Call NowOver 3 million US adults live with opioid addiction and opioid use disorder. It’s a devastating condition that wrecks lives, leading to physical and mental illnesses, destroyed relationships, and financial hardships. Overdose deaths from opioid abuse are also skyrocketing. If you or a loved one is fighting opioid addiction, opioid addiction treatment can be a lifesaver.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a family of pain-relieving drugs. Some opioids are medications; others are illegal substances. Although legal opioid medications are effective painkillers, all opioids can be addictive.
Prescription Opioids
These are the most commonly prescribed opioids. Prescription opioids are abused more than illegal opioids.
- Oxycodone (Brands: OxyContin, Percocet): Oxycodone is given for intense pain, especially following surgical procedures.
- Hydrocodone (Brands: Vicodin, Norco): Hydrocodone is effective for mild to moderate pain. It is less potent than oxycodone but still has addictive potential.
- Morphine (Brands: MS Contin, Kadian): This is one of the most powerful opioids for managing extreme pain and breakthrough pain.
- Oxymorphone (Opana): Oxymorphone is a potent analgesic for severe pain. Its uses are similar to morphine’s.
- Codeine: A less powerful opioid found in many prescription pain relievers.
- Fentanyl (Brands: Actiq, Duragesic): Exceptionally strong and typically used in clinical environments for acute pain. Illicit street versions are dangerous and a leading cause of overdose fatalities.
- Methadone (Brands: Dolophine, Methadose): Employed in medication-assisted treatment to assist individuals in reducing or discontinuing their heroin or opiate use.
- Tramadol (Brand: Ultram): Prescribed for moderate discomfort, tramadol is not as intense as other opioids but can still lead to dependency.
- Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a part of medication assisted treatment. It reduces cravings and the urge to use opioids.
Illegal Opioids
These opioids are never given as medication and are unlawful to buy, sell, or possess.
- Heroin. An illegal opioid that comes from morphine, heroin is highly addictive.
- Opium. Extracts of the poppy plant from which many opioids are derived.
Are Prescriptions Always Involved?
Opioids can be obtained both legally and illegally. While some are used medically, others, like heroin, are prohibited substances.
- Medical Use: Physicians may prescribe opioids for pain management.
- Illegal Use: Opioids can also be gotten illegally by buying them on the street or using someone else's prescription.
How Does Addiction to Opioids Occur?
Addiction to opioids often starts with a real medical need for pain relief. However, the euphoric effects and the body’s growing reliance can lead to misuse.
When opioids are overused or prescribed to a person too often, the following 3 features of drug addiction will appear.
- Physical Reliance: The body starts to require the drug to function normally.
- Increased Tolerance: Higher doses are needed over time to get the same effects, raising the risk of overdose.
- Emotional Factors: Mental health issues can contribute to dependency, including the need for anxiety management.
Opioid addiction can happen rapidly, in months, not years. Prescription opioids are so addictive for some that many people become physically dependent on opioids, even though they take their prescription as their doctor prescribed.
Dependency on opioids often originates from a genuine medical need but can quickly escalate due to physical reliance and emotional factors. Increased tolerance to the drug also heightens the risk of overdose.
How Are Opioids Consumed?
Opioids can be consumed in several ways, including pills, injections, and skin patches.
- Pill Form: This is the most prevalent form, including medications like oxycodone.
- Injectable Form: In medical environments, opioids may be injected for immediate relief.
- Skin Patches: Slow-release patches like those containing fentanyl are used for ongoing pain management.
How Do I Spot Opioid Dependency?
Early recognition of opioid dependency is vital for effective intervention. Indicators include:
- Behavioral Shifts: Social withdrawal, neglecting duties, and secretive actions.
- Physical Indicators: Lethargy, weight fluctuations, and frequent flu-like conditions.
- Mental Signs: Mood swings, depression, and heightened anxiety.
What Happens During an Opioid Overdose?
An overdose of opioids is a life-threatening situation. Signs to watch for include:
- Shallow Respiration: Labored or shallow breathing is a critical indicator.
- Lack of Responsiveness: The individual may be unconscious or unresponsive to external stimuli.
- Bluish Lips and Nails: This is a severe warning sign indicating a lack of oxygen.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawal from opioids can be a painful experience and includes:
- Physical Discomfort: Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and heavy perspiration.
- Mental Struggles: Emotional health can deteriorate during withdrawal, including heightened anxiety.
- Urges: An irresistible compulsion to use the drug again to alleviate physical and emotional pain.
- Cravings: Drug cravings involve obsessive thoughts about getting and using opioids. Cravings feel identical to food cravings but are more intense.
How Is Opioid Dependency Managed?
NuLife Behavioral Health treatment center in Indiana offers a holistic, integrated approach to opioid addiction.
These are some of the treatment programs NuLife Indiana offers:
- Behavioral Health Therapies: Cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are effective methods to learn better, more positive ways of coping with challenges. Talking therapies like these help people identify habitual ways of thinking and behaving that can be changed. These changes lead to long-term sobriety.
- Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT). Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of opioid addiction. It’s often used as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs that involve counseling and behavioral therapies. Suboxone blocks the euphoric effects of opioids, and when used as directed, it can decrease cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Our substance abuse treatment programs in Indiana offer comprehensive Suboxone addiction treatment. Our Suboxone rehab program also addresses the root causes of a person’s addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues.
- Peer Support: 12-step programs and other group therapies can offer ongoing emotional support.
Is There a Cure for Opioid Dependency?
While there’s no “cure” for opioid dependency, it can be effectively controlled with ongoing comprehensive treatment.
Long-Term treatment: Dependency is often a lifelong issue requiring continuous care.
Preventing Relapse: Techniques learned in therapy can assist in preventing a relapse.
Can I Just Stop Using on My Own?
Attempting to quit opioids without medical help can be dangerous due to severe withdrawal symptoms. No one should try to shake opioid use disorder or opioid addiction without specific instructions from a physician or detox health expert. Treatment programs offer methods of stopping opioids that are safe, effective, and far more comfortable than going it alone.
Health Risks: The most severe health risks of trying to stop opioid addiction without medical care involve vomiting and diarrhea, elevated pulse and heart rate, dehydration, intense muscle spasms, and body aches. Withdrawal can lead to dehydration from frequent vomiting and diarrhea.
Risk of Relapse: The discomfort of withdrawal often leads to relapse without medical assistance.
Several medications are approved for opioid treatment.
- Methadone: Assists in managing withdrawal symptoms and urges.
- Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine relieves withdrawal symptoms. It also reduces the intense urges and cravings that opioid addiction causes.
- Naltrexone: Makes opioid use less appealing by blocking its effects.
Pharmaceuticals like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are commonly used to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. They are part of a comprehensive care plan.
Does Counseling Aid in Recovery?
Counseling is a required part of opioid dependency treatment.
- Individual counseling. Individual therapy sessions with a licensed professional help tackle underlying emotional issues. Individual therapy also allows patients to recognize and change their reflexive patterns of thinking and behaving that contribute to addictive behavior.
- Group Support. Provides a network of peers for shared experiences and emotional support.
- Family Support. Helps family members understand the dependency and how to offer support during recovery.
Counseling, including one-on-one, group, and family support, is a vital component of opioid dependency treatment. It tackles both the emotional and psychological aspects of dependency.
How Can Relapse Be Prevented?
Preventing a relapse is a critical aspect of long-term recovery.
- Skill Development: Cognitive-behavioral therapy offers coping techniques.
- Support Network: A robust support network offers emotional backing.
- Continuous Care: Ongoing outpatient services or support groups can help maintain recovery.
Preventing a relapse involves skill development, a robust support network, and continuous care. These elements are vital for long-term recovery.
What Therapies and Programs Are Available at NuLife Behavioral Health Indiana?
NuLife Behavioral Health Indiana offers comprehensive therapies and programs to tackle opioid addiction. We employ evidence-based methods and individualized treatment plans so patients receive the most effective, personalized care.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients understand the habitual thought patterns and behaviors that lead to drug addiction. CBT also helps people improve their coping skills and provides them with strategies to break the cycle.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This approach combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. It's particularly beneficial for patients who struggle with emotional regulation and impulsivity.
- Experiential Therapies. NuLife offers creative outlets like art and music therapy, allowing patients to explore their emotions and experiences nonverbally.
- Medication Assisted Treatment. NuLife Behavioral Health offers buprenorphine (Suboxone) supported medication assisted treatment (MAT).
- Family Support Programs. Understanding that addiction affects individuals and their loved ones, NuLife has a robust family program. This program educates family members about drug addiction. It also involves them in the recovery process.
- 12-Step Facilitation. This community-based, peer-led approach is integrated into the treatment plan, offering a structured path to recovery. 12 Step programs also offer lifetime recovery support.
- Aftercare Planning. Aftercare planning includes strategies for relapse prevention and ongoing outpatient services.
- Dual Diagnosis Care. NuLife offers comprehensive treatment that addresses substance abuse and mental illness at the same time.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) is designed for people who need more support than an outpatient program can offer but who don’t require the 24/7 care of inpatient treatment. PHP typically consists of six to eight hours of programming per day, five to seven days per week.
- IOP (IOP). Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) consists of 12 hours of programming a week. It benefits those who need more support than our traditional outpatient treatment offers. While in IOP, clients continue to build healthy coping skills and learn how to live a sober life.
NuLife Behavioral Health of Indiana offers therapies and programs that ensure a holistic treatment experience. The center’s commitment to individualized, patient-centered care makes it a reliable choice for those seeking long-term recovery from opioid addiction.
Opioid dependency can be tough to shake on your own, but professional help is available. NuLife Behavioral Health Indiana offers comprehensive services to guide you or a loved one toward recovery. Located in the Indianapolis area, NuLife is prepared to help you take the first steps toward a healthier life.
