Finding Treatment for Opiate Addiction

Opiate addiction causes millions of people to suffer physical, emotional, and mental health issues which are aggravated by the social and economic pressures that come with it. Opiate addiction changes the way the person’s brain works and literally, causes total confusion. One day the addict is up, and the next day, they are down. The occasional “highs” become desperate needs to use opiates just to get by. Constant cravings, obsessions, withdrawals, anxiety, fear, depression and up again and down again, creates havoc in the addict’s life. They need help to get it all back together.

Effective Treatment for Opiate Addiction

Beginning with a safe detox, medications can be used to ease the withdrawals and professionals can care for the person to help them through this first critical step. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, ”Effective treatment programs typically incorporate many components, each directed to a particular aspect of the illness and its consequences. Addiction treatment must help the individual stop using drugs, maintain a drug-free lifestyle, and achieve productive functioning in the family, at work, and in society.” Medications and behavioral therapies are important elements of treatment for opiate addiction, but continuum are for other issues and follow-up relapse prevention is equally important.

Outpatient versus Inpatient

Counseling is a very important part in the opiate recovery process.

Don’t wait for your life to spiral out of control before seeking help. There are many programs available to suit your needs. You may have concerns regarding cost, location, duration, and services provided, but this should not get in the way of finding treatment for opiate addiction.

Outpatient treatment programs vary. Most are easily accessible, less costly, and have fewer restrictions or requirements than inpatient programs. They provide services for detox, counseling, and therapy but services may be limited.

Inpatient treatment programs require the addict live in, 24 hours a day, for up to 90 days. They are the preferred programs and although they have similar services as an outpatient program, they are more in depth and have greater access to professionals who can help with complex issues.