Treating Opiate Addiction

It is impossible to miss the fact that Opiate addiction is a crisis of epic proportion in our society today! Statistics show that millions struggle with abuse and addiction and according to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, more than 15,000 die each year from opiate overdose.

Realizing and admitting that you have a drug abuse problem and making the decision to get help is the first step. The next step is finding the right program to help you overcome your drug addiction and help get you on the road to recovery!

Rx Pain Meds and More

Opiates include not only prescription pain killers such as Morphine, Percocet, Vicodin and Oxycontin, but also Heroin. Methadone, a drug that is commonly used in addiction treatment, is another drug included in this group. These drugs work by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system.

Drug Tolerance

Tolerance occurs in addiction when an individual takes a drug for a prolong period of time. As tolerance develops, the person has to increase the amount of the drug in order to achieve the same euphoric feeling or high as with the previous time. Continuously increasing the drug amount can lead to a drug overdose and be fatal.

Addiction Detox

In most cases, individuals who want to quit opiate abuse or addiction require medical detox. Detox will cleanse the system of the drug toxins from abuse. There are several different types of medical detox including oral medication and IV therapy medical detox. Most doctors prefer IV therapy because it allows the medication to be adjusted as the withdrawal symptoms change throughout the detox process.

Methods of addiction treatment include residential and outpatient programs. Outpatient treatment is convenient for persons who need to continue their jobs and take care of their daily responsibilities. On the other hand, a residential program offers the person seeking treatment to get away from the things that can hinder or distract them from the recovery process.

When choosing the detox method that is right for you, studies show that the more comfortable you are during the process, the more likely you will be to stay and successfully complete detox. Patient comfort and relief from withdrawal symptoms are the most common concerns by individuals searching for a program.

Support is Critical

After you have successfully completed detox, it is a good idea to enter a rehab treatment program to help you continue sobriety. There are a number of support groups available, as well as residential sobriety homes where you will learn to make choices that do not include substance abuse. Although different in practice and theory, traditional 12 Step such as NA and behavioral educational programs, offer assistance and support. The important point is that you find the rehab treatment program that is right for you and stick with it. Recovery is not a sprint…it is a marathon!