What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs, including legal prescription pain relievers and illegal substances. They interact with opioid receptors in the body and brain to produce pain-relieving and pleasurable effects. Common types of 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: Aa 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, substance abuse is a real possibility.
Uses and Risks
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.
- Tolerance: Over time, people may need higher doses of opioids to achieve the same pain-relieving effects.
- Addiction: Opioids have a high potential for addiction and drug abuse, as they activate brain regions responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. This can lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
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.
Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid addiction is a chronic 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. Addiction disrupts various aspects of a person’s 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.
Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder
Recognizing the symptoms of opioid use disorders is critical for early intervention and treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Cravings
- Loss of control
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Increased tolerance
- Neglect of responsibilities
- Social withdrawal
- Continued use despite consequences
- Overdose
Recognizing and addressing opioid use disorders with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is imperative for effective treatment and long-term recovery.
Symptoms of Opioid Overdose
Recognizing the symptoms of an opioid overdose (which can occur from illicit or prescription opioids) is crucial for timely intervention and saving lives. The following are common signs to look out for:
- Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
- Slow, shallow, or irregular breathing
- Pinpoint pupils
- Cold or clammy skin
- Blue or purplish lips and fingernails
- Weak or no pulse
- Seizures or convulsions
- Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
Recognizing these symptoms and acting quickly to treat opioid overdoses is critical in addressing the opioid crisis and helping people recover.
How an Opioid Addiction Treatment Center Can Help
Treatment for opioid addiction employs several evidence-based strategies to help individuals overcome the challenges of addiction, find relief from the physical withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid use disorders, and develop healthy, effective strategies to maintain long-term sobriety. These comprehensive approaches address both the physiological and psychological facets of addiction, equipping individuals with the necessary tools and support systems to achieve and sustain recovery.
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 the first step of 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. Successfully clearing your body of opioids not only alleviates physical dependence but also helps clear your mind, preparing you for the crucial next steps in opioid addiction treatment.
Residential Treatment
While detox is an important first step, it must be followed by evidence-based addiction treatment in order 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. 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
These therapies are evidence-based in helping people overcome substance use disorder and are effective in opioid addiction treatment.
Outpatient Treatment
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) 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, 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
Aftercare plays a pivotal role in ensuring long-term recovery 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.
Behavioral therapies are essential in aftercare, helping individuals develop coping mechanisms and resilience necessary for daily life.
Ultimately, outpatient opioid addiction treatment programs offer a flexible and effective continuum of care, allowing patients to receive the necessary treatment intensity while maintaining their daily responsibilities.
Start Opioid Addiction Treatment at Luxe Treatment Center Today
If you’re struggling to stop opioid use on your own, contact our team at Luxe Treatment Center by calling (725) 215-3017 or filling out our confidential online contact form. We know how difficult living with opioid addiction can be, but you can recover, and our team has the experience and training to treat opioid addiction and help you achieve a lasting and successful recovery. Reach out when you’re ready to start opioid addiction treatment.
