What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a drug class created from naturally occurring elements of the poppy plant. These drugs have a range of effects but are usually used for pain relief, although some are used for their euphoric effects. What makes opioids so dangerous is that many of them are easy to get and can even be prescribed by a doctor. Many who seek addiction treatment at opioid rehab centers started their substance abuse with an opioid they were legally prescribed. Our opioid treatment program in Phoenix, AZ, offers comprehensive addiction recovery programs and therapies to give individuals the best chance of achieving lasting sobriety.
You may know opioids by the terms painkillers or narcotics. However, it’s important to understand the term “painkiller” is not synonymous with opioids. Over-the-counter painkillers like aspirin or Tylenol don’t have the same addictive effects as prescription opioids. Some of the most common prescription opioids include morphine, OxyContin, Vicodin and hydrocodone.
Prescription opioids may often be the start of drug addiction, but they aren’t the only options to “get high.” Several synthetic or street opioid drugs produce the same effects but generally on a more intense level. It’s normal for people to turn to these street opioids when their doctor will no longer prescribe medication, often leading to opioid dependence.
Heroin is the more common street opioid people may seek drug addiction treatment for. Highly addictive, heroin creates intense feelings of pleasure or euphoria. It often comes in a white powder but may also be a brown powder or black tar substance. Heroin addiction treatment is crucial for those who struggle with dependence on this powerful drug.
The second common street opioid is fentanyl. Fentanyl is particularly potent — up to 100 times more powerful than morphine. Due to its strength, fentanyl use often ends in a medical emergency like an overdose, highlighting the need for an effective opioid addiction rehab.
If you’re ready to start your journey to sobriety and overcome your drug abuse, you’re far from alone. Around two million Americans become addicted to opioids each year, and of those, one in four will eventually seek an opioid treatment program in Phoenix, AZ. Substance abuse programs are the best option to get sober and stay that way so you or your loved one can live their healthiest, happiest life.
OPIOID DETOX
The first step of any treatment program for drug or alcohol abuse is detoxing. Detox is when all traces of the substance you’re addicted to leave your body. You may have withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild to severe during this period. The amount, length and severity of symptoms will vary from one person to the next based on numerous factors, so this process can look different for everyone. You should undergo an opioid withdrawal and detox program at a drug rehab center under the supervision of medical professionals.
A few common withdrawal symptoms you may experience include:
Identifying and Treating Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues
Many people suffer from drug and alcohol addiction due to underlying mental illness that has gone untreated. In the case of opioids, physical health problems may also be an underlying cause. Identifying and treating these issues is a critical factor in drug rehab programs.
Treatment options for mental health issues, including behavioral therapy and group therapy, are often used simultaneously for the most effective mental health services.
Inpatient Intensive Treatment Options
Inpatient rehab programs are a type of residential treatment and include temporary stays at addiction treatment centers. During your stay, you’ll be under constant supervision by your treatment provider and have access to comprehensive opioid addiction treatment services at all times. Before starting your program, you’ll sit with your treatment provider to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
During your stay, you’ll have access to the resources you need to overcome the most challenging part of your recovery process. Some of these resources may include:
- Medication-assisted treatment MAT
- Individual and group counseling services
- An addiction specialist
- Behavioral health therapies
- Healthcare providers for any medical emergencies
- Support groups
Our drug and alcohol rehab center is designed to be a calming environment conducive to healing. As a result, you can focus on your opioid treatment programs without worrying about external stressors or responsibilities.
Are you concerned about the costs of inpatient treatment? Numerous insurance plans, including certain private health providers, may partially or fully cover your treatment at our Phoenix inpatient drug rehab center.
Outpatient Treatment Programs for Opioid Use Disorder
Treating substance use disorders doesn’t end after successfully completing an inpatient rehab program at our treatment facility. Recovery from substance use disorder requires an ongoing dedication to staying sober and receiving support services for the foreseeable future.
Our outpatient treatment providers will continue giving you high-quality behavioral health care and can help you explore additional treatment options if necessary. You’ll also continue with therapies or medications, as necessary, at our mental health and addiction treatment center.
In the beginning, you may attend support groups or therapy once or more a week that can help you find the right recovery community. Since drugs like opioids are highly addictive, you should continue with your treatment plan to avoid relapse. You may begin attending support groups and therapy less often as time continues. Your doctor or addiction specialist should discuss and approve treatments that are less frequent.
