Opioid Addiction Treatment & Recovery
Opioid Addiction
Opioids are drugs also known as narcotics. Some are legally prescribed prescription pain relievers, including hydrocodone, tramadol, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Others, like heroin, are illegal.
An opioid addiction can create long-term changes to your brain. Luckily, early treatment intervention for this chronic condition can help you avoid potential lifelong health conditions. Unfortunately, the willpower to stop using is often not enough by itself. A sophisticated, targeted treatment that includes medical detox, therapeutic counseling, and psychological intervention can improve your chances of success.
Painkillers and Chronic Pain
Individuals experiencing chronic pain are often more likely to be prescribed opioid medications by their physicians to manage their symptoms. Unfortunately, people who take prescription drugs for an extended period may find that they unintentionally develop a reliance on the medication over time. As the drug takes hold, they find themselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of addiction.
Substance Use Disorders
Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
Addiction to prescription drugs like opioids can rewire the brain circuitry that manages moods and reward behavior. These brain changes make stopping use problematic since severe cravings for the drug and intense withdrawal symptoms often result. These may include:
- Physical aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Agitation
- Extreme mood swings
- Dilated pupils
- Frequent yawning
- Abdominal pain
Opioid withdrawal may last for hours, days, or weeks depending on the type of drug, amount, and substance use duration. Intense initial symptoms may lessen while physical and mental discomfort can persist much longer. Unfortunately, the intensity of these withdrawal symptoms is why so many people find it difficult to stop using prescription opioids or stop but then relapse.
Signs of heroin use may include:
- Constricted pupils
- Dry mouth
- “Nodding off” or falling asleep suddenly
- Difficulty making decisions
- Slow breathing
- Memory loss
- Itching
- Loss of self-control
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Disorientation
- Difficulty making decisions
Medication-Assisted Therapy is Key
At Headwaters, our expert staff utilizes medications that not only assist you through the process of opioid addiction and withdrawal but can help prevent the worst symptoms. In addition, supervised medical detox from these medications is a critical part of sustainable recovery.
Psychological and social factors can contribute to relapse. Successful, lifelong therapy to stay opioid-free is achievable when critical medical services are delivered in tandem with an individualized treatment plan with licensed therapists and addiction counselors. As clients transition away from opioids, Headwaters offers chronic pain management and alternative modalities as a component of our programs to maximize success.
Suboxone for Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
The FDA-approved opioid-naloxone combination medication called Suboxone (also known as buprenorphine) provides a partial block on the brain’s receptors and helps with opioid addiction. This block helps surpass the client’s neurological urge to use. It also partially stimulates this receptor to relieve the withdrawal symptoms that can lead to relapse. At Headwaters, Suboxone is offered to all opioid-addicted clients during detox and withdrawal.
Vivitrol for Recovery Support
A non-narcotic extended-release version of naltrexone used at Headwaters is called Vivitrol. This daily oral medication is an opiate-blocker that prevents the drug from connecting with receptors in the brain. When used in conjunction with other clinical therapies, Vivitrol minimizes the obsession to use and reduces the chance an individual will experience a high should they relapse. It is particularly effective in early recovery.
The Headwaters Approach
Psychological and social factors can contribute to relapse. Successful, lifelong therapy to stay opioid-free is achievable when critical medical services are delivered in tandem with an individualized treatment plan with licensed therapists and addiction counselors. As clients transition away from opioids, Headwaters offers chronic pain management and alternative modalities as a component of our programs to maximize success.
Residential treatment that supports ongoing health and wellness can provide critical support during the early stages of recovery. Our doctors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and Headwaters Center for Brain Recovery staff can address opioid addiction through healing therapies that include:
- Neurofeedback
- Biofeedback
- Neurotherapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Wellness activities
- Case management
- Nutritional coaching
- Spiritual care
- Recovery community support
Contact Headwaters Today
Headwaters is dedicated to helping our clients achieve lifelong, sustainable, and complete recovery from opioid addiction or heroin. Sobriety is possible for everyone, primarily through evidence-based interventions that restore mental, physical, and spiritual health.
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
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