Opiate Addiction
If you or someone you care about struggles with opiate addiction, remember, you're not alone. Out of the 20 million Americans grappling with substance abuse, 2 million are dependent on prescription painkillers, while another 500,000 are hooked on heroin. Both are opiates notorious for their addictive properties, yet not everyone receives the necessary treatment. Shockingly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdose deaths have reached unprecedented levels, with opioids implicated in 66% of fatalities in 2016 alone. The nation is in the grip of an opioid epidemic, with soaring overdose rates affecting countless lives. Alarmingly, over 48 million Americans have either experimented with illicit drugs or misused prescription medications.
What Are Opiates?
Opiates are natural opioids and derivatives derived from the opium poppy plant, with a rich history of use across various cultures for thousands of years. They function by activating opioid receptors in the brain, inducing feelings of calmness and euphoria. In the United States, some opiates are prescribed for pain management, although their addictive nature leads to high rates of misuse. Common opiates include opium, codeine, morphine, and heroin. If addiction to any of these substances occurs, opiate abuse treatment may be necessary.
Opiates vs. Opioids
Opiates, such as heroin, codeine, morphine, and opium, are chemical compounds extracted directly from poppy sap and fibers. In contrast, opioids are predominantly synthesized in laboratories. While opioids may contain chemical components derived from opium, such as hydrocodone or hydromorphone, they are not solely sourced from natural opium derivatives. The pharmaceutical industry has developed over five hundred different opioid molecules, including meperidine, fentanyl, dextropropoxyphene, and oxymorphone.
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Opiate Abuse Symptoms and Opiate Withdrawal
Because most opiates are prescribed drugs, it can be easy to overlook a person’s drug use when you think they’re taking their prescription medication as needed. However, because they are sometimes used in the medical field, it can be hard to know when someone has developed an addiction to opiates. But as time progresses, the person’s addiction will become more apparent and more dangerous. There are several warning signs of addiction, including noticeable behavioral changes, but opiate abuse is also accompanied by particular physical and psychological symptoms as well. Without immediate opiate addiction treatment, the physical, mental, and even financial effects of drug abuse can be devastating.
When opiate abuse reaches this level, it can be devastating for the person and their loved one. Addiction often changes a person’s character to the point where they’re completely different; however, this behavior isn’t set in stone. If you recognize these signs of opiate addiction in yourself or a loved one, we offer opiate addiction treatment that is specifically designed to treat this form of substance abuse. Our opiate rehab program separates patients from their daily environments to give them the space and time they need to focus on their recovery without distractions.
Some signs of opiate abuse and use include:
- Doctor shopping
- Lying or deceitful behaviors
- Mood changes
- Social withdrawal
- Unusual sleep patterns
- Weight changes
- Empty pill bottles
- Slurred speech
- Sedation
- Increased pain tolerance
- Flushed skin or itching
- Pinpoint pupils
- Mental confusion or memory problems
- Poor concentration
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Shallow breathing
Long-term opiate abuse exacerbates side effects, potentially worsening health conditions, and chronic pain if opiate addiction treatment is not sought promptly. Due to their addictive nature, individuals dependent on opiates often experience withdrawal symptoms shortly after discontinuation, including flu-like physical discomfort and psychological effects like anxiety and cravings.
Unfortunately, opiate-related fatalities have eclipsed those resulting from vehicular accidents, establishing them as the primary cause of accidental deaths in the United States. The distressing statistic of an opiate overdose claiming a life every 19 minutes underscores the pressing demand for opiate addiction treatment facilities. Given the substantial risk of overdose associated with opiate dependencies and the perilous nature of attempting detoxification independently, seeking assistance from a substance abuse treatment center is strongly advised for individuals grappling with opiate abuse or for those supporting someone in need of help.
Telehealth Opiate Treatment
Telehealth opiate treatment provides addiction services through remote communication technologies like videoconferencing, phone calls, and messaging apps. This approach allows individuals to receive evidence-based care without needing to visit a facility. It includes individual and group therapy, medical consultations, and medication management, either in real-time or through pre-recorded sessions.
Telehealth treatment is convenient and accessible, especially for those with limited access to in-person care, such as individuals in remote areas or with mobility issues. Benefits include access to a wide range of interventions, such as counseling and support groups, delivered via secure and confidential online platforms, making it an ideal option for those seeking more anonymity in their treatment.
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Getting Treatment for an Opiate Addiction
At Banyan Treatment Centers, we specialize in managing even the most severe cases of drug addiction. Recognizing the challenges faced by individuals and their loved ones in overcoming substance abuse disorders, our opiate addiction treatment is meticulously designed to guide patients through the recovery process, equipping them with the necessary tools and skills for sustained sobriety.
Because of the highly addictive nature of opiates, opiate abuse treatment and recovery often involve a comprehensive and prolonged process. Typically, the journey begins with a medical detoxification phase to safely taper off opiates. Our approach starts with medically monitored detox programs, overseen by experienced medical professionals. Through the judicious use of medications and other therapeutic interventions, withdrawal symptoms are carefully managed, with clients receiving round-the-clock care to address any emergent medical needs.
After completing opiate detoxification, patients seamlessly transition into our extensive opiate addiction treatment programs, meticulously customized to suit their individual needs and circumstances. Our levels of care encompass a range of options, including:
- Residential Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization Treatment
- Outpatient Treatment
- Participation in our Alumni Program.
Our Treatment Center collaborates closely with each individual to identify the most suitable next step in their recovery journey. These treatment programs frequently encompass psychotherapy, group therapy, and individual counseling sessions facilitated by trained psychologists.
Recovery is a life-long journey and people need to choose sobriety every day. At Banyan Treatment Centers, we want to be here for you and your loved ones through every step of the recovery journey. Contact us today at (844) 249-2654 to learn more.
Sources:
- NCBI - Opioid Use Disorder