Opioids are a class of drugs that act on the dopamine receptors in the brain and produce a euphoric effect often referred to as a “high.” They are also commonly used as a form of pain management and are prescribed by doctors in various forms. Opioid addiction is a common side affect of long term opioid use.
The terms opioids and opiates are commonly used interchangeably. However, “opiates” is a term that was originally coined to describe a group of substances that are naturally derived from the poppy plant, including opium, morphine, and heroin. Opioids have been used to describe substances whose chemical composition resemble opiates, but are synthetically made. Today, “opioids” is an overarching term used to describe all of the substances in this group, regardless of whether they were naturally occurring or synthetically-made.
Early detection can make a great difference when it comes to opioid abuse and addiction. This means knowing what the signs of addiction are. By being able to identify and address addiction early, not only will the withdrawal symptoms be less severe, but an individual could also be saved from a number of social, legal, financial, and physical consequences. Signs of opioid addiction include:
One of the major struggles of opioid addiction is the physically addictive nature of these drugs. Strong cravings are a common symptom of withdrawal and a reason why there are such high rates of relapse. This is why a higher level of care such as inpatient treatment, detox, and IOP is recommended to help individuals who are addicted to opioids. Recovery from opioid addiction doesn’t happen overnight. Expect to need a continuum of care at a trusted facility with highly trained professionals and an array of therapies starting with detox.
The first stage of recovery for individuals addicted to opioids is detox. An individual who is physically addicted to opioids will begin to develop cravings and potentially other withdrawal symptoms in as little as 6 hours after their last opioid use. The symptoms will challenge the individual in achieving their sobriety. A detox program provides physical and emotional support from day 1 until withdrawal symptoms have subsided. Additionally, living in a secluded, sober environment during this time helps remove any temptations or outside stressors that could lead to relapse. Withdrawal Symptoms Withdrawal Timelines
A medically assisted detox plan for opioid withdrawal includes a number of possible interventions that many ease withdrawal symptoms and speed up the timeline. Sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea are withdrawal symptoms that can quickly lead to dehydration, a dangerous health issue. Something as simple as an IV drip can provide much-needed hydration and electrolytes that someone in withdrawal would not otherwise have access to at home. Residential or inpatient detox patients are also provided with daily meals designed to provide nutrients, minerals, and sustenance that support the withdrawal process. Patients are also usually given supplemental vitamins.
For some individuals, a different medical approach is preferred. Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid medication that has been used for decades to help get opioid addicts off of heroin or other opioids and prevent the development of withdrawal symptoms that may trigger a relapse. It is a medication that binds to opioid receptors, prevents the development of withdrawal symptoms without creating a euphoric high, and blocks the euphoric effects of other opioids to remove the reward of opioid use.
This medication is often used to slowly wean an individual off of opioids when a straight abstinence-based detox model has not worked for them. In some cases, the patient will stay on methadone for extended periods of time in an effort to keep them from abusing illicit opioids and to control their dosing, which minimizes the risk of overdose. Highly regulated and only available through licensed methadone clinics, this medication has reduced in its prevalence and has been replaced with another medication, buprenorphine.
Buprenorphine was approved by the FDA in 2002 for use in treating opioid addiction. The chemical make-up of buprenorphine is that of a partial opioid antagonist. This means it is not exactly an opioid, but it can bind to opioid receptors in the brain to prevent the onset of withdrawal symptoms and produce pain-relieving effects.
Subutex, whose only active ingredient is buprenorphine, is highly effective in preventing withdrawal and providing pain relief. However, it does carry a relatively high risk of abuse. Although it may be used in an inpatient detox setting, Suboxone is currently the preferred method for outpatient medication-assisted treatment(MAT). The newest opioid maintenance option, Suboxone is a medication consisting of buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone is a full opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors similar to the way methadone does. However, if Suboxone is abused by injecting it directly into the bloodstream then the individual will quickly begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. This feature reduces the risk of Suboxone abuse and makes it a much better option for outpatient opioid detox.
Following detox, or while on Methadone or Suboxone, clients can enroll in a number of treatment options. The following treatment programs provide support during the first weeks and months of sobriety while helping develop skills and tools to prevent relapse.
The lowest level of care offered at Freedom Health is outpatient treatment for opioid addiction. Allowing clients to continue dedicating several hours per week to their recovery journey while still being able to maintain a full schedule outside of treatment. Outpatient treatment may be a good option for those who have experienced moderate levels of opioid addiction. As well as those who are transitioning out of higher levels of care.
Those who have been struggling with opioid addiction and have also been diagnosed with a mental health disorder can benefit from our dual diagnosis treatment program. This route is designed to provide treatment for both mental health concerns concurrently. Creating the greatest opportunity for recovery. Common co-occurring mental health disorders include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Our mental health counselors are highly trained in diagnosing and treating dual diagnosis patients.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, getting help sooner than later is going to be critical to recovery. Our admissions counselors and intervention specialists can help. Ensuring that an individual in need is able to access the right support in a timely and appropriate manner. Don’t wait for another second, make the call now!
