Opiate Addiction Treatment Programs

An opioid is in a family of drugs that includes both prescription and illicit drugs. The drugs are all opium based. Heroin, hydrocodone, OxyContin, methadone and codeine are a few examples of opioids. Opioid treatment is designed to help the body wean itself off the drug while the patient works on recovering from the psychological effects of the addiction. If you or someone you love needs help in recovering from opioid addiction, call us at (800) 660-0986. We have advisers standing by to give you the information and support you need to start opioid addiction treatment right away.

Signs That You are Addicted to Opioids

The signs of opioid addiction may be easier to spot in illegal drug users than in patients addicted to prescription opioids. However, the signs of addiction are the same for both types of the drug. An addict will exhibit some of the following symptoms:

• Taking more of the drug than the doctor prescribed.
• Crushing pills to snort, swallow, or inject them.
• Marks on the arms, feet or necks from injecting opioids. These are called track marks, and they look like small sores clustered in the injection area.
• Slurred speech, a sedated manner, slow movement, a slow pulse, and the inability to keep the head up, all without the presence of alcohol.
• Complaining of pain and taking medication for it long after the pain symptoms should have subsided.

When these signs of abuse are present, it is time to start exploring opioid rehab options.

Help for Opioid Addicts

Whether they take place in a residential opioid treatment facility or on an out-patient basis, opioid treatments begin with attention for the withdrawal symptoms. This withdrawal treatment involves a lengthy process that provides the best results if it includes medication. Once a patient has the opioid out of his or her system is ready to face sober life, aftercare programs are there to help.

Detox Centers and Withdrawal Treatment

The first stage in recovering from opiate addiction involves detox and withdrawal treatment. All opioid abuse treatments begin with some version of these programs because it is very important to get the drug out of your body, and you may need medical care during the process.

Opioid withdrawal is uncomfortable, and heavy users may experience the most severe symptoms. Fortunately, detox and withdrawal programs include the medications methadone, clonidine, naltrexone, and buprenorphine, which act much as the opiate does in the body without providing the euphoria that addicts feel. In specially-metered doses, these drugs help the body through withdrawal with minimal, if any, discomfort. Patients will continue the medicinal treatment through the next stage of rehab and after that stage is finished.

Inpatient Opioid Rehab

Opioid patients, like many other drug addicts, get psychological treatment in inpatient rehab. The treatment helps them get to the root of their addiction, find alternative ways to cope, and learn the tools needed to avoid relapse in the future. Exercise, nutritious meals, and mental health assessments supplement the treatment. Medical personnel also place prescription opioid addicts on structured pain management programs to help them deal with the pain that led to their addiction. Group, individual, and family sessions are all a part of the counseling program.

Inpatient treatment for opioid addiction often goes beyond the stereotypical month-long rehab. Opioids take longer to leave the body and require more coping tools and monitoring than do many other drugs. The length of a patient’s stay depends on his or her addiction and the underlying factors driving the addiction. Rehab stays of three, six, and twelve months are possible.

Intensive Outpatient Rehab

People who opt for intensive outpatient rehab still receive medications to prevent withdrawal symptoms and to aid in recovery. They live at home, go to work, and spend time with friends and family. However, they also have clinic visits, ranging from daily to every three days, to receive addiction treatment. These patients also receive group and individual therapies. They get pain management assistance from a doctor and mental health assessments as well. Patients in this program can expect to go to the rehab clinic between two and seven days each week for periods ranging from a few months to a year.

Aftercare / Addiction Counseling / Sober Living

After leaving the program, people can continue treatment with periodic group meetings and visits with a rehab counselor. If they choose to join sober living programs, treatment is similar to an intensive outpatient rehab, except that patients live in the facility and can come and go as needed. The facility is a half-way house where other recovering addicts live with light supervision. This is yet another step to transition the patient back into society.

Choose to Quit Opioids Now/Stage an Intervention for a Loved One

The only way to get treatment is to seek it. Call us now at (800) 660-0986. Our advisers are waiting to lend a hand in helping you find the opioid treatment centers nearest you that can help with your recovery. Start on the road to quitting opioids or helping a loved one recover now by giving us a call.