Opiates rank as one of the most addictive types of drugs out there. Also known as opioids, opiates are narcotics that are often prescribed legally to relieve chronic pain or to treat individuals who have suffered injuries resulting in pain. Heroin, a highly illicit drug, is also in this category.
Having an addiction to opiates can be crippling. Individuals who become addicted to these drugs often find that they cannot function normally unless they have more of the drug. They become so dependent on them that they can’t face their day. These drugs have a distinct effect on the brain, giving the user that sense of high that makes them feel better. Treatment for a substance use disorder involving opiates must be done properly to be effective.
Why is Detox Important in Opiate Addiction Treatment?
A person who struggles with opiates addiction should never attempt to go cold turkey. Due to the nature of these drugs, trying to simply quit using them can be dangerous and result in serious side effects and withdrawal. Instead, the detoxification process is a necessary first step toward opiates treatment.
Detox helps a person with substance use disorder by completely removing the substance from their body. Finding the right facility to undergo the process is important. However, all facilities that perform detox for such highly addictive substances have fully qualified medical staff on hand to assist anyone who has a rough time during the process.
Because opiates are so addictive and fall under the category of Schedule II drugs, the withdrawal process can be severe. Medication management is necessary to help people during detox. These medications can ease the symptoms of withdrawal and make it easier to undergo this portion of the treatment. The following medications are commonly used for treating an opiates addiction:
- Methadone and buprenorphine: Methadone and buprenorphine can both reduce the severity of a person’s cravings for opiates as well as their withdrawal symptoms during detox. They work by targeting the same areas of the brain as the drug that was abused. However, unlike opiates, they don’t result in that high feeling. Methadone and buprenorphine help to bring back balance to the brain, helping the individual overcome the cravings for the substance, which is necessary during rehab treatment.
- Naloxone: Naloxone is oven administered during detox alongside buprenorphine. It can help to balance things out and prevent the potential abuse of buprenorphine.
- Naltrexone: Naltrexone is a medication that is used for addressing that sensation of feeling high that a person achieves when abusing opiates. It’s different than the other medications used to treat substance use disorder as it doesn’t help treat cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone is helpful in preventing a potential relapse, but it’s important that a person take it at least seven to 10 days after being off of opiates. Taking it any sooner could result in serious symptoms of withdrawal.
Why is Counseling a Necessary Part of Opiates Addiction Treatment?
A huge part of opiates addiction treatment involves counseling. Specifically, behavioral therapy combined with rehab treatment is effective at helping individuals with opiates substance use disorder to better cope and have better odds of not relapsing. When the person gets the opportunity to talk openly about their problem and why they started abusing the drugs to begin with, it gives them a clearer perspective. They can learn better ways to react when certain triggers arise.
There are different types of therapy that can help a person who is struggling with opiates addiction. They might include any of the following:
- 12-step groups
- Contingency management
- Support groups
- Motivational interviewing
- Family therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Should You Seek Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment?
When seeking a rehab facility, a person can choose either an inpatient or outpatient setting for opiates addiction treatment. While inpatient treatment might seem like the better option for addiction as serious as one involving opiates, outpatient facilities are intensive and might be the better choice if the person has responsibilities at home to tend to such as children or older family members who require special care.
Inpatient treatment means the individual stays at the facility seven days a week while doing their treatment. Outpatient treatment requires the person to come in for their treatment several hours each day, giving them time to focus on outside obligations when they’re not in the facility.
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