When you’re looking for opiate addiction treatment, the process can seem difficult and confusing, especially if you have never done it before. Let us help you find the recovery options that are right for your needs by calling 800-442-6158 Who Answers? today.
Is Opiate Addiction Common?
Unfortunately, yes. Many individuals are suffering from opiate addiction in the United States with “approximately 1.9 million Americans” living with a prescription painkiller use disorder, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In addition, the same study found that “approximately 435,000 people were regular (past-month)” heroin users.
Those who abuse opiates––whether licit or illicit––put themselves in serious danger of becoming addicts. Once addiction sets in, a person can no longer control their abuse of the drug.
Why Do Opiate Addicts Need Professional Help?
A person suffering from opiate addiction will require professional treatment in order to safely recover and to make a change. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Addiction is a chronic disease,” which is why people can’t just suddenly stop using drugs like opiates and be cured. Recovery takes time and help, and addicts have to learn better skills and behaviors so they can avoid relapse in the future.
What Is Opiate Addiction Treatment Like?
Treatment for opiate addicts usually begins with an intake process where the patient is interviewed to ensure the program can meet their needs. Then, the patient and their doctor work together to create an individualized treatment program that takes these needs into account. Once the individual has their own program, treatment can begin. In most cases, opiate addiction rehab utilizes several different methods, including
- Detox
- Medications
- Behavioral therapies
- Holistic methods
- Aftercare
What Is Detox?
Detox is the management of one’s withdrawal symptoms with medications; the patient is slowly weaned off the medication as their dependence on the drug subsides. This usually takes place at the beginning of recovery. However, according to the NIDA, detox alone is not considered a treatment for addiction and must be followed up by rehab of some kind.
Detox without follow-up treatment can be especially dangerous for opiate addicts. The most overdose deaths occur in those who have just detoxed but who have not yet gone through rehab, as they are a vulnerable population with a lowered tolerance for the drug (National Library of Medicine). Therefore, it is essential for opiate addicts to seek treatment beyond detox.
What Is Rehab?
Rehab is the treatment program that helps opiate addicts put an end to their substance abuse. Behavioral therapy and medications are the main treatment methods utilized in rehab. Medications are used to minimize cravings and withdrawal symptoms, thus allowing patients to focus on their recoveries, while behavioral therapies can be effective in helping patients recognize, understand, and change their addictive behaviors.
What Is an Intervention?
An intervention is a planned meeting of the family members and friends of an addict who want to help their loved one seek treatment and make a change. Often, interventions are necessary when an individual will not seek help on their own. If you are planning an intervention, it is important to have a treatment option already set up so you can help your loved one transition into the program as quickly as possible.
What Is Inpatient Care?
Inpatient care is a treatment program where patients are able to stay in a controlled environment 24 hours a day. These facilities also provide round-the-clock care from a professional medical staff. Some inpatient programs provide hospital-like accommodations and care, while others (usually called residential programs) provide the 24-hour services but not hospital-based care.
What Is Outpatient Care?
Outpatient care is another type of treatment program for opiate addicts. These facilities do not provide 24-hour care. Patients are able to make appointments to attend treatment sessions, but then, they can work, go to school, and go home to their families after their session has ended. According to the NIDA, though, one must determine what exactly a specific facility offers before attending their program, as some may provide patients with little more than drug education.
Do I Need Outpatient or Inpatient Care?
Different patients require different treatment options in order to recover safely and effectively from opiate addiction. Depending on your specific needs, outpatient or inpatient care may be a better option for you.
- According to a study from Psychiatric Quarterly, certain aspects of a person’s life and recovery can make one of these programs more beneficial for their needs.
- Those who will fare better in inpatient programs are usually individuals who
- Are suffering from comorbid mental or physical disorders
- Require hospitalization or other additional treatments that can be harder or impossible to find in an outpatient program
- Do not have a strong social support system of friends and family members to care for them while they are not in treatment
- Are in an unsafe living situation or living in a place where drugs and alcohol are constantly available
- Are suffering from an incredibly severe addiction syndrome
- Do not believe they will be able to resist relapse unless they are in a controlled environment
- Those who will fare better in outpatient programs are usually individuals who
- Are not suffering from any comorbid disorders in addition to their addictions
- Do not require hospitalization or any treatment options beyond traditional rehab
- Have a strong social support system of friends and family members who can help them through their recoveries while they are not in treatment
- Are in a safe living situation that is drug- and alcohol-free
- Can avoid relapse and the temptation to use while not in treatment
- Have a job, go to school, or have other types of responsibilities that will help them avoid relapse
- Those who will fare better in inpatient programs are usually individuals who
You should consider your situation and whether or not inpatient or outpatient care will be a better fit. In general, though, you may want to choose an inpatient program if it is your first time seeking treatment for opiate addiction.
After Treatment Ends, Am I Cured?
No. It is important to understand, though your treatment program may have ended, this does not mean you are no longer addicted to opiates. In fact, you may struggle with opiate addiction for a long time after your initial recovery program ends. Many people also require multiple treatment options over the course of their lives in order to continue a strong, effective recovery.
Drug addiction treatment is effective, and those who attend it do have a much lower rate of relapse (NIDA). Still, it is important to understand that a life in recovery means one must be aware of any potential chance for relapse and that many individuals need long-term or multiple treatment options to avoid relapse.
What Is Aftercare?
Aftercare, or extended care, is a treatment option for those who are leaving a rehab and who require additional help. Aftercare is a necessary option for many recovering addicts, especially those who have only finished their first treatment program.
Some of the most popular aftercare options for opiate addicts include
- Booster sessions: These are sessions where the individual returns to their rehab facility, usually once or twice a month, after treatment has ended. Former patients can meet with their doctors again and discuss their progress. According to the NIDA Archives, booster sessions are meant to offer feedback and support as well as help the former patient remain committed to their recovery.
- Sober living homes: SLHs are drug- and alcohol-free residences where people live and pay rent. They are not rehab facilities, but they provide residents the ability to live in a substance-free environment while they are still adjusting to life after treatment.
- Support groups: Many individuals are encouraged to attend support groups after treatment as well as during. These programs strengthen the social supports of a recovering individual as well as give them a recovery roadmap to follow. 12-step groups like Narcotics Anonymous are often extremely beneficial, but those who do not wish to participate in a 12-step program can still find help in groups like SMART Recovery.
How Do I Find Treatment for Opiate Addiction?
You can find opiate addiction treatment by calling 800-442-6158 Who Answers? or by using our directory. When you call, one of our treatment advisors will gather information about your substance use disorder as well as your insurance plan and needs for treatment. Then, they will match you with a safe, reliable rehab program that suits your situation.
Call today to begin your recovery and to find a rehab option that will allow you to put an end to your opiate abuse for good.