Opioid Abuse Rehab
What are Opioids?
The term opioid refers to a large blanket of drugs, as it covers both illegal substances and prescription medication. This is what makes them so dangerous – even regular and approved use by a doctor can lead to physical dependence issues and deadly withdrawal symptoms. Misuse of opioids are also not limited to street drugs – but in fact, a huge amount of opiate abuse starts in our own medicine cabinets. Prescription painkillers are an enormous factor in the Opioid Crisis.
Opioids come in many different forms and flavors. Illegal street narcotics such as heroin, prescription painkillers like morphine and codeine and illegal synthetics such as fentanyl. These are all not only highly addictive, but also toxic to the body in large doses. Opioids bind to receptors in the brain, affecting basic physiological functioning such as heart rate, sleeping, and breathing and they create an artificial sensation of euphoria. Taking opioids in any form, dose or length of time runs the risk of varying degrees of physical dependence, which spirals out of control.
The Opioid Crisis
The U.S. Opioid Crisis is a critical, lethal problem, with 130 American men and women dying of opioid overdose each day. Opioid overdose rates have been increasing for years, and in 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died from overdose according to TheTruth.com.
Not only are people dying, but this crisis is having severe financial burden on the economy – costing upwards of $78 BILLION per year in healthcare costs, treatment and criminal justice. What we know about the Opioid Crisis, is that it is not getting better. In fact, it is getting more deadly and more costly every year, with the numbers of users and deaths continuously rising.
Effects of Opioid Use
While there are many different opioids out there, both street and prescription, they have similar effects on the body with continued use. For pain relief, they can be beneficial, but the negative impact on the body can be devastating.
Short-term effects of opioid use may include:
- Lethargy/drowsiness
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Nausea
- Reduced Lung Function
- Mental Fog
Long-term effects of opioid use may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Liver and brain damage
- Tolerance/dependence
- Weakened Bones
If you are struggling with opioid use and begin seeing some of these side effects, it may be time to seek treatment for addiction. It is not safe to withdraw from Opioids without the assistance of medical professionals like the ones at Royal Life Centers. Because We Care, we recommend you contact someone immediately if you need assistance.
Should I seek treatment for addiction?
With over 20% of all people who are prescribed a type of opioid developing some sort of tolerance, or addiction and leading to misuse, it is very important to get help as soon as you notice that something has changed. If you notice any of the below behaviors in you or someone you love, professional help is available.
Signs of an opioid dependence may include:
- “Doctor shopping” for multiple prescriptions
- Extreme Changes in Behavior
- Scratching
- Snorting, smoking or injecting pills to increase effects
- Planning activities around opioid use
- Engaging in other high-risk behaviors
- Loss of interest in activities
- Continuing to use despite negative effects
- Withdrawal symptoms and/or cravings
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or others, you may have an opioid problem and require medical help to safely detox.
Opioid Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Depression
- High Blood Pressure
- Anxiety
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Stomach cramps
- Severe muscle and bone pain
- Sleep problems
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Cold flashes with goosebumps
- Uncontrollable leg movements
- Severe cravings
What Happens After Medical Detox?
Following medical detox at Royal Life Centers, guests will begin a comprehensive, collaborative approach to substance abuse treatment designed to support physical, mental and spiritual wellness. We offer a variety of detox options for treating drug addiction beyond just opioids. Our program helps to promote a lasting, sober lifestyle through sobriety and beyond. Our addiction specialists, from our therapists and case managers to our facility staff, are dedicated to providing the best in care and support. Our holistic, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy incorporates individual and group sessions. We use other holistic methods, such as art, music and animal therapy to help our guests to learn to express themselves and communicate. Our treatment features state-of-the-art activity, movement, and adventure therapies to create one program that treats mind, body, and spirit. At Royal Life Centers, we believe that emotional healing is just as important as physical healing.
Guests may begin their recovery journey in our residential inpatient program and continue with us through PHP, IOP, OP, and sober living at our graduate housing residences. At Royal Life Centers, the guest is always our top priority, and we consistently do all we can to effect lasting change, that they might continue to lead healthy, sober lives long after they have left our care. This is not just our goal, but our mission.
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