Opioid addiction is one of the most pervasive types of addiction in the world today. The number of individuals using opioids is steadily rising. If you find that you are having difficulties with opioids, it is imperative that you seek immediate assistance.
What Are Opioids?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) describes opioids as “a class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy plant. Some prescription opioids are made from the plant directly, and others are made by scientists in labs using the same chemical structure.”
These can include a variety of addictive substances, including:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Methadone
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
The Scope of Opioid Addiction
One of the main issues with opioids and the opioid crisis is that many people are unaware of their addictions before it is too late. Doctors often prescribe them as a means of alleviating pain. The problem with this is that it makes opioids completely legal to possess. In fact, for many people, the first stop on the road to opioid addiction is their doctor’s office.
Much as with alcohol, possession of prescription opioids is not illegal. This means that very few consequences (in terms of the law) often stop other people with substance use disorder (SUD) in their tracks. Without this stopgap, many people end up needing an increased number of pills which can lead to an overdose.
For people that are using opioids illegally, the issue is often linked to heroin. People with this type of addiction may be using it in a variety of ways. Often, it begins with an intense need for numbness. This is often due to mental trauma or the inability to deal with mental health issues. For some, it is even a matter of peer pressure.
Another way that people become addicted to opioids is tangentially through other drugs. In recent years, fentanyl addiction and deaths have been on the rise. For many, their initial introduction to fentanyl has been when it is laced with drugs such as cocaine. One danger is that people do not realize they have taken fentanyl and will often overdose. The hope is that people will have time to be given Naloxone to counteract some of the effects. However, this is not always possible.
What Can Professional Help Provide for Opioid Addiction?
Much as with other addictions, opioid addiction only becomes stronger as it continues. People end up building a tolerance to the drugs and find that they become harder to quit the longer they use.
It should also be noted that the longer a person waits to seek help, the harder the detox process will be. Detox is hard no matter what level individuals find themselves at, but it is a necessary part of the recovery process. It can take anywhere from a few days to longer than a week. The reason for this is that the opioids build up in the system, causing a variety of problems, including cardiovascular. When these problems get too severe, a person cannot simply stop and hope for the best. They must be monitored by professionals who can help with medications and round-the-clock treatments.
A person who realizes they have a problem can turn to those around them or seek professional assistance on their own. They should know that there is no shame in asking for help and that the entire recovery community exists to help in judgment-free zones. Professional help is available, and programs are in place to help you find recovery.
What Types of Programs Exist to Treat Opioid Addiction?
As discussed, there are a variety of programs that exist to help with opioid recovery. West Coast Recovery Centers is just one example of such a recovery program. Multi-faceted programs include a variety of treatment options. These include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness
- Meditation/yoga
- Transition/recovery planning
Each of these pieces adds up to form a program that not only welcomes new clients but shows them a path to healing. Add to that the fact that this path is not simply laid out before them. West Coast Recovery understands that when a person is in the midst of a SUD crisis, they require a helping hand.
For this reason, trained medical staff will create updated care plans as clients make their way through the various parts of the program. Clients will learn about their addictions, have time to focus on themselves in a safe environment, and get to know others in the same boat. None of us exist in a vacuum, and socialization with others can have a lasting impact.
Individuals living with opioid addictions will often find that seeking professional help is the best way to achieve their goal of getting sober. Without professional help, they risk doing more mental and physical harm. That is why West Coast Recovery Centers makes it easy for clients to find the help they need.
The opioid crisis is very real. West Coast Recovery Centers understands this and understands that people need our help. We are prepared to offer recovery programs for those struggling with opioid addiction. In our program, we believe that with help and guidance, anyone can find their inner strength to deal with and overcome these issues. Through a holistic approach, clients will begin to realize that not only is there hope for those with opioid dependence issues but that they can be part of the solution. At West Coast Recovery Centers, we offer recovery planning so you are never alone. To learn more about our program, call us at (760) 492-6509.