Opioid Addiction Treatment
Opioids, ranging from prescription medications to illicit substances like heroin and fentanyl, pose a significant risk due to their highly addictive and hazardous nature. Derived from the opium poppy plant, opioids encompass a range of substances. Despite their intended use in managing pain, prescription opioids are susceptible to misuse and abuse, as seen in the profound consequences of the ongoing opioid crisis, with a staggering surge in overdoses and fatalities impacting countless lives.
Some opioids occur naturally, while others, like synthetic fentanyl, are manufactured in laboratories. Despite their effectiveness in alleviating pain, opioids are among the most commonly prescribed medications, inadvertently fueling widespread misuse and contributing to the ongoing epidemic. Prompt and decisive action is imperative as dependence on these addictive substances escalates.
Risk Factors for Opioid Use Disorder
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing an opioid use disorder. A history of addiction, including previous experiences, can heighten the risk. Other factors include a family history of addiction, mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, and a history of trauma or abuse. Easy access to prescription opioids is also a significant risk factor.
Prolonged use of prescription opioids is another crucial risk factor, leading to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Recreational use of opioids, whether without a prescription or to get high, further increases the risk. The unpredictable potency and purity of heroin contribute to the prevalence of overdoses.
What Makes Opioids So Dangerous?
Opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain, creating a calming effect by acting on the central nervous system. Used in medical settings to relieve pain, these drugs are often abused for their euphoric effects. However, they can slow movement and breathing, leading to deadly overdoses when misused.
Because opioids strongly affect natural opioid receptors, they are highly addictive. Tolerance builds quickly, leading to increased use just to feel normal. When prescriptions run out, individuals may turn to illegal opioids. Our opioid detox programs can help you safely break free if you or a loved one struggles with opioid addiction.
Questions about our Facilities or Programs?
Our admissions coordinators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have as you consider whether treatment at Banyan is right for you or your loved one.
Signs Someone Needs Treatment for Opioid Abuse
Individuals taking prescription opioids for pain may develop a tolerance and begin misusing them by taking higher or more frequent doses than prescribed. Without medically monitored detox and opioid addiction treatment, they may turn to more dangerous drugs, like heroin, for a stronger effect. The more potent the substance, the more severe the short- and long-term effects. Immediate help is crucial if you suspect a loved one shows signs of opioid addiction.
Common signs of opioid abuse include:
- Doctor shopping
- Taking prescription opioids not prescribed to them
- Not following the prescribed dosage
- Using medication without a medical reason
- Defensive or secretive behavior about drug use
- Track or needle marks on arms or legs
- Mood swings
- Frequently borrowing money
- Self-isolation
- Drug paraphernalia like burnt spoons and needles
Other symptoms of opioid abuse:
- Slurred speech, drowsiness, and impaired coordination
- Changes in appearance, such as dark circles under the eyes, pale skin, and weight loss
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Continuing to use opioids despite negative consequences like legal or financial problems
- Increased tolerance to opioids, needing higher doses for the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms like sweating, nausea, and anxiety when not using opioids
Without treatment, opioid abuse can lead to severe health problems. Many addicts deny their substance abuse problem, making it difficult to get them help. Those ready to recover may not know how to start. Professional rehab facilities offer the necessary support for achieving sobriety.
Opioid Rehab Program
Treatment for opioid addiction varies based on the duration of addiction and the individual's health condition upon arrival. Each person's unique needs influence their treatment plan. Our opioid abuse treatment requires a full health assessment before beginning drug or alcohol treatment, providing a clear picture of the patient's condition.
Most patients undergoing opioid treatment start with a medical detoxification to rid the body of toxins, making recovery more comfortable. This process often includes withdrawal symptoms, so patients receive 24/7 medical assistance. Our trained professionals lead the detox process and help alleviate discomfort.
After detox, patients proceed to the addiction treatment program best suited to their needs. Treatment addresses the specific psychological and physical effects of substance abuse. Alongside individual and group sessions, patients receive comprehensive care to address underlying factors of addiction.
Without treatment, serious issues like opioid overdose brain damage can occur. Our facility offers safe, professional substance abuse treatment to help addicts avoid these consequences.
At Banyan, we are dedicated to fighting the opioid epidemic. We assist patients addicted to fentanyl, opioids, pain pills, or heroin.
Our center offers comprehensive recovery processes, including:
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Veterans and Opioid Addiction
Many veterans face mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, increasing their likelihood of using opioids as self-medication. Opioid use among veterans is a significant concern due to various factors, including chronic pain from service-related injuries and PTSD.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
- Pain management: Chronic pain from combat injuries or service-related ailments often leads to opioid prescriptions, increasing addiction risk.
- Deployment, combat, and trauma: Traumatic events during deployment can lead to mental health issues like PTSD, prompting self-medication with opioids.
- Accessibility: Veterans may have easier access to prescription opioids through healthcare benefits.
- Peer pressure: Military culture can sometimes influence recreational opioid use.
- Mental health issues: Co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety can lead to opioid use for symptom relief.
- Stigma and fear of seeking help: Stigma and fear of career consequences can prevent seeking help for mental health or addiction.
- Over-prescription: Over-prescription by military healthcare providers can contribute to addiction.
- Family and social support: Lack of support systems can increase addiction risk.
- Demographic factors: Factors like age, gender, and service length influence addiction likelihood.
Get Started Today!
If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, reach out to our team today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs and additional therapies. Contact or call us at (844) 249-2654 to take the first step toward recovery.
We also offer Telehealth addiction treatment, a convenient and effective option for those seeking recovery from opioid addiction. While each program may differ, certain key elements are typically included in telehealth opioid treatment.
Sources:
- Illinois Department of Public Health – Prescription Opioids and Heroin
- NIH – Illinois Opioid Summary
- NIH - Opioid Use Disorder
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