Opioid Addiction Treatment

Stages of Opioid Addiction

There are also various stages of opioid addiction, such as:

• Tolerance: Repeated use can change your brain chemistry, and your brain adjusts to the dose you take and gets used to functioning on opioids. Tolerance is, therefore, marked by a need to take higher doses of a drug to experience the same high or the same effects.
• Dependence: If opioid use becomes a regular part of life, then your body will eventually adjust to it and rely on the drug to function properly. Withdrawal can set in at this stage, with symptoms like pain, cramps, diarrhea, chills, and vomiting occurring whenever drug use is reduced or cut off suddenly.
• Addiction: The loss of judgment and impulse control are two of the signs doctors look for when diagnosing someone with addiction or a use disorder. When a person has developed an opioid use disorder, they will have lost control over drug use, may have attempted to quit before without success, and may be aware of the damage their habit is causing but are unable to stop.

How Opioids Affect the Brain

When a person takes opioids, the drug travels through the bloodstream and enters the brain, releasing chemicals that attach to opioid receptors. This triggers a biochemical process that rewards users with feelings of pleasure that motivate them to repeat that drug use, not for pain relief, but for pleasure. Specifically, opioids flood the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness. Chronic use can lead to the development of brain abnormalities that make it so addicts need to continue using opioids to avoid withdrawals and simply feel normal. Many people are not aware of the biological changes that are taking place when they abuse these drugs. They start by misusing them once and then find themselves in need of help for opioid addiction.

Warning Signs of Opioid Addiction

Opioids can be very addictive, and misuse or overuse can be detrimental to one’s health, such as overdose and respiratory failure. Understanding the depressant nature of opioids is crucial in the context of their use, both medically and non-medically, and underscores the importance of careful prescribing and monitoring to mitigate potential risks.

Additional warning signs of opioid addiction include:

• Disorientation
• Taking medication not as prescribed
• Going doctor shopping in order to have enough medication
• Taking more of the same pills in order to feel the same effects
• Constricted pupils, also known as “pinned” pupils
• Sudden changes in alertness
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Frequent mood changes
• Sudden weight loss
• Constant itching
• Raspy or hoarse voice
• Slurred speech
• Strange sleeping patterns
• Flu-like symptoms from periods of withdrawal

You may also notice some other indicators of opioid abuse in the individual, such as:

• Abandonment of responsibilities at home, school, or work
• Withdrawing from loved ones
• Secretive behavior
• Lying about symptoms or ailments to obtain more opioid prescriptions
• Asking for, borrowing, or stealing prescriptions from others
• Going from one doctor to another for more prescriptions
• Numerous empty prescription bottles in their home or cabinets

Opioid Addiction Treatment Programs at Clearbrook

Opioid Detox   

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, it's crucial not to attempt detox alone. Opioid withdrawal can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Professional help ensures safety and comfort throughout the process.

Initially, opioid withdrawal symptoms can be severe but typically improve within three days. However, withdrawal experiences can vary widely based on factors like the type and amount of opioids used, overall health, and any existing medical or psychological conditions.

After the acute withdrawal phase, some symptoms may persist for weeks or months but are usually less intense. Fortunately, our opioid addiction treatment centers have been supporting individuals through opioid detox and recovery for over 40 years, helping them overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.

Opioid Residential Treatment

After undergoing detox at either Clearbrook Massachusetts or Clearbrook Pennsylvania, patients will partake in opioid residential treatment programming that helps them address the underlying factors of their addiction because their recovery is just beginning. This programming is a personalized treatment approach based on an individual's needs with around the clock care. It includes everything from tested medical-based techniques to holistic therapies and is designed to prepare the patient for life outside of our facility. Patients will have time to reflect on their addiction problems and be given a variety of tools that they can use for their long-term recovery.

Therapies and Programs for Opioid Addiction:

• 12- Step Program
• Counseling Recovery
• Art Therapy
• Biofeedback
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Motivational Interview
• And more

Opioid PHP Treatment:

Our specialized PHP is tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Our program addresses both opioid addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery. This intensive program typically runs 4 to 6 hours per day, 3 to 5 days a week, allowing patients to return home each night without 24-hour supervision. With a focus on both physical and mental health, we strive to help patients understand their substance use and mental health challenges, fostering healthier lifestyles and reclaiming control over their lives.

Telehealth IOP

Clearbrook’s Telehealth Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for opioid addiction offers specialized care through remote communication technologies. This approach allows individuals struggling with opioid addiction to receive evidence-based treatment from the comfort of their homes, removing the need for in-person visits. The program includes individual and group therapy and medication management specifically designed for opioid recovery, available both in real-time and through pre-recorded sessions.

Telehealth treatment is particularly beneficial for those who face challenges accessing traditional in-person care, such as individuals in remote areas or those with mobility constraints. It provides a comprehensive range of interventions, including counseling and support groups, all delivered through secure and confidential online platforms. This makes it an ideal solution for those seeking privacy and flexibility in their journey to overcome opioid addiction.