What Is Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction is a chronic disease and medical disorder characterized by the compulsive use of opioids despite harmful consequences. It results from changes in the brain’s chemistry and functioning due to prolonged opioid use, leading individuals to prioritize drug use over other activities. This compulsive use pattern reflects how treatment for opioid use disorder becomes a full-blown medical condition that must be treated holistically.
Opioid use disorder disrupts various aspects of your life, including physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and employment.
It is important to recognize addiction as a complex but treatable condition that requires a comprehensive approach involving medication-assisted treatment (like using methadone and buprenorphine), counseling, and support groups in the recovery process.
Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
Recent data shows that approximately 1.2% of Nevadans aged 12 and older—around 30,000 people—are living with opioid addiction, a rate higher than both the national and regional averages.
Recognizing the symptoms of an opioid use disorder is critical for early intervention and treatment.
The common symptoms include:
- Cravings
- Loss of control
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Increased tolerance
- Neglect of responsibilities
- Social withdrawal
- Continued use despite consequences
- Overdose
Addressing an opioid use disorder with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is important for effective treatment and long-term recovery. Access to a compassionate opioid addiction treatment center and customized treatment options increases the likelihood of success.
Opioid Drugs Explained: What They Are and Why They’re So Addictive
Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers and illegal substances like heroin. They work by attaching to special receptors in your brain and body, helping to block pain and create feelings of calm or even euphoria. That’s what makes them helpful after surgery or injury, but also what makes them so addictive.
Some common opioids include:
- Oxycodone (OxyContin): A prescription opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain; renowned for its high potential for addiction and abuse
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin): Another commonly prescribed opioid, effectively relieves pain but also carries significant risks for dependency and misuse.
- Morphine: Often used in medical settings for severe pain management, but has a high potential for abuse
- Codeine: Typically found in prescription cough syrups and pain relievers; also known for its risk of addiction.
- Fentanyl: A powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. While it is prescribed for severe and chronic pain relief, street fentanyl is also illegally manufactured and sold.
- Heroin: An illegal and highly addictive opioid, heroin poses severe health risks, including overdose and infectious diseases
Whether a person is using a prescription opioid or an illicit one, opioid use disorder is a real possibility. Negative consequences such as overdose, dependence, and deteriorating mental health can follow even short-term misuse. Prescription opioids, while intended for pain relief, can lead to opioid dependence and compulsive use if not properly managed.
Recognizing Opioid Abuse and Its Mental Health Impact
Prescription opioids are commonly used in medical settings for severe pain management, but their use carries significant risks that must be carefully monitored.
Some of the risks associated with opioid use include:
- Physical dependence: Regular use of opioids can lead to physical dependence, meaning that the body becomes accustomed to the drug and experiences withdrawal symptoms if it is suddenly stopped. Misuse can lead to a dangerous detoxification process requiring medical support.
- Tolerance: Over time, people may need higher doses of opioids to achieve the same pain-relieving effects. These changes are often gradual and may vary depending on a person’s medical history, opioid type, and dosage.
- Addiction: Opioids have a high potential for addiction and opioid abuse, as they activate brain regions responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. This can lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
Continuing treatment with professional help and developing coping skills are essential to prevent relapse after withdrawal. Both patients and addiction health care providers must be aware of these risks and take appropriate measures to ensure opioids are used safely and effectively, and no opioid abuse occurs.
Opioid Overdose in Las Vegas, Nevada: A Growing Crisis
Opioid use disorder in Las Vegas is becoming a local emergency. Recent data from the Southern Nevada Health District reveals the alarming scope of the problem in Clark County alone:
- 692 drug overdose deaths were reported in 2023.
- 68.1% of these deaths involved opioids, both prescription and illicit.
- From 2020 to 2023, drug overdose deaths in the county rose by 23.6%.
- During the same period, opioid-related deaths increased by 23.9%.
Recognizing an Opioid Overdose: Life-Saving Signs You Need to Know
Recognizing the symptoms of opioid use disorder (OUD) early can be life-saving. According to medical research, OUD is a chronic, relapsing condition that impacts both the brain and behavior, and it rarely gets better without treatment.
The following are common signs to look out for based on the most recent research:
- Extreme drowsiness or inability to stay awake
- Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing
- Pinpoint pupils (very small, constricted pupils)
- Cold or clammy skin
- Weak or absent pulse
- Seizures or convulsions
- Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
Recognizing these overdose symptoms is critical, especially when someone is taking opioids in higher doses or combining them with other substances.
Opioid Addiction, Las Vegas: How an Opioid Addiction Treatment Center Can Help
Our comprehensive approach combines evidence-based therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and family support to ensure a successful recovery journey. The opioid treatment programs at our Las Vegas drug rehab center offer different treatment services to help people build healthier lives for themselves in recovery.
Here’s what we offer:
Medical Detox
Detox is an important step in opioid addiction treatment. The mental and physical withdrawal symptoms of quitting opioid use can be incredibly severe and are often the first roadblock to recovery that people face.
As a result of physical dependence on opioid drugs, people can experience withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Shakes
- Chills
- Cravings
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
Healthcare providers at our medical detox center offer comprehensive withdrawal management services designed to treat and alleviate the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, facilitating a more manageable start to the recovery journey. Our targeted approach ensures that clients receive the necessary support and medical care during this critical phase. Services provided include:
- 24/7 medical monitoring
- Accurate assessment and diagnosis
- A safe and comfortable place to recover
- Compassionate support to help in the early stage of recovery
With effective treatments and support, detox can significantly ease the process of overcoming withdrawal symptoms. This medically supervised detox sets the foundation for individuals to begin healing and start treatment that addresses both their physical cravings and psychological triggers.
Residential Treatment & Clinical Trials: In-Depth Care for Opioid Addiction Recovery
While detox is an important step, it must be followed by evidence-based addiction treatment to provide long-term results. At our residential treatment center, people struggling with opioid use disorder can receive intensive and effective therapies and learn the skills of recovery in a safe and controlled environment.
Clients at a residential treatment center live on-site during treatment and focus on improving their mental health. This allows them to focus their entire energy on the work of recovery and spend their time with other people working toward overcoming substance use disorders.
The treatments and therapies offered at Luxe Treatment Center’s residential treatment program include:
- Addiction therapies
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Group therapy
- Therapy with family members
- Mindfulness therapies
- Recreational therapies
- Relapse prevention programs
Residential care allows for individual therapy, group counseling, and clinical trials participation for those pursuing the latest in opioid addiction research. These therapies are evidence-based in helping people overcome substance use disorder, improve their mental health, and are effective in opioid addiction treatment.
Outpatient Treatment Programs with Group Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
For those who are stepping down from residential treatment or who would prefer not to live on-site while receiving addiction care, our outpatient treatment program offers all the same services as our residential program in a more relaxed format.
During outpatient treatment, clients live at home or in supportive recovery housing and attend their treatment facility several days a week for therapy and treatment. Outpatient treatment is a less intensive program, offering more flexibility to people with competing responsibilities and obligations.
Common types of outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) include:
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers a high level of structured care without requiring an overnight stay. Patients participate in treatment sessions for several hours each day, typically five to seven days a week. PHPs provide an intensive therapeutic environment that includes medical monitoring, individual and group therapy, and skill-building activities to aid in recovery.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
The intensive outpatient program (IOP) for addiction treatment is designed for individuals who need more support than standard outpatient care but do not require the level of intensity found in PHPs. IOPs typically meet multiple times a week for a few hours per session. These programs offer comprehensive treatment, including individual counseling, group therapy to improve mental health, and life skills training, enabling patients to maintain work, education, and family obligations while receiving substantial support.
Standard Outpatient Program
Standard outpatient programs are the least intensive form of outpatient care, providing treatment sessions once or twice a week. These programs focus on individual and group therapy sessions that help patients develop coping strategies, manage cravings, and address any co-occurring mental health conditions. Standard outpatient care is often recommended as a step-down form of treatment following the completion of more intensive programs like PHP or IOP.
Aftercare and Medication-assisted treatment
Aftercare plays a pivotal role in ensuring long-term recovery, providing other resources and preventing relapse. It encompasses a variety of ongoing support and resources such as counseling, support groups, and family therapy. Medication-assisted treatments, like buprenorphine, are used to ease symptoms of withdrawal and help stabilize the individual. Participating in family counseling sessions can also help build a strong support system around the person in recovery.
Our approach treats opioid addiction as a chronic disease that affects the brain, body, and daily life—requiring a long-term, personalized treatment plan for effective recovery. Aftercare often includes community resources, reducing cravings through medications, and evidence-based approaches to promote lasting recovery.
Get Help at Our Nevada Opioid Addiction Treatment Center Today
If you’re struggling with opioid addiction, please know this: you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re at rock bottom or just beginning to seek help, we see you—and we’re here for you.
At Luxe Treatment Center, we offer treatment based on understanding and expert care. Our compassionate team is trained to support you every step of the way, using evidence-based therapies and new strategies designed to help you recover and rebuild your life with strength and hope.
Recovery is possible. Healing is possible. And it starts with reaching out.
Contact our team at Luxe Treatment Center by calling (725) 215-3017 or filling out our confidential online contact form to learn more about our treatment options.
