Opioid addiction, also known as opioid use disorder (OUD), is a serious public health crisis involving the misuse of prescription painkillers and illicit opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. These drugs work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body, producing pain relief and feelings of euphoria. Repeated use due to issues like chronic pain can quickly lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect, and ultimately dependence. Opioid addiction can result in severe physical and psychological harm, including respiratory depression, overdose, and increased risk of infectious diseases from needle sharing. It can also strain personal relationships and impact work and daily functioning. Comprehensive treatment at a substance abuse and behavioral health facility is crucial to addressing the complex nature of opioid addiction and supporting recovery.
What Is Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction, also known as opioid use disorder, is a condition where individuals misuse opioids such as prescription painkillers, heroin, or synthetic opioids like fentanyl. These substances bind to receptors in the brain, providing pain relief and euphoria, which can lead to dependence. Over time, tolerance may develop, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect, and addiction can result in compulsive use despite negative consequences. Opioid addiction can cause severe health risks, including respiratory depression, overdose, and potential death. It can also disrupt daily life, relationships, and work. Treatment and prevention programs are essential to address and overcome opioid addiction and save lives.
What Is an Opioid?
Opioids are a class of drugs that include natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic substances derived from the opium poppy plant. These drugs work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body, blocking pain signals and producing feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Opioids can be prescribed by doctors to manage moderate to severe pain, such as after surgery or injury. Common prescription opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. However, opioids can also include illicit drugs such as heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
While effective for pain relief, opioids carry risk factors for addiction and other serious side effects, including respiratory depression and overdose. Their use should be closely monitored by healthcare professionals.
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Speak With Our Admissions TeamOpiate vs Opioid
Opiates and opioids are terms often used interchangeably, but they refer to different types of substances. Opiates are natural compounds derived from the opium poppy plant, such as morphine and codeine. Opioids encompass a broader category that includes natural opiates, semi-synthetic drugs like hydrocodone and oxycodone, and fully synthetic drugs like fentanyl.
Both opiates and opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body, producing pain relief and euphoria. While effective for managing pain, they carry risks of addiction, dependence, and overdose. Proper medical supervision is essential when using these substances.
Opioid Addictions We Treat
At Aliya Health Group, we offer comprehensive treatment for a range of opioid addictions, providing individualized care to help clients achieve and maintain recovery. Our experienced team supports individuals through each stage of the treatment process, from detox to aftercare. We treat the following types of opioid abuse, among others:
Fentanyl Addiction: This potent synthetic opioid is highly addictive and carries a high risk of overdose.
Heroin Addiction: Heroin is an illicit opioid known for its strong addictive properties and health risks.
Codeine Addiction: Often found in prescription cough syrups, codeine can lead to dependence when misused.
Hydrocodone Addiction: This commonly prescribed painkiller is addictive, especially when taken in higher doses than prescribed.
Oxycodone Addiction: Oxycodone is a strong prescription opioid that can quickly lead to dependence.
Hydromorphone Addiction: This powerful opioid pain reliever can be habit-forming, especially when misused.
At Aliya Health, our evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches address the root causes of addiction and promote lasting recovery. Reach out to us today for compassionate and effective opioid addiction and opiate addiction treatment.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Addiction?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioid abuse can manifest through a variety of physical, behavioral, and psychological aspects:
Physical:
- Constricted Pupils: Opioid use often causes pinpoint pupils.
- Drowsiness: Individuals may experience extreme sleepiness or nodding off.
- Constipation: Opioids can disrupt normal bowel function, causing constipation.
- Respiratory Issues: Slow or shallow breathing is a dangerous side effect.
- Weight Loss: Changes in appetite can lead to weight loss.
Behavioral:
- Doctor Shopping: Seeking multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring work, school, or family obligations due to drug use.
- Isolation: Withdrawing from social interactions and loved ones.
- Risky Behaviors: Engaging in dangerous or illegal activities while under the influence.
Psychological:
- Mood Swings: Rapid changes in mood, from euphoria to irritability or depression.
- Anxiety and Agitation: Feeling anxious, restless, or on edge.
- Cravings: Strong urges to use opioids, even when trying to quit.
- Confusion: Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly.
Opioid Addiction Facts & Statistics
Figures on opioid addiction and opioid abuse are alarming. Here are some recent stats:
Prevalence: Millions of people worldwide struggle with opioid misuse, including prescription painkillers and illicit opioids.
Overdose Deaths: Opioid overdose deaths have reached epidemic levels, with over 100,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2021.
Economic Impact: The costs of opioid addiction, including healthcare, lost productivity, and criminal justice expenses, run into billions of dollars annually.
Treatment Admissions: Opioid abuse is a leading reason for substance abuse treatment admissions.
Co-Occurring Disorders: Many individuals with opioid abuse also have other substance use or mental health disorders.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Opioid use during pregnancy can lead to withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
Regional Variations: The opioid crisis varies in severity across regions, with some areas experiencing particularly high rates of addiction and overdose.
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The Consequences of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction has severe consequences on individuals and society. Physically, it can lead to overdose, respiratory depression, and even death. Chronic use may cause liver or kidney damage, infectious diseases from needle sharing, and hormonal imbalances. Psychologically, addiction can result in depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Socially, opioid use disorder strains relationships, disrupts work and education and can lead to legal issues. The economic impact is significant, including healthcare costs, lost productivity, and criminal justice expenses. Opioid misuse also affects families and communities, leading to emotional and financial stress. Treatment and support are essential to mitigate these consequences and promote recovery.
When Do You Need Opioid Addiction Treatment?
Opioid abuse treatment is necessary when you recognize signs of dependency, such as increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and strong cravings for opioids. If opioid use negatively affects your health, relationships, or daily responsibilities, it’s important to seek help. Behavioral changes like doctor shopping, neglecting responsibilities, or risky behaviors indicate a need for intervention. Experiencing mood swings, anxiety, or depression related to opioid use suggests professional treatment is required. Early intervention can improve recovery outcomes and prevent further harm.
How Long Is Opioid Addiction Treatment?
Opioid addiction treatment length varies depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of addiction. The initial detox phase typically lasts about a week and involves medically supervised withdrawal management.
Inpatient treatment, such as residential programs, usually ranges from 30 to 90 days and provides structured support and therapy. Outpatient treatment may follow, offering ongoing therapy and support while allowing individuals to maintain daily responsibilities. Aftercare, including therapy and support groups, can continue for months or even years to help sustain long-term sobriety.
Opioid Addiction Treatment Options
Opioid addiction treatment offers comprehensive care, including detox, therapy, and aftercare programs tailored to individual needs. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid abuse, seek help today. Contact Aliya Health Group for professional support and start your recovery journey.
Our levels of care for opioid abuse treatment include:
- Medical detox
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Sober living residences
Opioid Detox
Detox is a key first step for many along their journey to sobriety. This journey is often marked by physical and psychological challenges as the body adjusts to the absence of opioids. Withdrawal symptoms, ranging from flu-like discomfort to severe cravings and emotional distress, can make detoxification a daunting experience.
However, with proper medical supervision and support, individuals can navigate this process with greater ease and safety. Various methods, including medication-assisted treatment and therapy, are employed to manage withdrawal symptoms and address underlying issues contributing to addiction.
Inpatient Opioid Rehab
Inpatient treatment for opioid use disorder offers a full complement of services including medication management, individual and group therapy sessions, case management, and specialized treatment programs tailored to each individual’s needs. This intensive form of treatment typically involves residing within a specialized facility for a designated period, allowing round-the-clock access to medical care, therapy, and peer support.
The comprehensive nature of inpatient programs addresses the complex physical, emotional, and social aspects of opioid addiction. With our medical professionals monitoring withdrawal symptoms and administering appropriate medications, people can safely move through each phase of recovery. Therapy sessions, both individual and group-based, delve into the root causes of addiction, equip individuals with coping skills, and foster a sense of community among peers facing similar challenges. Inpatient treatment offers a sanctuary for individuals to break the cycle of addiction, gain insights into their behaviors, and develop strategies for sustained recovery beyond the confines of the facility.
Outpatient Opioid Rehab
Treatment for prescription painkillers and other opioids in an outpatient setting offers a continuum of care and support. Aliya Health Group provides essential services such as therapy sessions (individual, group, and family therapy), case management, and access to sober living options following treatment.
Outpatient programs, including Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and standard outpatient services (OP), allow people to transition through different levels of care as they progress in their recovery journey.
By providing support while individuals continue to engage in their everyday lives, outpatient treatment promotes gradual reintegration into society and empowers patients to apply newly acquired skills and strategies in real-world situations. While outpatient treatment requires a higher level of personal accountability, it offers invaluable support on the path to long-term recovery from opioid addiction.
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Addiction Treatment Programs at Aliya Health Group
Aliya Health Group offers comprehensive treatment for opioid drugs and mental illness with a focus on individualized care and support. The process begins with medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably. Following detox, clients enter residential treatment, where evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help address underlying issues and develop coping strategies. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be used to manage cravings and withdrawal.
Clients also receive education about addiction and recovery techniques. After residential treatment, clients transition to outpatient care and aftercare programs for continued support and long-term sobriety. Aliya prioritizes holistic approaches to promote lasting recovery and prevent drug overdoses.
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- Psychiatry.org – Opioid Use Disorder
- Opioids | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)
- Opioid Facts and Statistics | HHS.gov
- opioid-addiction-disease-facts-figures.pdf (asam.org)
- Opiate vs. opioid: Know the difference (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders among Individuals Enrolled in an Emergency Response Program for Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder – PMC (nih.gov)
