There is much concern about whether or not opioids are a worldwide problem.
Opioid abuse and overdose rates have grown exponentially in the United States since the late 1990s when the spike in prescriptions for opioids eventually led to the opioid epidemic. Fortunately, addiction treatment practices have also advanced in response to this concerning spike in opioid-related overdoses and deaths.
As one of the most efficient opioid addiction treatment centers in Illinois, Banyan Heartland understands that recovering from opioid addiction is hard work. Opioid addiction recovery can be tough, but we offer all of the tools you need for a successful journey.
What Does Recovery From An Opioid Addiction Involve?
The challenges and timeline of opioid addiction recovery may vary depending on the severity of the person’s addiction, duration of their addiction, their health, and more. The longer a person abuses drugs, the more difficult it may be for them to quit. Below are some general forms of addiction treatment that are involved in opioid addiction recovery.
Detox Treatment
Individuals with opioid addiction who attempt to suddenly stop taking them will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms. As a result, the first of several steps to recover from opioid addiction is usually a medically monitored detox. At rehab centers like Banyan Treatment Centers Heartland, medical detox is led by medical personnel. These professionals are licensed and trained to administer any kind of medication or care to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms. Without professional help, these symptoms can be uncomfortable, painful, and even life-threatening.
Common opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shakes
- Sweating
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Depression
- Psychosis (anxiety and paranoia)
- Hallucinations
- Hyperalgesia
Treating opioid addiction usually begins with a detox treatment to safely monitor these symptoms and help patients transition to an addiction treatment program on a clean slate.
Substance-Specific Treatment
Substance-specific treatment refers to an addiction treatment that’s designed to treat a particular type of addiction, in this case, opioid addiction specifically. These treatments can vary depending on the level of care. For example, a person with severe addiction may receive inpatient care that requires them to live onsite for a certain number of days. Patients in rehab who can continue working or caring for their families during treatment may benefit from outpatient care. At Banyan Heartland, our residential treatment is a form of inpatient care that incorporates individual and group therapies to support recovery.
Aftercare
Usually, support for opioid addiction recovery doesn’t end when the person completes their treatment. Sobriety is an everyday choice that people have to make. Even years after rehab, a person may still struggle with certain challenges regarding their addiction. That’s why receiving aftercare support is usually the best thing patients can look into right after rehab. Programs for people who have completed their substance abuse treatment usually incorporate group meeting sessions to encourage peer support. Addicts in recovery may also partner with a sponsor who offers continuous support. At Banyan Treatment Centers Heartland, our alumni program offers support to those who completed at least one of our addiction treatment programs. We understand that continuous care is an important aspect of sustaining sobriety after rehab.