Addictions We Treat: Opioid
Align Recovery is a holistic substance use and opioid addiction treatment center in Northern California. As part of our comprehensive offerings on what we treat, our integrated opioid treatment program emphasizes medication-assisted treatment to aid those grappling with opioid use disorder. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2.7 million people suffer from opioid use disorder. Opioid withdrawal can be severe and life-threatening, making it a challenging drug to quit without outside assistance. Through our inpatient opioid treatment and behavioral health services, we dedicate ourselves to guiding successful individualized recovery.
What is an Opioid?
Opioids encompass a broad class of drugs renowned for their potent pain-relieving properties. Historically, these drugs have been used in various cultures for pain management, rituals, and even recreational purposes. Their profound effect on the human brain’s pain and pleasure receptors has made them both beneficial and hazardous. The different types of opioids are:
- Natural Opioids: Derived from the opium poppy.
- Synthetic Opioids: Manufactured in labs, with Fentanyl being a prime example. This particular synthetic opioid is estimated to be 50-100 times more potent than morphine.
Initially crafted for cancer pain management, opioids have played a pivotal role in clinical settings. However, the misuse of potent opioids, especially substances like fentanyl, coupled with their high potential for addiction and overdose, has positioned them at the epicenter of public health concerns in recent years. A testament to the gravity of this crisis is the staggering statistic that nearly 645,000 people died from overdoses involving any opioid, including prescription and illicit opioids, from 1999-2021. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for both preventive measures and effective treatment interventions.
Opioid addiction is a complex and insidious disorder that affects millions worldwide. Understanding the signs of addiction is crucial for early detection and intervention. The symptoms associated with opioid misuse can be broadly categorized into physical, behavioral, and psychological domains:
Physical Symptoms
These are physiological changes or conditions that can result directly from opioid misuse.
- Rapid Development of Drug Tolerance: Individuals may find that they require increasing dosages of the opioid to achieve the effects they once got from smaller amounts.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: These can set in when an individual doesn’t get their usual dose of the drug. They include:
- Intense cravings for the drug
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Tremors or muscle twitches
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue or drowsiness
Behavioral Symptoms:
These are patterns of behaviors that individuals may adopt as a result of their addiction.
- Secrecy or deceitfulness about drug use
- Unexplained expenditures, possibly related to purchasing drugs
- Neglecting responsibilities or duties
- A shift in social circles or friends
Psychological Symptoms
These are changes in mood, cognition, or emotional state that might be linked to opioid misuse.
- Increased anxiety or paranoia
- Depression or mood swings
- Reduced motivation or apathy
- Difficulty in concentration or decision-making
It’s essential to note that many people who develop an opioid addiction start with legitimate prescriptions. This might be after a surgery, injury, or chronic pain condition. Over time, and sometimes quite rapidly, they can find themselves needing more of the drug to achieve the same pain-relieving effects, leading to increased consumption and the onset of the above symptoms.
The journey from legitimate medical use to addiction underscores the deceptive nature of opioid dependence. With the escalating challenges of the opioid crisis, recognizing and understanding these signs is more critical than ever.
Challenges of Opioid Dependency
Facing opioid use disorder is emotionally and physically taxing. Many individuals, initially seeking pain relief or even recreation, often find themselves trapped in the cycle of addiction. Given the potency of opioids and their potential for rapid dependence, it’s no surprise that combating opioid addiction is challenging. Further exacerbating the crisis is the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which have caused unprecedented overdose rates.
Treatment Options for Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is a multifaceted problem that demands a diverse range of interventions. Recognizing that each individual’s path to addiction and their needs in recovery are unique, Align offers a plethora of evidence-based treatment methods tailored to each person. Our arsenal of techniques includes:
Co-occurring Therapy:
Addressing both substance use disorders and mental health conditions simultaneously.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT):
This therapy modality aids individuals in recognizing and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Using medications in tandem with therapy, this approach manages withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings.
Narrative Therapy
This approach encourages clients to rewrite their personal narratives in a positive, empowered light, helping them redefine their relationship with addiction.
Beyond these methods, our comprehensive approach incorporates holistic therapies. We believe in the trifold principle of healing the mind, body, and spirit. This philosophy, paired with both traditional and innovative treatments, creates an environment conducive to profound healing and lasting recovery.
Inpatient Opioid Rehab & Detox - Align Recovery Centers
Detoxification, while a crucial first step, is merely the gateway to recovery. At Align Recovery Centers, our detox program provides individuals with a medically supervised environment, ensuring they can safely purge their bodies of opioids and other toxins. With the support of our compassionate, certified medical team, withdrawal symptoms are managed, and the individual’s comfort and safety are prioritized.
Once detox is complete, the transition to our tranquil residential program is seamless. Here, the serene surroundings complement the individualized therapeutic interventions, fostering introspection and growth. A blend of group therapy, individual counseling, and alternative therapies ensures a holistic healing process tailored to the multifaceted nature of opioid addiction.
Choosing to get treatment for opioid addiction can be difficult and exhausting. At Align, we offer compassionate care to help you or your loved one recover from substance use. If you’re ready to begin your journey to healing, fill out our online form or call us at (707) 343-4357.
Dana, with over 20 years in addiction therapy and counseling, is the Executive Director at Align Recovery Centers. Holding a B.S. in Human Services and an M.A. in Counseling & Psychology, she’s both an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor. Specializing in DBT and CBT, Dana effectively manages both residential and outpatient programs. Her interests include gardening, cooking, and delving into psychological research in her spare time.