Opioid addiction also referred to as opioid use disorder (OUD), is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans. This addiction can affect anyone regardless of their background, or social or economic status.
Opioids are a class of drugs that are used to relieve pain, especially short-term pain such as that experienced after surgery or a dental procedure. Long-term use of these drugs puts the user at risk of developing tolerance and later addiction, and in the worst-case scenario, overdosing.
Understanding Opioid Addiction
Opioids can be broadly divided into prescription drugs e.g., hydrocodone (Vicodin or Lortab), morphine, codeine, and Oxycodone (Percocet or OxyContin), and illicit drugs e.g., heroin. They all have the same effect on the brain.
When opioids are taken, they act on the opioid and pain receptors in the brain. Other than relieving pain, these drugs can induce a feeling of euphoria. When taken over a long time, the user may develop tolerance, requiring ever-increasing doses to achieve the same effect. This may also lead to withdrawal symptoms once the individual reduces their dose or stops taking the drugs. These symptoms may include nausea, insomnia, agitation, and anxiety as well as muscle aches and spasms.
Opioid Addiction Treatment
Treating opioid addiction often involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The most common treatment methods include:
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
The three main medications used in treating opioid addiction are prescribed to help reduce cravings, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, or treat an overdose. Some are meant to be taken for a short while and then tapered off gradually while others are meant for overdose situations. The main medications include naltrexone (Vivitrol), Buprenorphine (Subutex, Suboxone), and methadone.
Inpatient or residential addiction treatment
In addition to medication, those struggling with opioid addiction may want to consider admission to a residential drug addiction treatment program. Inpatient programs allow you to reside at the treatment facility, giving you a break from the negative environment that led to your addiction. During your stay, you’ll start with detox and then move on to admission to an inpatient treatment program where you’ll undergo counseling to help you get better.
Individual psychotherapy
One of the treatment methods used during residential treatment is individual counseling. Here you have one-on-one meetings with a psychologist, counselor, or therapist. During these meetings, you’ll uncover the root cause of your addiction plus learn how to cope with the life or mental issues that contributed to the addiction.
Group therapy
Group therapy is usually part of an addiction treatment program. This involves a group of people dealing with the same addiction having a group discussion session led by a certified addiction specialist, counselor, or psychologist. Participating in group therapy allows you to interact with and receive support from others who have first-hand experience with opioid addiction.
Recovery is Possible
Overcoming opioid addiction may be challenging but recovery is possible with help from the Findlay® Recovery Centre in Ohio. We offer tailor-made, evidence-based treatment for substance abuse, including opioid addiction. Contact us today and let us help you achieve a better quality of life, free from addiction.
