Opioid Addiction Treatment

Although opioid addiction can be fatal, there are ways to treat it. Here are some of the most popular methods to treat opioid addiction:

1) Physical dependence and detox:

Opioid addiction can be a complicated condition and requires multifaceted treatment. Opiate drugs can have a variety of effects on the body. Different people may experience different effects. Some people will become dependent on opioids while others won’t. Medically supervised detoxification can be provided for those who have developed dependence.

When opioids are introduced into the bloodstream, physical dependence can develop. This is known as upregulation. It means your brain and body are learning to cope with the opioids. To feel normal and maintain homeostasis they must continue to produce more receptors and enzymes that interact with the drug. Your body won’t have enough adaptations to stop abruptly taking opioids, and this can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as:

-Nausea

-Vomiting

-Diarrhea

-Muscle pain

-Sweating

It could be dangerous for your health to go through withdrawal symptoms unsupervised. Dehydration, nausea, vomiting and other complications could lead to you being admitted to an emergency room.

2) Opioid Addiction Treatment:

You can use medication to treat opioid addiction alone or with counseling and behavioral therapy. Sometimes, medication-assisted therapy (MAT) can be used to help those who are addicted to opioids stop using them and stay drug-free.

Methadone, an opioid medication, has been used to treat heroin addiction for over 40 years. Methadone is usually taken in the form of a tablet or liquid. However, it can also be administered intravenously via a pump attached or under the skin. Methadone prevents cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Patients are able to stay longer in addiction treatment because they don’t experience withdrawal symptoms or cravings as often.

Buprenorphine is another opioid medication that can be used to treat opioid addiction–specifically, an addiction to heroin or other prescription painkillers like Vicodin (hydrocodone), OxyContin (oxycodone), Percocet (oxycodone), codeine, morphine, fentanyl, methadone and hydromorphone. Buprenorphine can be called a partial antagonist because it attaches only partially to the brain’s receptors. This reduces patients’ desire for opioids. Buprenorphine can also help reduce withdrawal symptoms which makes it easier for patients stay longer in treatment.

3) Counseling and Behavioral Therapy:

To treat opioid addiction, counseling and behavioral therapies can be used. These therapies can help people manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a healthy manner. Counselling and behavioral therapy can be performed individually or in groups. People often seek group therapy to address common problems, such as substance abuse.

Counseling is designed to help patients understand how drug abuse has affected their lives, and to provide guidance on what to do to stop using drugs. Counseling can help patients learn skills that will allow them to manage situations that could normally cause stress, without resorting to drugs.

Behavioral therapies are designed to change negative behavior into positive ones, in order for people to sobriety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps patients recognize harmful thoughts patterns and help them change them. Motivational interviewing (MI) helps patients make small changes to increase their motivation. Dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, teaches patients how they can regulate their emotions while maintaining healthy relationships.

4) Residential Treatment:

The most intense form of addiction treatment is residential treatment. However, it’s also one of the most effective. This treatment model requires that you live in a sober living home or residential treatment center for at least 30 days and work with an addiction specialist to help you through your recovery. People who have failed to receive treatment or have had difficulty maintaining sobriety in an outpatient setting are better suited for residential programs.

Residential programs can be expensive and require commitments from clients that may prove difficult to keep. They offer many benefits.

Safe place to stay while you are in recovery

– A safe environment that doesn’t encourage you to use drugs or alcohol again

– An opportunity to focus on your recovery and not worry about outside distractions

– Supportive community of people who understand your feelings

– One-on-1 therapy to address any underlying issues. – A structured program that will help you stay sober after you leave.