Opiate Addiction Treatment at Clearbrook

The United States is currently in the midst of an opioid epidemic. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 130 people die every day due to opioid-related overdoses.1 This dangerous addiction can affect so many people and their loved ones, but even though it is such a large problem, the general public still has a lot to learn about these drugs and proper opioid addiction treatment.

What Are Opiates?

Opiates are natural opioids that are most frequently used to treat pain. While opioids include both natural and synthetic drugs like fentanyl, opiates include only natural drugs that are derived from the opium plant. Some common opiates include heroin, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone (Vicodin or Hycodan), and oxycodone (OxyContin or Percocet).

Because opiates are often prescribed by doctors, many people think these drugs are safe; however, whether purchased from a pharmacy or bought illegally on the street, opiates are highly addictive. They can alter the brain and quickly lead to addiction if abused.

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.2 This triggers a biochemical process that rewards users with feelings of pleasure that motivates them to repeat that drug use, not for pain relief, but for pleasure.2 Specifically, opioids flood the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness.3 Chronic use can lead to the development of brain abnormalities that makes 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 opiate addiction.

Warning Signs of Opiate Addiction

  • 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

Opioid Addiction Treatment Programs at Clearbrook

If you believe that you or a loved one is addicted to opioids, you shouldn’t try to get sober on your own. Detoxing from opioids can lead to dangerous and sometimes even deadly withdrawal symptoms. In order to go through this process as safely and as comfortably as possible, you need professionals who are equipped to handle any medical problems that may arise. Luckily, for more than 40 years, our opiate addiction treatment centers have helped people detox, overcome their opioid addictions, and move forward with their lives.

After undergoing detox at either Clearbrook Massachusetts or Clearbrook Pennsylvania, patients will partake in opioid treatment programming that helps them address the underlying factors of their addiction because their recovery is just beginning. This programming 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.

Along with help for opiates, we also offer heroin addiction treatment and prescription drug addiction treatment programs to ensure that every patient in having their specific needs met. Do not wait any longer to get sober or to help your loved one with their recovery. Call us now for immediate help: (888) 781-9297.

Sources:

  1. US Department of Health and Human Services – The Opioid Epidemic in Numbers
  2. NCBI – The Neurobiology of Opioid Dependence
  3. NIH – The Neurobiology of Drug Addiction

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