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Opioid Addiction and Common Treatments for Managing the Condition

Opioids refer to a variety of legal and illegal drugs including heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and fentanyl. They are alternatively referred to as narcotics or opiates and also include prescription painkillers that are given after a major surgery to provide relief. Doctors, from time to time, might prescribe opioids for people who are suffering from chronic pain.

Opioid consumption even in small quantities can cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, mental fog, and drowsiness among other common noticeable symptoms.

Opioid Addiction and Common Treatments for Managing the Condition
A slow breathing response is one of the more disturbing symptoms as it can cause an overdose death. These narcotics are both physically and psychologically addictive making opioid abuse one of the more serious public health problems in the country.

Common signs of opioid addiction
Loss of consciousness, nodding off intermittently, slow breathing, constricted pupils, confusion, and euphoria are among the more common noticeable physical symptoms. Side effects of the addiction will result in a weak immune system making you more prone to health problems, gastric problems, and you might suffer from a condition known as respiratory depression. There can be complications due to drug abuse in the long run which is why you must opt for an opioid addiction treatment.

Opioid addiction treatment
Detoxification is one of the first steps when it comes to treating opioid addiction. Your body is put through a lot of stress during an opioid addiction treatment as you may experience various withdrawal symptoms. A headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, fatigue, anxiety, and inability to sleep are common withdrawal symptoms.

A holistic approach to curing your opioid addiction will include a combination of treatments and therapies to manage both the physical and psychological strain. It might sound strange but taking medication to overcome the addiction is one of the long-term strategies used by treatment facilities.

Popular options for opioid addiction treatment

Detoxification centers
Detox is the first step to removing the opioids from your system with the help of prescription medications. Medications will help speed up the withdrawal process from the addiction and will help you prepare for the next stage of the opioid addiction treatment. Further, an extensive inpatient rehab treatment will detox your system to get rid of any remaining trace of the drugs. The treatments are slow, painful, and can be extended up to a year in severe cases of drug addiction.

Inpatient opioid rehab
A rehabilitation facility will help identify and tackle the root cause of your opioid addiction. It is a form of psychological treatment that helps find alternative ways to cope with the withdrawal symptoms of the addiction and ensure there is no relapse in the future. An inpatient opioid rehab will provide you with premium care including exercise regimes, a balanced diet, and regular physical and mental health assessments. Inpatient care also features a structural pain management program to help you recover from pain caused due to the root cause of your addiction. Apart from medications, therapy also forms a vital part of an opioid addiction treatment with the group, individual, and family counseling sessions.

Intensive outpatient rehab
Outpatient care is another alternative in case you don’t want to spend the next three to six months in a rehabilitation care unit. Outpatient treatment for detox starts with a course of medications to tackle common withdrawal symptoms. Clinical visits are mandatory during the treatment to evaluate your condition and ensure there is no relapse. Outpatient care is recommended for patients who don’t have a severe opioid addiction since there is no need for intensive care. You can carry on with your routine and continue the treatment with periodic visits to the rehab facility.

Residential drug treatment
If you can afford to pay for the best round the clock care at your home, consider a residential opioid addiction treatment. Residential drug treatment focuses on providing quality care in a general non-hospitalized environment. Residential care is different from outpatient rehab as the latter does not require round the clock care.

Individual drug counseling
Counseling ensures that your mind is conditioned to say no to the drugs after a successful treatment for healthy recovery. There is a chance that certain triggers might push you to relapse into the addiction even during the treatment. Counseling conditions your mind and takes your focus off the drugs. Common counseling procedures include an emphasis on enhancing short-term behavioral goals, developing coping strategies to abstain from drug abuse, and helping maintain a healthy attitude with a positive outlook for the long run.

Aftercare
Medications, treatment, and counseling will all be in vain if you do not follow procedure and go for aftercare sessions. Aftercare is the last step for a successful opioid addiction treatment. You must schedule periodic visits with a rehab counselor to help you get back on your feet after an extensive treatment program. Note that the treatment can take a toll on your physical and mental health which makes it all the more necessary for you to focus on aftercare for long-term recovery.

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