Opioid Addiction
Opioids are a class of strong prescription pain relievers or narcotics. Examples of opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and tramadol.
Heroin, an illegal and highly addictive drug, is also an opioid. Opioids can be highly addictive, and the misuse of these drugs can result in long-term changes to your brain. Opioid and heroin addiction, as with other addictive substances, also causes negative impacts on your overall physical health.
TYPES OF ADDICTIONS
Misuse of Opioids for Chronic Pain
Due to injury or surgery, patients with chronic pain are more likely to be prescribed opioid medications to manage their symptoms long-term. The risk for opioid addiction is high, however. Even though most people with chronic pain had no intention of misusing opioids when they first started their prescription, they may find themselves unable to stop taking them without professional help.
Early Intervention is Key
Prescription drug addiction – particularly to opioids — alters brain receptors that affect moods. Opioids mainly target reward behaviors in the brain. They also affect hormones. When a person stops using opioids, withdrawal symptoms can be severe.
Examples include:
- Intense drug cravings
- Agitation
- Severely bad mood
- Diarrhea
- Enlarged pupils
- Yawning
- Abdominal pain
- Chills
- Goosebumps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Body aches
The symptoms of opioid withdrawal may be mild or intense. They can be short-term or last for days or weeks, depending on the type of drug, duration, and amount of use.
We utilize two different medications to help ease the symptoms of opioid and heroin withdrawal.
Suboxone (Buprenorphine)
The FDA-approved use of an opioid-naloxone combination for the acute treatment of opioid dependence provides a partial block on the brain’s opioid receptors. This block helps patients surpass the urge to use.
In addition, Suboxone partially stimulates the receptor to help relieve the severe withdrawal symptoms that can lead to relapse. This medication-assisted therapy is offered to all opioid-addicted patients at Hanley Center at Origins during the detox and withdrawal process.
Vivitrol (Naltrexone)
Vivitrol is a non-narcotic, extended-release version of naltrexone. This opiate blocker prevents opiates from connecting with receptors in the brain. When used in tandem with other clinical therapies, this medication addresses the obsession with use and relapse risk. This non-addictive medication is beneficial during the delicate months of early recovery.
Treatment Modalities
After the initial detox is complete, patients are still at risk for relapse due to psychological and social factors. The effects of opioid and heroin addiction on the structure and chemistry of the brain are significant. Patients seeking recovery need evidence-based, clinical, therapeutic professional support for ongoing health and wellness.
Residential treatment is critical during the early stages of recovery. Our doctors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and Hanley Center for Brain Recovery staff can address opioid addiction through healing therapies that may include:
- Neurofeedback
- Biofeedback
- Neurotherapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Wellness activities
- Case management
- Nutritional coaching
- Spiritual care
- 12-Step programming
- Alumni support
Medical Detox for Opioid Addiction
Because the withdrawal process can be excruciating and the symptoms ongoing, patients who try to quit using opioids on their own often relapse. Without professional support, they often continue their abuse of prescription drugs.
Hanley Center at Origins offers supervised medical detox to help you through the opioid withdrawal process and prevent additional symptoms. Medication-assisted therapy can alleviate the uncomfortable side effects of withdrawal and is a critical part of sustainable recovery.
Contact Hanley Center
Lifelong recovery should include ongoing continuing care for outpatient therapy and counseling. Reach out to the Hanley Center team today and begin your journey to recovery.
Start your journey to freedom and fulfillment by calling 561.841.1033 today.
Hanley Center: Most Insurance Accepted
Address: 933 45th Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
