Opioid Drug Addiction Treatment

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a type of drug known primarily for relieving pain. Also known as “painkillers,” prescription opioids are used by medical professionals to manage a range of health conditions often accompanied by severe and/or chronic pain. Illicit opioids, or “street drugs,” such as heroin, cause similar effects when ingested but are deemed unlawful due to their high risk of abuse.

Common lawful opioids in the U.S. include:

• Fentanyl: This is a powerful synthetic opioid, many times more potent than morphine. It’s typically used for severe pain, often in cases such as advanced cancer pain or during surgery.
• OxyContin (Oxycodone): OxyContin is a brand name for oxycodone, a potent semi-synthetic opioid used to manage moderate to severe pain. It’s available in various formulations and strengths.
• Vicodin (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen): Vicodin contains hydrocodone, a semi-synthetic opioid, combined with acetaminophen. It’s prescribed to manage moderate to moderately severe pain.
• Methadone: This synthetic opioid is often used in treating opioid addiction (as part of medication-assisted treatment) and for managing severe pain. It works differently from other opioids and has a longer duration of action.
• Oxymorphone: Similar to oxycodone, oxymorphone is a potent semi-synthetic opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. It’s available in various formulations and strengths.
• Codeine: This is a mild opioid used for treating mild to moderately severe pain and sometimes as a cough suppressant. It’s often combined with other medications.
• Hydrocodone: Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. It’s available in various formulations and strengths and is often combined with other medications like acetaminophen.
• Morphine: One of the oldest known opioids, morphine is derived from the opium poppy plant. It’s a potent pain reliever used to manage moderate to severe pain, especially after surgery or for pain associated with certain medical conditions.

These are powerful drugs that, when used properly, can allow patients with serious medical conditions significant relief. However, they are also extremely addictive, leading to a high risk of abuse.

America’s Opioid Crisis

The United States has officially declared the high rates of opioid use and overdose deaths a crisis. Every year, millions of Americans misuse or abuse opioids and, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, almost 50,000 people died due to opioid-related overdoses in 2019 alone.

Although opioids have been used for centuries, both medically and recreationally, the U.S. opioid crisis did not begin until the late 1990s when pharmaceutical companies provided false information regarding the addictive nature of these drugs. Medical providers were told that prescription opioids, including powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl, did not pose a serious risk to consumers. As a result, doctors and other medical professionals began to prescribe these drugs at greater rates.

Over time, it became increasingly clear that opioids—both prescription drugs and illicit substances—were not only highly addictive but also incredibly dangerous. Now, more than 20 years after pharmaceutical companies falsely claimed that these drugs were not highly addictive, approximately 1.7 million Americans suffer from an opioid-related substance use disorder.

Sadly, like other drug addictions, opioid addiction is often fatal. In the past five years, about 50,000 people have died annually due to opioid-related overdoses, including accidental heroin overdose and fatal overdose caused by prescription opioids. Often—though not always—these overdoses occur when a person uses opioids along with another substance, such as barbiturates or alcohol.

What Are the Short- & Long-Term Effects of Opioid Abuse?

Opioid addiction can have profound short-term and long-term effects on both the body and mind:

Short-term effects include:

• Euphoria: Opioids trigger a rush of pleasure and euphoria, which can lead to feelings of intense relaxation and well-being.
• Pain Relief: They effectively alleviate pain, often providing quick relief from acute discomfort or chronic pain.
• Drowsiness and Sedation: Opioids can cause drowsiness, sedation, and feelings of being disconnected from reality.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and vomiting, especially when initially taking opioids.
• Confusion and Cognitive Impairment: Short-term opioid use can lead to confusion, slowed thinking, and impaired judgment.
• Constipation: Opioids often cause constipation due to their effects on the digestive system.

Here are some of the long-term effects of opioid addiction:

• Physical Dependence: Prolonged use of opioids can lead to physical dependence, where the body adapts to the drug’s presence and requires it to function normally.
• Tolerance: Over time, individuals may develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects they initially experienced with lower doses.
• Addiction: Opioid addiction involves a compulsive need to seek and use opioids despite harmful consequences. This can lead to significant disruptions in one’s life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being.
• Health Issues: Long-term opioid use can lead to various health problems, including respiratory depression, increased risk of infections, hormonal imbalances, and cardiovascular issues.
• Mental Health Concerns: Opioid addiction often coexists with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and mood swings, exacerbating these conditions.
• Social and Economic Impact: Addiction can result in strained relationships, loss of employment, financial difficulties, legal issues, and social isolation.
• Overdose and Death: One of the most severe consequences of opioid addiction is the risk of overdose, which can be fatal due to respiratory depression or cardiac arrest.

What Are the Warning Signs of Opioid Addiction?

Because opioids are commonly prescribed to treat legitimate medical conditions, anyone can quickly build tolerance and dependency on these drugs. Often, individuals find themselves unable to control their cravings and struggling to deal with symptoms of withdrawal, causing them to continue taking opioids at higher dosages more frequently and for longer periods of time. This—an intense craving or desire to take opioids despite negative consequences—is in itself a warning sign.

Others include:

• Spending a significant amount of time thinking about obtaining and/or using opioids
• Spending a significant amount of time actually using opioids
• Taking a higher dose or taking opioids for longer than prescribed
• Attempting to obtain multiple prescriptions and/or early refills
• Taking someone else’s prescription opioids, either with or without their permission/knowledge
• Using or buying illegal opioids, such as heroin, or buying someone else’s prescribed opioids
• Feeling an uncontrollable desire to use opioids despite negative consequences in your life

If you are concerned that someone you love may be abusing opioids, look for the following signs:

• Unexplained changes in mood or behavior
• Increased paranoia, secretiveness, isolation, or lying
• Stealing, including stealing prescriptions and/or money
• Changes in friend groups or activities
• Unusual changes in sleep patterns, such as excessive fatigue or insomnia
• Irritability, mood swings, or apparent anxiety/depression
• Unexplained weight loss
• Poor hygiene
• Engaging in risky behavior
• Financial difficulties, including being fired from a job
• Finding drug paraphernalia

Whether you are struggling with a substance use disorder or believe your loved one may be abusing opioids, know that help is available. At The Lakes Treatment Center, we offer comprehensive opioid addiction treatment in Northern California. Our residential opioid rehab program offers a truly personalized and integrated approach to recovery with the goal of helping individuals lay the foundation for long-term sobriety and success.

Treatments for Opioid Addiction

Our program focuses on a whole-person approach to opioid addiction treatment and recovery. Typically, treatment begins with safe, monitored detox at our residential facility. Although detox can be uncomfortable, as clients will experience a range of withdrawal symptoms depending on various individual factors, medications can be used to ease some of these symptoms and enhance an individual’s comfort during this process.

Following detox, clients are afforded the opportunity to take part in a customized program designed to specifically address their unique needs, concerns, and goals. Days in rehab are structured and usually consist of nutritional meals, mindfulness practices, recreational activities, and a variety of individual and group therapy sessions and meetings. In some cases, medication may be used to aid in the recovery process. We utilize an advanced method of prescribing medications known as pharmacogenetic, or PGX, testing, which analyze your DNA to determine which medications will—and will not—be effective in aiding your recovery.

We prioritize our clients’ overall physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, offering a range of therapies, treatments, and recreational activities to help you develop important life skills and obtain the tools you need for long-term sobriety.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does opioid addiction treatment typically last?

Opioid addiction treatment programs vary in length depending on your individual needs. However, most programs last between 30 and 90 days. We offer both short-term and long-term programs at The Lakes Treatment Center.

What if I have a co-occurring mental health disorder?

Many people with opioid addiction also struggle with a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression. The Lakes Treatment Center offers dual diagnosis treatment programs that address both addiction and mental health disorders.

Does The Lakes Treatment Center offer detox services?

Yes, we offer medically supervised detox services to help you safely manage withdrawal symptoms during the initial phase of treatment.

Opioid addiction doesn’t have to define you. With the right treatment, you can overcome addiction and build a healthy, fulfilling life. Contact The Lakes Treatment Center today to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment programs in Northern California.