Opiate Addiction Treatment

Opiates are some of the most addictive substances in the United States. Doctors write millions of prescriptions for these drugs every year despite the risk for substance use disorder. Opioid addiction is the most severe level of this disorder and requires opiate addiction treatment for those who are ready to recover. Learning more can make you feel comfortable getting help.

About Opiates and Opioids

Although most opiates are available with a prescription, heroin is an illegal opiate. These drugs are derivative components of opium, which comes from poppy plants and seeds. Cultures around the world have used opium and its derivatives for centuries to treat pain.

Many people use opiate and opioid interchangeably because the drugs have many of the same effects. However, opiates are natural derivatives of opium, such as codeine, morphine and heroin. Opioids can be semi-synthetic drugs that are partially natural, such as hydrocodone and oxycodone. They can also be fully synthetic drugs, as in the case of Fentanyl and methadone.

The Risk for Opiate Use Disorder

Both opiates and opioids activate receptors in the central nervous system. This action releases endorphins to block pain and create feelings of calm and relaxation. The increase of endorphins by taking opiates is addictive for the brain even when the drug is synthetic.

Opiate use disorder usually starts with increased tolerance. You know that you have a tolerance when you notice that your regular dose doesn’t provide the same relief as it used to. When you take higher doses for a long time, you’re likely to develop physical and mental dependencies.

You can also develop addiction if you abuse opiates. Abusing the drugs may involve crushing the pills and snorting the powder. It could also mean that you dissolve the powder and inject the solution. Either way, opiate addiction rehab is the only way to recover from the disorder.

Opiate Addiction Treatment on Long Island, NY

There are three main stages to opiate addiction treatment at our luxury opiate rehab treatment center on Long Island, NY (not far from NYC). The duration of medical treatment varies depending on your needs. However, detox typically lasts for a week, and rehab can take 30 to 90 days or longer. After that, ongoing treatment is a lifelong commitment to stay sober.

Opiate Detox

The first step in opiate addiction treatment is often detox. You have to let your body eliminate the remnants of the drug toxins before treatment progresses. This process requires that you stop using the drugs altogether. The result is withdrawal that can cause dangerous and very painful symptoms.

If your substance use disorder is severe, your detox center might use a tapering method to ease withdrawal symptoms. The doctors may give you other medications to ease symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, seizures, anxiety and depression. Although the process only takes about a week, you might feel some acute withdrawal symptoms for up to six months.

Opiate Rehab and Therapy

Enrolling in a rehab program is the second step in opiate addiction treatment. Residential and outpatient programs are the two main types of treatment. Residential care is the most successful for long-term recovery. However, outpatient care is more flexible with your schedule if you have a mild opiate use disorder.

In either case, therapy is the core element of rehab. Treatment plans typically include a mix of one-on-one, group and family therapy sessions. Therapists also use various counseling techniques to meet different needs.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common technique that rehab programs use. It helps you learn how to change negative feeling and thoughts to stay sober. Dialectical behavior therapy teaches stress management skills and improves your confidence. Experiential therapy is ideal if you have trouble talking about your problems.

Ongoing Support

The first six months after rehab are frequently the most difficult. Because of that, aftercare programs such as sober living are available to help you with the transition. Once you finish residential rehab, outpatient treatment could be helpful.

However, you need a plan to get ongoing support to maintain your sobriety. You could go to a private therapist or attend support group meetings. Volunteering, recreational sports and other sober activities can also keep you from feeling compelled to use opiates again.

Visit The Dunes Addiction Recovery Rehab for Opiate Addiction Help

If you have an opiate use disorder, The Dunes Addiction Recovery Rehab can lead you on the path to recovery. Our luxurious environment provides a secluded yet safe place for you to overcome drug abuse or addiction. We offer programs that provide help at every level of drug addiction treatment, including:

• Intervention services
• Intensive outpatient care
• Residential inpatient treatment
• Aftercare services

We offer shared rooms, private rooms and even private suites. You can take advantage of our yoga, acupuncture and meditation services to help you relax as you recover. It’s important to recognize that life goes on, even in addiction treatment, so we offer sober activities including beach visits, gym time, movie theater trips, sailing and more.