, and outpatient rehabilitation. A person who is struggling with opioid use disorder will need one of these three programs because they provide the professional care that is needed to address their symptoms from this illness. Head over to The Hader Clinic to find out more about addiction treatment.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Inpatient rehab centers offer short-term intensive help by providing round-the-clock supervision at a facility where medical personnel can assist them through withdrawal symptoms if necessary. The length of stay ranges between 28-90 days depending on the severity of the condition and whether or not other drugs were involved in addition to opioids. If you go through an inpatient recovery program, you might be prescribed some medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone®) or methadone to help with withdrawal symptoms.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
This type of treatment is considered more suitable for low-risk individuals who are not experiencing severe physical dependence on opioids, although it may still be helpful in some cases where the person has developed a tolerance to these drugs. Outpatient rehabilitation programs provide similar treatments as an inpatient facility but without round-the-clock supervision and at facilities that do not offer medical detoxification services if necessary.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers
Are you seeking treatment for opiate addiction? Do you have a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as bipolar or anxiety? If so, it is even more important to get help. The best way to recover from drug addiction is by getting the right treatment!
A dual diagnosis treatment center can also address opioid use disorder along with any other mental illnesses that you might have such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorders because they specialize in treating addiction alongside coexisting conditions. Most people will need this type of treatment program because it can provide the comprehensive care that they need to recover.
A dual diagnosis can be very difficult to overcome without professional assistance. You need the medical expertise of doctors and therapists who understand what you are going through and can provide comprehensive care that includes both medications and therapy sessions. A dual diagnosis will benefit those recovering from opioid addiction because people with this problem often suffer from another mental illness too. Approximately 65% of addicts also deal with depression or other forms of anxiety disorders, which may lead them to use substances in the first place. By treating the mental health disorder, you will be helping your opiate addiction recovery process.
About Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers
Dual diagnosis facilities offer drug rehab programs alongside mental health treatments such as counseling services, group therapy sessions, and family support groups where people who have similar conditions can connect in a comfortable environment. Recovery from opioid use disorder involves addressing both itself along any underlying psychological issues that may have led to the addiction.
How Treatment Works
Treatment is typically a long-term process that spans several months and includes multiple phases such as detoxification, stabilization, cognitive therapies to address any psychological issues related to the addiction, and relapse prevention. This type of program requires commitment from those who are struggling with opioid use disorder because it takes time for them to learn how to live without their drug of choice so they can be successful in recovery.
Opiate Addiction Recovery Process
The main goal during this phase is abstinence where you will go through withdrawal symptoms if necessary along with learning about effective strategies for coping with triggers or cravings when they occur. Medications may also be used during treatment, which includes buprenorphine (Suboxone®) or methadone to help individuals reduce cravings.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This therapy focuses on helping people identify their triggers, thoughts, and behaviors that lead to drug use so they can avoid these situations or cope with them more effectively if they do occur. The goal is for you to learn how your actions impact the way that you feel along with any problems in your life which led to addiction as well as prevent a relapse from occurring afterward.
Self-help programs, such as 12 step groups, are included here too because they provide similar treatments for those who want a peer support group where members share personal experiences about recovery from opioid abuse. Watching other people recover from this condition helps those who are struggling to stay motivated when it comes time for them to make lifestyle changes themselves after treatment ends.
Relapse Prevention
This final phase is designed to help you maintain your sobriety once treatment ends. You’ll learn about coping skills that will calm cravings or triggers that might tempt you in the future along with relapse prevention plans if necessary. Continued support from family members and friends can make this process easier for people who are struggling too because they can encourage recovery instead of giving up on them when the going gets tough like many loved ones do after addiction takes over their lives.
Opioid Addiction Treatment Examples
Here are some examples of opioid use disorder treatment programs:
- Residential Treatment Centers (inpatient rehab)
- Outpatient Rehabilitation
- Dual Diagnosis Facilities (coexists mental health disorders)
- 12 Step Programs (self-help)
- Halfway Houses (transitional housings)
- Long Term Rehabilitation Centers (long-term rehabs).
So, there you have it, folks. Don’t suffer in silence, instead seek professional help for your overall wellness.