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Opiate addiction is a common problem today as its incidence is on the rise to a dangerous extent. Experts consider it a disease that infiltrates the brain, wreaking havoc on all body’s vital organs. The only way to overcome this problem is by seeking treatment at an opiate rehab center under the supervision of trained experts in an environment conducive to recovery. The intensity and length of these rehabs always vary according to client needs and requirements, and the individualized programs offered here incorporate a variety of therapies, medicines, and other tools to break the cycle of addiction.
If you or a loved are ready to begin the recovery process. The best time to act is now. Overcoming addiction can easily be one of the most challenging things you will ever do but joining an opioid recovery center will be a good decision for healthy living.
When to Start Looking for an Opioid Addiction Rehab Center?
To understand if you or someone around you needs help from an opiate rehab clinic, it is essential to know what to look for. Some common warning signs suggestive of opioid addiction and abuse include the following:
- Uncontrollable opioid cravings
- Inability to stop using opioids
- Problems at work, home, or school
- Small pupils
- Having several prescriptions for the same opioid medication
- Financial or legal trouble related to opioid abuse
- Mood swings, ranging from euphoric to feelings of anger and unhappiness
- Continuing to abuse opioids even when it is especially hazardous to do so, such as during driving
- Sensitivity to pain
- Slurred speech
- Shallow breathing
- Chronic constipation and nausea
- Cognitive impairment
Due to the harmful effects associated with opioid use, many people tend to consider quitting these medicines on their own. However, it is crucial to understand that doing so can lead to potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms and significantly increase the chances of a relapse. Hence, always consider joining an opiate rehab clinic to make the process simpler and more effective.
What to Expect at an Opiate Addiction Treatment Center?
An individual’s treatment experience at an opiate rehab center often varies, depending on the type of facility chosen, the severity of addiction, and any co-occurring conditions, like depression. The intake process is different for each opiate treatment center; however, it is always the best time to discuss with the staff members what lies ahead. During this intake process, the staff may ask clients about their present and past history of substance use, general life at home, and other relevant medical and mental conditions. Collecting this information is crucial so that they may use it to devise the most effective treatment plan later on.
Detoxification: The First Step Towards Healing
Once a patient completes the intake process, they officially begin treatment at a medical detox program. The best opiate rehab center always offers this process as a part of the treatment plan to address the physical aspect of addiction and support clients in managing the highly uncomfortable and dangerous symptoms of withdrawal with the help of experts.
At this step, detox experts typically use a tapering method to slowly ease a client off the opioid drug until they are no longer dependent on it. This involves gradually reducing the number of opioids they use every day until their body is completely cleared from their systems. Sometimes, experts prescribe medications to manage some detox side effects, such as insomnia.
Choosing a Program: The Next Step for Sobriety
Following detox, most clients proceed to continue their recovery in one or more rehab programs. Most treatment programs at an opiate rehab clinic fall into inpatient and outpatient treatment.
Inpatient opiate rehabs are residential programs that provide round-the-clock support along with emotional care. These programs follow an intensive approach in a well-structured, opioid-free environment that allows residents to focus solely on recovering. All patients get a chance to take on an active role in their recovery process by participating in onsite therapies and other activities.
On the other hand, outpatient rehabs provide a flexible option for recovery to patients who wish to keep living in their homes during treatment. Such patients visit the rehab a few times a week during the day to complete their mandatory participation in therapy while returning home every evening. It is, however, essential to note that outpatient programs are suitable for people with mild forms of opiate addiction. These programs may not be effective for serious addictions as they do not separate patients from their potentially-triggering environment and may lead to relapses. For such people, outpatient treatment usually works as a step-down program that they enroll in after finishing inpatient treatment.
Aftercare Services: The Last Step to Maintain Recovery
Many people find the first few months following rehab to be particularly difficult. This is because these individuals often face unique challenges to maintain and manage their newfound recovery as they struggle to readjust to a regular routine. To make sure such people stay motivated and focused in recovery, a good opiate addiction rehab center provides aftercare support which involves support group meetings, ongoing therapy, and healthy lifestyle habits.
An aftercare plan also reinforces the lessons patients learn during an opiate rehab center. It also supports them in controlling any temptations which are particularly common during the initial few months after leaving rehab. A good aftercare plan generally includes one follow-up session weekly to remain engaged in healthy recovery. In this session, the following types of continuing care services may be included:
- Individual and group therapy sessions
- Family support groups, such as Al-Anon
- 12-step meetings, such as Narcotics Anonymous
- Alternative recovery meetings, such as SMART Recovery™
In addition to seeking the continuing care services mentioned above, there are many fun activities a person in recovery can engage in as a part of their aftercare. These sober activities provide patients with a creative and fun social and mental outlet and support recovery. Some famous examples of these activities include the following:
- Recreational sports
- Cooking your favorite foods
- Learning to play a musical instrument
- Volunteering
- Taking a fitness class, such as yoga or kickboxing
- Arts and crafts
Millions of people have successfully beat opiate addiction and proceeded to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. However, it is essential to remember that achieving this sobriety and maintenance is not easy and does not happen overnight. Choosing a good opiate rehab clinic and maintaining a significant dedication and drive to make your goals a reality is a way to go forward.
FAQs
Does an opiate treatment center cater to clients with more than one psychiatric issue?
Many opiate addiction rehabs offer dual diagnosis programs for individuals struggling with opioid addiction and mental health conditions, such as depression. The rehab understands that for such people to achieve recovery, it is imperative to treat and manage all conditions simultaneously, or the chances of failure may significantly increase. A dual diagnosis program includes therapies and modalities sufficient to address all mental health symptoms while giving clients the best shot to break the cycle of addiction.
What is a typical day like at an opioid recovery center?
The layout of a typical day at an opiate rehab varies from one rehab to another. However, most rehabs plan out the days so that they are filled with therapies and activities to support their recovery goals. The schedules are somewhat personalized and include individual and group therapy, breaks, and time for self-reflection and recreation. There are dedicated mealtimes and social hours for clients to interact with one another and form social support networks.
