MS Contin abuse can cause serious issues, chief among them being addiction. When a person becomes addicted to this opioid drug, treatment in a rehab center is extremely necessary for a safe and effective recovery. Let us help you find the best rehab program for your current needs; call 800-442-6158 Who Answers? today.
What Is MS Contin?
According to the Massachusetts State Government, “MS Contin is an opioid agonist product indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment.” It is a brand name drug packaged as an extended-release tablet containing morphine, a natural opioid substance. While MS Contin can be an effective medication for those with intense pain, it can also be abused by those hoping to get high.
People who misuse drugs like MS Contin can become addicted very quickly. This kind of substance use disorder can also lead to dependence, tolerance, potentially deadly overdose, and even the abuse of other, more intense drugs like heroin and fentanyl. It is extremely important to seek help if you or someone you love is addicted to this dangerous drug.
Signs and Symptoms of an MS Contin Addiction
Someone who becomes addicted to MS Contin will have been abusing the drug often and in large doses for an extended period of time. Some individuals use this medication as a heroin substitute while others turn to heroin later as a cheaper option. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of an MS Contin addiction include
- Neglecting responsibilities like work, school, and family in order to use more of the drug
- Secretive behavior or hiding the extent of one’s drug abuse from others
- Becoming hostile when someone else accuses the user of being addicted
- Putting one’s self or others in danger in the pursuit of obtaining or using more drugs
- Experiencing physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when unable to use the drug, which according to the National Library of Medicine, include
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Muscle, joint, and bone pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flu like symptoms like runny nose, fever, and sweating
- Chills
- Insomnia
- Dilated pupils
- Experiencing severe cravings for the drug
- Experiencing problems in one’s everyday life associated with one’s drug abuse, including
- Getting fired or reprimanded at work
- Getting expelled, failing a test, etc.
- Losing important relationships or fighting with loved ones
- Financial issues
- Legal problems like getting arrested
- Being unable to stop using MS Contin, even when wanting to
These are the strong signs that one’s substance abuse has moved beyond their control and become a serious issue. If you recognize these scenarios in your own life or in the life of someone you love, now is the time to seek help.
Where Can I Find Treatment for an MS Contin Addiction?
The best place to receive treatment for an MS Contin addiction is in a rehab center. There are many different types of facilities, but it is important to attend professional treatment in general and to choose the right option for your needs. Some individuals require inpatient care, specifically those who…
- Suffer from a comorbid mental or physical disorder
- Comorbid disorders must be treated simultaneously with addiction, and inpatient centers are often better able to accommodate this need.
- Have severe dependencies and/or addiction syndromes
- Those whose addictions are very severe are more likely to relapse. Being in a controlled environment that offers 24-hour care is often a better choice for these individuals.
- Do not have a strong social support system at home
- Patients who lack this type of support will also be more likely to relapse while they are not in treatment. In addition, you will be able to create a support system in inpatient care with the doctors, nurses, counselors, and even the other patients who all want to see you succeed in your recovery.
- Do not have a home environment that is conducive to recovery
- If your home is not drug-free, is dangerous, or is otherwise not a place where you can recover easily from your MS Contin addiction, you may want to consider seeking inpatient treatment.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, outpatient centers are most effective for those with “jobs or extensive social supports.” Because opioid withdrawal is usually not life threatening, either type of rehab program could be effective for your recovery. It is important, though, to consider your needs and to make sure the rehab center you choose can accommodate them. Call 800-442-6158 Who Answers? now for more help finding safe, reliable care.
How to Solve the Biggest Problems with Opiate Addiction Recovery
Types of MS Contin Addiction Treatment
Whether you choose inpatient or outpatient care, there are several different types of treatment that are considered effective for opioid addiction recovery. Different rehab centers may offer different options, but those listed below are the most commonly utilized treatment methods for opioid addiction.
- Medications: Medications are considered one of the evidence-based practices for addiction treatment. They can be utilized as maintenance drugs, to treat co-occurring disorders, and to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Methadone, an opioid agonist that is often used in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) to help recovering opioid addicts
- Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that is often used as a maintenance medication and is safer in an abuse situation than methadone
- Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist that can precipitate withdrawal whenever opioids are abused and can be used by patients with a serious motivation to end their opioid use
- Behavioral therapies: Behavioral therapies are highly effective at helping patients understand their substance abuse and why they began using drugs. In addition, it can help teach individuals life skills that will help them avoid turning back to substance abuse in the future.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy, one of the most effective behavioral therapies available that helps patients relearn how to live without drugs
- Contingency management, a therapy program that rewards patients whenever they submit a negative drug test
- Group therapy, a program that helps patients build a stronger support system and explore their substance abuse’s effects in a group setting
- Family therapy, a program that provides patients and their families with a chance to work through problems at home and create a better atmosphere for everyone’s recovery
In general, when behavioral therapies and medicines are used together, this is the best option for recovery. In a professional rehab center, you will be able to receive both types of care as well as potentially other options like vocational counseling, holistic methods, etc.
How Long Will I Be in Treatment?
The length of time you will spend in your treatment program depends heavily on the type of rehab center and program you choose. For example, 90 days is considered the minimum amount of time that a rehab program should last in order for patients to be able to reap the full benefits of care. However, programs like methadone maintenance last for at least a year before the patient can discuss with their doctor whether or not they are ready to be weaned off their medication.
Some facilities even provide shorter programs than the recommended 90 days. According to the Journal of Addictive Diseases, the Minnesota Model, which is still used today, normally recommends patients spend a maximum of 28 days in inpatient care. This much shorter program is usually supplemented with aftercare in an outpatient center. Depending on your rehab program, you may be in treatment for as little as a month to as long as a year or more.
Is MS Contin Rehab Necessary?
If you are suffering from an addiction, MS Contin rehab is extremely necessary. If you…
- Experience severe cravings for the drug
- Have experienced problems in your day-to-day life as a result of your substance abuse
- Have begun using or are considering switching to another type of opioid like heroin
- Want to stop taking MS Contin but do not think you can do so alone
- Abuse the drug every day
- Are worried that you no longer have control over your substance abuse
then it is time to seek help. In truth, though, it is never too early to get help for a substance use disorder, and if you think you may have a problem, you probably already do. Get the help you need by seeking treatment in a professional rehab center. It is the safest way to avoid relapse and to build a strong and successful recovery.
Paying for MS Contin Rehab
Some people can afford to seek treatment in a luxury facility, but others worry about paying for rehab. There are actually many different ways you can pay for your addiction treatment and/or minimize the costs of your care.
- Use your insurance plan.
- According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, substance use disorder treatment is now considered an “essential health benefit,” thanks to the Affordable Care Act. This means every insurance plan sold on the Health Insurance Marketplace will cover one’s treatment for addiction, and most other plans will cover at least part of care as well.
- Choose sliding-fee scale treatment.
- Many of the rehab centers all across the country provide care on a sliding-fee scale. For each individual patient, an amount is determined based on income and other factors, and then the patient pays this agreed upon amount.
- Ask your friends and family for help.
- You are not alone in your recovery, and it is important to remind yourself of this. Your loved ones will want to see you thrive in your treatment program, and they may even be able to help you pay for your care.
- In addition, the NIDA states having loved ones involved in your treatment program will strengthen the benefits of that program.
Finding the Best Rehab Program
It isn’t always easy to choose the best rehab program for your specific needs, especially if you have never done anything like it before. Let us match you with programs that will suit your current situation and allow you to make the safest recovery possible.
- When you call
800-442-6158
Who Answers?
, you will speak with a treatment advisor. They will need to gather information about your current situation, including
- Your insurance plan and provider
- Your medical and substance abuse history
- Your needs for treatment
- Once they understand what you are looking for, they will be able to match you with a rehab center that suits your needs.
- When you find the program that you like best, your advisor will be able to help you create a step-by-step plan to get into the program of your choice.
What Happens After Rehab?
After rehab, your treatment program will likely help you transition into an aftercare program. This could be another treatment center like an outpatient facility or a more hands-off option like a 12-step recovery group or less frequent booster sessions. But making this transition is part of living a life in recovery, as is ensuring that you are as safe and healthy as possible once you end your treatment program.
According to SAMHSA, there are four dimensions that support a life in recovery. They are
- Health: Being healthy not only means being drug-free but also being emotionally, physically, and mentally well. It is important to take care of yourself after rehab and during recovery, which means exercising, eating right, and sleeping well.
- Home: Having a safe place to go after treatment is incredibly important to maintaining a drug-free lifestyle. If you do not have this kind of home life, you may want to choose a sober living home or another type of similar program as an aftercare option.
- Purpose: Conducting “meaningful daily activities” and participating in society is just as important. Having a purpose will boost your self-esteem and help you avoid relapse.
- Community: Having a social support system as well as relationships that make you happy and help you feel good is essential to recovery.
Find Help for Your Addiction
MS Contin addiction is a serious disorder. Let us help you make a change and create a beneficial and successful life, free of substance abuse, by seeking treatment. The first step is making the call: contact your treatment advisor at 800-442-6158 Who Answers? today.