People become addicted to opiates for many reasons. For some, it’s because they misused or abused legal opioid-based prescription painkillers. For others, it’s because they abused illegal opiates such as heroin. Whether you arrived to addiction through legal or illegal drugs doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you treat your addiction at an addiction treatment center that specializes in the unique issues that surround opiate rehab and recovery.
Opiate Rehab and Recovery: Detox
The first step of opiate rehab and recovery is to undergo detoxification. During the detox process, the individual will be safely monitored and treated for withdrawal symptoms that can include extreme fatigue, flu-like symptoms, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety and severe drug craving. These symptoms can begin within a few hours and peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose. They will often subside after about a week, but some individuals will experience persistent symptoms for months. Severely dependent users who are in poor health can be at risk for death if sudden withdrawal occurs, which is why the detox period will be supervised by trained medical personnel who will monitor your withdrawal and make sure you are safe and as comfortable as possible.
It is important to understand that detox alone is not an effective form of opiate addiction treatment. Detox simply addresses the physical dependency your body has to opiates, but counseling and behavioral therapy is needed in order to address the psychological addiction and the reasons behind your drug use.
Opiate Rehab and Recovery: Maintenance and Medication
During opiate detox, certain medications may be used to help minimize withdrawal symptoms. The most common medications used during opiate detox are methadone, buprenorphine and suboxone. These medications can also be used after detox to eliminate intense cravings and continue to help the patient wean himself or herself off of opiates.
Opiate Rehab and Recovery: Residential Treatment
If you’re trying to overcome an addiction to opiates, it is often best to receive care at a residential treatment center. There are many benefits of residential treatment, but perhaps the biggest benefit is that it provides a structured environment that’s free of temptations and distractions. Residential treatment for opiate addiction provides round-the-clock care and support to help you focus on your recovery and teach you the skills needed to live a drug-free life. It also provides a temporary escape from the daily stresses and responsibilities of home, work, family and other relationships so you can solely focus on recovery.
During residential treatment you’ll receive medical support and therapy to not only address the physical effects of your opiate addiction, but the psychological effects as well. A comprehensive approach that combines behavioral therapy, individual counseling, 12-Step support, drug testing, dual diagnosis and positive reinforcement has been shown to be the most effective way to reduce opiate abuse.
Opiate Addiction Recovery at Casa Palmera
At Casa Palmera, we understand there are many reasons why people become addicted to opiates. For some, it may be a result of treating chronic pain with opiate painkillers. For others, it may have developed as a way to cope with stress or childhood trauma. At Casa Palmera we’ll help you identify the real reasons behind your opiate abuse and give you the skills needed to address your problems without using drugs or alcohol. We’ll also introduce you to therapies such as yoga, acupuncture and equine therapies to help you reconnect your body, mind and spirit — all areas that are damaged by addiction.
Don’t let opiate addiction define your life any longer. Call Casa Palmera today.
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