Overcoming opiate addiction is often one of the most challenging battles individuals face in their lives. The potent nature of these substances and the physical and psychological dependency they create make this addiction particularly difficult to combat. However, there is a path forward. Opiate addiction treatment programs have proven to be essential in helping clients regain control over their lives, providing them with the necessary tools and support to achieve and maintain recovery.
If you or a loved one needs substance abuse treatment, our addiction specialists in Apex Recovery Nashville are ready to assist you. The road to recovery from opiate addiction can be a challenging one, fraught with obstacles and setbacks. But with comprehensive treatment and ongoing support, you can overcome this disorder and regain control over your life. At Apex Recovery Nashville, we are committed to treating every client as a whole person with a bright future ahead of them and not just as a collection of symptoms. Call us at 615.703.4639 to begin your treatment with us today.
Understanding Opiate Addiction
To comprehend the importance of opiate addiction treatment, we must first understand what opiate addiction is. Opiates are typically administered to alleviate pain, though their use has decreased as other pain-relief options have been created. Some of the most common opiates include:
- Opium
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Heroin
Long-term use of these substances can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when an individual stops using them.
Opiates work by binding to specific proteins called opioid receptors, found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When these drugs attach to their receptors, they reduce the perception of pain. They can also produce a sense of well-being and pleasure because these drugs affect brain regions involved in reward. The brain’s reward circuitry is hijacked, causing an intense craving for the drug. Additionally, the brain’s stress system becomes increasingly sensitive, leading to increased discomfort when the drug is not available. This combination of increased craving and increased discomfort makes it extremely difficult for people to stop using opiates without help.
How Does Our Opiate Rehab Program Work?
Treatment for opiate addiction often involves a combination of medication, counseling, and behavioral therapies. This multifaceted approach is necessary to address the complex nature of addiction, which affects both the brain and behavior.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a crucial part of most opiate addiction treatment programs. Several medications are generally used to treat opiate addiction, including buprenorphine and naltrexone. These medications work by blocking the effects of opiates, reducing cravings, or both. MAT is not replacing one drug with another. It’s an evidence-based treatment that uses medications to stabilize a client’s brain chemistry and normalize their body functions.
Alongside MAT, behavioral therapies and counseling are essential. These help patients modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use, giving them the support they require to abstain from opioid use in the future. Some commonly used behavioral therapies in the treatment of opiate addiction can include:
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Person-centered therapy
- Relapse prevention therapy
Additionally, effective treatment programs often take a holistic approach, addressing other areas of an individual’s life impacted by addiction, including mental health, relationships, employment, and housing.