Opiate Rehab

Effective Programs to Overcome Opiate Drug Abuse

Substance abuse is perhaps one of the most debilitating diseases that one can suffer from. As far as drug addiction goes, opioid abuse is particularly damaging to both those using it and their loved ones.

If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid dependence, read on to learn more about the condition, as well as what different types of treatment options for opiate rehab are available at Icarus Behavioral Health in Nevada.

What Substances Can Result In An Opioid Addiction?

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and prescription opioids available legally by prescription for treating chronic and severe pain. Opioid use disorder is a chronic medical condition in which a person cannot stop using opioids despite the negative consequences of doing so.

The condition includes two components: chemical dependency on opioids and psychological dependence. These substances act on the brain by activating opioid receptors in the central nervous system, which blocks pain signals in the brain and results in pain relief with feelings of euphoria. Opioids are highly addictive and, as a result, represent a significant risk if not used under supervision and with caution.

Some Statistics On Opiate Addiction In The United States

Drug abuse in all of its various permutations is a problem globally. The opioid crisis is a complex issue that affects every sector of our society. It’s also one that has been around for decades but has recently become more prevalent due to an increase in prescription opioid use. In fact, in 2022, US Overdose deaths increased by at least 15%.

In fact, CDC statistics reveal that in 2021, over 100,000 persons passed away from drug abuse. The vast majority of these were opioid overdose-related deaths. Additionally, research shows us that anywhere between 3 to 19% of persons who take prescription opioids become addicted to them. These statistics paint a stark and startling picture quite clearly. Firstly, the substance abuse crisis is not going away by any means. Secondly, the importance of addiction treatment programs and awareness is more critical than ever.

What Are The Risk Factors For Developing An Opioid Use Disorder?

The risk factors that make a person susceptible to developing an opiate addiction or substance use disorder are diverse. While some factors have biological roots and others are environmental, all of them work together to determine how likely it is that someone will develop an addiction. Some of the more common risk factors are:

Genetics

A family history of addiction is one of the most significant risk factors for developing an opiate addiction or substance use disorder. People who have close family members with drug problems are more likely to develop an addiction than those who don’t, even if they never use drugs themselves. Another aspect of genetics that may affect this risk factor is neurodivergence. Increasing research suggests that persons on the autism spectrum or who have ADHD are at risk of developing substance addiction.

Environment

Opiate addiction is associated with a number of environmental factors, including poverty and stress levels. The environments in which people live can increase the risk that they develop an opiate addiction. For example, people who live in areas where there is limited access to healthcare and other services are less likely to seek treatment for their addiction than those who live in more affluent or well-served communities.

Mental Health Disorders

Mental disorders are risk factors for developing an opiate addiction. Those with mental health disorders are much more likely to develop an opiate addiction. Some of the most common mental illnesses that lead to this risk include:

• Depression or other mood disorders – Depressive symptoms include feeling sad and empty, having no energy or motivation, and having trouble sleeping or concentrating.
• Anxiety – Anxiety is a feeling of fear, nervousness, and worry about the future. Anxiety can also cause physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, racing heart, and chest pain that mimic the effects of withdrawal from drugs like heroin and prescription painkillers.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – PTSD is a condition caused by experiencing a traumatic event such as war, sexual assault, or abuse.

Mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to disease control and treating opioid addiction. The vast majority of cases of substance abuse problems that have an underlying mental health disorder are a result of persons trying to self-medicate for their symptoms.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms And Why They Make The Recovery Journey Difficult

Addicted persons can begin to experience opioid withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours of discontinuation of opiates. The severity of opiate withdrawal symptoms generally correlates with the degree of opioid dependence, but may also be influenced by other factors such as age, gender, genetics, and duration of use.

These symptoms are very uncomfortable and they can make the withdrawal process exceptionally difficult. If someone has been using opiates for a long time, then it may be very hard for them to stop using drugs without the help of medical professionals. Opiate withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and emotional and include:

• Body aches
• Chills and sweats
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dilated pupils
• Goosebumps or shivering (a sign of chills)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Runny nose
• Stomach cramps and muscle spasms
• Intense drug cravings
• Anxiety
• Mood Swings

Withdrawal symptoms can last for days or even weeks. Opiate withdrawal symptoms are not only uncomfortable, but they can also be downright dangerous. The nervous system is thrown into a state of chaos as the body tries to adjust to the absence of the substance. Withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that many persons relapse, deciding to go back on the substance just to end the agony. This is what makes recovery from addiction to opiates so difficult without support from a treatment center or clinic.

Why Professional Opioid Addiction Treatment is a Gamechanger

Opioid treatment programs are hands down, the best option for treating opiate addiction. The reason why professional treatment is so helpful is that it takes place in a controlled environment where your safety is guaranteed. The staff of addiction specialists is trained to provide you with the best care possible, so you won’t have any issues while you’re there.

Another reason why professional treatment is beneficial is that it helps tackle issues that may be caused by addiction. For example, if you’re struggling with co-occurring mental health disorders (such as depression or anxiety), this might be part of what makes you want to use drugs or alcohol in the first place. Opioid rehab helps treat these underlying issues so they don’t cause problems in your life anymore.

There are many different types of professionals who work in the opiate treatment field, such as doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and others. Each one has its own role to play in acting as a support for your own unique needs and helping you recover from your addiction.

The Differences Between Outpatient And Inpatient Rehab

When seeking help via an opioid addiction treatment center, the first aspect of treatment options that clients need to educate themselves about is the idea of outpatient and inpatient rehab. Read on to discover how these two treatment modalities differentiate themselves from each other.

Outpatient rehab is a form of treatment that allows you to continue your daily life while receiving treatment for your substance use disorder. Treatment can be done at a facility or in the community, and it typically involves regular visits with a therapist or counselor. Outpatient rehab cost is usually the most appropriate form of care for people who do not need full-time residential treatment but still need help dealing with their substance use disorder.

The Foundational Benefits of Residential Programs for Opiate Treatment

Inpatient treatment is a form of residential care that can be the most effective way to address opiate addiction. The goal of this form of opiate treatment is to help people re-establish their lives after years of substance abuse. The primary goal of inpatient treatment is to help clients achieve and maintain sobriety while also providing them with support during their journey toward recovery. Inpatient treatment generally lasts for 30 days or more, but shorter stays may be available depending on the patient’s needs and recovery goals.

In general, Inpatient is the most intense type of treatment program for opioid addiction. It typically comprises more active support and more components than outpatient rehab. Also, in terms of cost, outpatient rehab programs are typically cheaper than inpatient. This is due to the fact that they just include less intensive support and resources when compared to residential care.

What Treatment Options Are Most Common In Opiate Rehab

Opioid treatment programs can make use of a range of physical and mental health services. The goal of any opioid treatment program is to ensure that the client achieves sobriety and is set up with a foundation and support structures to maintain that sobriety. These treatment programs often involve support at every phase of the recovery process.

It should also be noted that every person has unique needs and circumstances that dictate their treatment to be tailored to them. Many treatment centers understand this and include alternative therapies in addition to evidence-based approaches. Read on to learn more about some of the more common treatment options used for addressing opioid use disorders.

Detox

The detoxification process can be used to help treat opiate addiction. When an individual uses opiates, these drugs interact with certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for producing pleasurable feelings and emotions. Opiates also affect several other areas of the body that control breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The medical detox process involves getting rid of all drugs in your system so that your body can begin to heal itself and return to normal functioning without the influence of substances.

Medication Assisted Treatment in a Safe Setting

Medical detox can be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting, but most people choose to go through this process at a rehabilitation facility that offers medical assistance during withdrawal. Inpatient treatment offers greater privacy, security, and convenience compared to outpatient treatment, which requires you to travel back and forth between home and treatment facilities on a daily basis.

Medical professionals will closely monitor your condition throughout this time so they can provide appropriate medication (known as medication-assisted treatment) if necessary to treat any uncomfortable symptoms associated with withdrawal from these drugs.

Behavioral Therapy

The process of professional opiate addiction rehabilitation is a multi-faceted approach that involves both medical and behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy is used to help clients address the underlying issues that caused their drug abuse in the first place. This includes addressing any past trauma, as well as learning new coping skills for dealing with stress and anxiety. Behavioral therapy also helps clients learn how to manage triggers that might lead them to use drugs again.

To help clients overcome their addiction, they will also receive counseling. This can include individual and group counseling sessions with a therapist. Group therapy allows clients to share their experiences with others who are going through similar struggles. This can be an effective way to gain support from other people who are dealing with similar problems as well as provide an outlet for expressing emotions or sharing experiences.

One on One Therapy and Individual Attention

Individual counseling sessions allow clients to work on specific issues they may be facing that relate directly to their drug abuse. These sessions are usually conducted by a licensed professional who can help individuals develop healthy coping skills so they don’t have to rely on drugs when faced with stressful situations in life.

There are a few frameworks that underpin the behavioral therapy used in treatment. Some of the more common ones are:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This method seeks to identify the thoughts and feelings that cause an individual to use drugs or alcohol and then helps them change their behavior by changing these thought patterns.
• Motivational interviewing (MI): With this method, individuals are encouraged to consider all aspects of their lives while they are being treated for their addiction. This helps them decide whether or not they want treatment and helps them prepare for rehabilitation programs once they have decided that this would be beneficial for them.
• Contingency management (CM): This method involves offering incentives for completing steps related to recovery from addiction, such as attending counseling sessions or making certain changes in one’s life.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment is a specialized form of addiction treatment that deals with the simultaneous treatment of two or more disorders. These include substance use disorder, mental illness, and other co-occurring conditions. Treating both conditions at once can be helpful in reducing the risk of relapse and improving the overall quality of life.

Treatment for dual diagnosis includes medication, therapy, and support groups. Medications can help treat both disorders, while behavioral therapy helps you learn how to cope with stress without using drugs or alcohol. Support groups offer encouragement from others who understand what you’re going through.

Alternative Therapies

The use of alternative therapies has grown increasingly popular in recent years because they are often less expensive than traditional methods of treatment. They also provide clients with something other than medication-based treatment options. Aftercare is an important part of the recovery process, which is why it’s essential that it’s incorporated into most treatment programs. Aftercare helps you maintain your sobriety once you’ve completed rehab.

Alternative therapies include:

• Acupuncture
• Breathwork
• Massage therapy
• Yoga

When combined with evidence-based approaches, alternative therapies have been shown to improve the rate of maintained sobriety and recovery. They provide the client with more habits and tools that enable them to stabilize when struggling.

Addiction Treatment Aftercare Porgrams

Aftercare is an important part of the recovery process for people who have completed professional opiate addiction rehabilitation. It can help them to sustain their sobriety and make a long-term commitment to their recovery. The duration of aftercare differs depending on the individual, but it usually lasts several months after the completion of rehabilitation.

Many opiate addiction treatment centers provide comprehensive and highly effective aftercare programs that include group therapy sessions, 12-step meetings, and individual counseling sessions with counselors who specialize in treating clients with addictions. These meetings help clients cope with life issues such as stress and anxiety, as well as provide a much-needed sense of community.

Get Industry Leading Opiate Addiction Treatment Now

Struggling with an opioid use disorder can be a debilitating disease. At Icarus Behavioral Health, our opiate addiction treatment centers are fully accredited, equipped, and staffed by qualified addiction professionals. Our clients experience industry-leading addiction treatment, allowing them to take back control of the direction of their lives.

Don’t hesitate to reach out today and schedule your confidential consultation!