How to Properly Treat an Opiate Addiction

Opioid use disorder has been labeled a public health emergency nationwide, and this epidemic has not seen signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Opiates, also known as opioids, are prescription medications used for pain management. These prescription drugs produce a short-lived euphoria that has been proven very addictive if abused and taken at a higher dose than the original prescribed amount. Opiate addiction can also lead to a heroin addiction, as heroin is an easier street drug to find when opiates are not so readily available for the user. There can be serious dangers if an opiate detox is not properly conducted, and medical care should be administered during this process. The treatment experts at our drug and alcohol treatment center in Philadelphia understand the importance of proper care during this fragile time. We discuss the ways to properly treat an opiate addiction below.

Medically Monitored Detox

When you decide to quit taking opiates after a full-blown addiction, withdrawal symptoms will occur. These symptoms can be extremely hard to manage without medical care. Withdrawal from any form of opiates is a serious situation that should be handled under medical supervision to prevent all complications. Medical detox is a fully comprehensive approach to addiction treatment that combines the clinical aspects with individualized therapy for all patients. You can expect to receive detox care in a safe and comfortable environment where 24-hour care is maintained. If you decide to detox from opiates on your own through the traditional cold turkey method, you run the risk of medical complications occurring, which can lead to relapse. The stabilization provided by medical experts will allow you to effectively detox from opiates, as well as start your customized treatment program.

Opiate Treatment Program

Once opiate detox is completed, patients should start their treatment program immediately in order to prevent relapse from occurring. An individualized treatment program for opiates will include intense therapy sessions, family support groups, relapse prevention techniques, and much more. An opiate addiction can be treated in a residential, PHP, or IOP setting depending on the individual and the severity of the addiction.