What is opioid rehab?
Opioid rehab is a treatment plan for those battling opioid addiction. It starts with medical detox to ease withdrawal symptoms, followed by counselling and therapy to tackle the root causes of addiction. Support systems are also a key part of the journey, helping people build a foundation for a lasting recovery. The aim is to help people move past their dependence on opioids by equipping them with the skills to live a healthy, drug-free life.
What kind of opioids are treated in opioid rehab?
Many rehab facilities will provide rehab services for the vast majority of opioids that are available. Below, we take a look at some of the most common forms of opiate rehab:
- Morphine is a powerful pain reliever derived from opium. Morphine is highly addictive due to its euphoria-inducing effects.
- Percocet is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. It has the potential to be addictive due to its potent pain relief and euphoric feelings.
- Vicodin combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen together. Vicodin can be addictive through its pain relief and mood-altering properties.
- Codeine, a milder opioid used for pain and cough relief, can be addictive when used in high doses or over a long period.
- Demerol, used for moderate to severe pain, can cause addiction due to its strong euphoric effects.
- Dilaudid is known for its potent painkilling ability and is highly addictive due to its intense euphoria.
- Fentanyl is an extremely powerful synthetic opioid. It’s considered highly addictive and dangerous due to its potency and risk of overdose.
- Hydrocodone can become addictive through its euphoric effects and painkilling properties.
- Hydromorphone, a derivative of morphine, is highly addictive due to its strong euphoric and painkilling effects.
- Methadone, used in treating opioid addiction and pain, can be addictive due to its long-lasting euphoric effects.
- Oxycodone is a potent opioid painkiller and can lead to addiction through its powerful relief of pain and euphoric feeling.
- OxyContin is a time-release formulation of oxycodone, is addictive because of its long-lasting pain relief and potential for euphoria.
- Tramadol, a less potent pain reliever, can still lead to addiction, especially with prolonged use. Tramadol has strong mood-lifting and pain-relieving effects.
When is it time for me to consider opioid rehab?
Opioid rehabilitation is a significant step for anyone who might be struggling with their opioid use, regardless of whether the medications are prescribed or obtained otherwise. Acknowledging the need for help is a brave and critical first move towards healing, and this holds true even if you’re following your doctor’s prescription in the letter.
Opioids carry a high risk of dependence and addiction, making it all too easy for proper use to slide into misuse. Taking a moment to assess your situation honestly can shine a light on potential issues early, setting the stage for action before things get more complicated.
Below are six key questions to ask yourself if you’re currently using opioids;
- Have you felt the need to up your dose to get the same relief or feeling?
- Do you get uncomfortable or sick when you don’t take opioids?
- Is your mind often on your next dose?
- Have you tried to quit or cut back but just couldn’t do it?
- Are you taking more than intended or for longer?
- Has your opioid use started to interfere with your life?
If you find yourself answering ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it may be time to consider seeking help. Opioid rehab can provide the support and treatment needed to overcome dependency and addiction.
What kind of setting does opioid rehab usually occur in?
Opioid rehab usually occurs in two different types of settings: outpatient and inpatient:
Outpatient opioid rehabilitation
Outpatient programmes offer the convenience of living at home while receiving treatment, affording you the flexibility to maintain your daily routine. The extent of commitment can vary widely, from attending therapy for a few hours each week to participating in daily treatment sessions, depending on the intensity of the addiction and the particular details of the programme.
Inpatient rehabilitation
On the other hand, inpatient or residential rehabilitation delivers a comprehensive and focused approach to recovery. Participants stay at the treatment facility for the duration of their programme, which can last anywhere from several weeks to a few months.
This approach is generally recommended for those with more severe addictions, but it is accessible to anyone at any stage of addiction. It is particularly beneficial for people facing co-occurring mental health issues or those who have not found success with outpatient options.
Inpatient rehab offers a controlled environment free of everyday distractions, enabling participants to steer clear of daily temptations and dedicate themselves entirely to their journey of recovery.
What can I expect to happen at opioid rehab?
Opioid rehab programmes offer a comprehensive recovery plan, tackling every facet of opioid dependency to maximise your chances of a successful, long-term recovery. With a dedicated team of medical professionals and addiction specialists, high-quality care is provided in a safe and supportive environment, ensuring that all aspects of your journey towards recovery are addressed.
Here’s what you can expect to happen in most opioid rehab programmes
Initial screening
Before you start opioid rehab, medical professionals will take a close look at your history with opioids, your physical health, as well as your mental health. This thorough check-up is important for forming a rehab plan that fits your needs.
By understanding everything about your situation, the team can spot any other health issues that may arise and determine the best way forward. This careful approach makes sure you move safely from detox through to therapy and recovery.
Opioid detox
When you start opioid rehab, the first thing you’ll go through is detox. This is when your body gets rid of the opioids under close medical watch. It’s a crucial step because it deals with the physical hold these drugs have on you. You might feel a range of withdrawal symptoms, like anxiety, queasiness or trouble sleeping, but the medical team is there to make things as easy as possible for you. Think of detox as clearing the slate, getting your body ready for recovery.
Psychological therapies
The next phase of rehab dives into the mental side of addiction. Here, you’ll get into therapies that uncover why you turned to opioids in the first place and how to move forward without them. You might engage in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reshape your thoughts and actions or join group sessions where sharing and hearing others’ experiences can make you feel less alone. This part of rehab is all about building tools to handle cravings and stressful situations, aiming for a mindset that supports a drug-free life.
Holistic therapies
Opioid rehab isn’t just about tackling the physical and mental challenges. It also embraces holistic therapies to heal the whole of you. This might include yoga to find balance, meditation for peace of mind or even creative outlets like art or music therapy. These practices are integral to managing stress and finding emotional stability. By blending these holistic methods with more traditional treatments, rehab offers a well-rounded approach to recovery, ensuring you’re cared for in every aspect.
What happens after I finish opioid rehab?
After completing opioid rehab, the journey towards lasting recovery continues with aftercare programmes, which are essential in maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse. These programmes are designed to support you as you transition back into your daily life, providing a safety net during this vulnerable period.
Most rehab centres offer a variety of aftercare services tailored to meet your individual needs. These can include ongoing therapy sessions, either one-on-one or in a group, to help you process the challenges of recovery and continue the psychological work begun in rehab. Additionally, many centres facilitate access to support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) where you can find peer support and share experiences with others who are navigating similar paths.
If I finish rehab, does that mean I’m cured of opioid addiction?
While finishing rehab doesn’t mean you’re cured of opioid addiction, it should be viewed more like you’ve reached a pivotal milestone. When it comes to recovery, completing rehab is often seen as just the beginning of a lifelong journey. It’s important to understand that addiction, particularly to opioids, is marked by a high risk of relapse. But relapse doesn’t necessarily mean a step backwards, even though it can be disheartening. Instead, it can be viewed as a signal telling you that something in your recovery plan needs tweaking.
It’s a chance to revisit your strategies for managing triggers and stress and to refine your support network. This could mean seeking more therapy, adjusting your environment or even deepening your involvement in support groups.
What are the next stages?
If you’re ready and willing to seek assistance, reaching out to learn more about the available opioid rehab options is a significant step towards recovery. An admissions team is always on standby to answer any questions you might have and to help you embark on the journey towards a transformative new chapter in your life.
No matter where you live, there is a drug rehab center that can help you overcome your addiction. We will help you find it.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.