When it comes to opiate addiction, professional help is a must. Because of the potency of the substance and how the drug has been distributed in the past, many individuals continue to struggle with dependence or addiction to the drug. At a substance abuse treatment center, you can learn more about your addiction and begin your road to recovery. When you’re ready to turn your life around through an opiate addiction treatment center, contact Lakeview Health at 904.531.3505.
Opiates are derived from the poppy plant, which produces opium, and is a highly addictive substance. Opium is used in many narcotic prescription medications, and it is the main ingredient in heroin. Opiates are narcotic drugs, which must only be taken under the supervision of a medical doctor. Any other means of obtaining and using opiates is considered illegal and is highly detrimental to your health.
Opiates travel directly to the body’s natural opioid receptors and change the perception of pain, which also creates euphoria-causing cravings in addicts.
Opiates work on three areas of the brain and nervous system:
Taking more opiates than prescribed or obtaining and using opiates illegally are key warning signs of prescription drug addiction. Eventually, addiction will create physical complications and significant distress in employment, relationships, and social life. Additionally, if you take too many opiates, you run the risk of an overdose. Without medical help, an overdose can be deadly. It is best to seek treatment from an opiate addiction treatment center to avoid this from occurring.
Many people don’t realize that the prescription opiates their doctor prescribed after a surgery or a severe injury are incredibly addictive. Unfortunately, addiction to prescription opiates can lead to other substance use disorders, so it’s often best to seek treatment as soon as possible. If you or someone you love is battling an addiction to opiates, please reach out to Lakeview Health today at 904.531.3505.
Once opiates are removed from the body, the brain’s neurological response is immediate. Within hours, the nervous system responds to the lack of opiates and begins overproducing its own endorphins, sending the body into withdrawal. Opiate withdrawal symptoms begin 48-72 hours after an individual’s last use and can last from one to two weeks. Withdrawal is based upon frequency and duration of use. Some may experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms and psychological withdrawal with some manifestations of physical sickness up to 6 months after the initial physical withdrawal.
______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
If you don’t have support throughout the process, these symptoms can be overwhelming and may be dangerous. Therefore, it’s best to work with an opiate detox program to monitor your condition. Opiate detox symptoms can be managed with the proper dispensation of several drugs to minimize the physical sensations of withdrawal. Some examples include methadone, which may only be administered in a licensed drug addiction treatment center. These medications include clonidine, naltrexone, and Suboxone. These medications are merely examples and do not reflect the specific drug used for any individual’s opiate detoxification.
Patients will be thoroughly evaluated and monitored at a licensed medical detox center during the opiate detox process. This treatment is crucial because preexisting medical conditions and any psychological issues will determine the detox treatment program. The addict may receive medication for opiate withdrawal to assist with comfort during opiate detox.
At Lakeview Health, our 24-hour, 7-day-a-week medical staff is available to help you move through the opiate detox process with all the attention you require. Your journey back to recovery begins with the correct detoxification program followed by a drug treatment program.
During this treatment option, you have the opportunity to live at our treatment center around the clock for a month or more. This option is ideal for people who have a severe addiction.
If you’ve already completed an inpatient or residential treatment program, the next step is a PHP. Partial hospitalization programs allow you to attend treatment for several hours each day but go home at night.
IOPs are an excellent option for those who have mild addictions. Within the care of an intensive outpatient treatment program, you’ll attend treatment a few days a week.
Once you enter an outpatient treatment program, most of the time, you’ll only participate in one or two treatment sessions a week.
Alumni programs, or aftercare, is not a traditional treatment option. However, it is helpful in providing support and coping mechanisms after you leave another treatment program.
Taking the first step towards recovery can be daunting, but knowing your options for care is paramount to your success. Fill out the form below and one of our team members will reach out to help you get started.