Opioids are a type of drug doctors may prescribe to treat pain. Among these prescription painkillers are morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. However, opioids can also include illicit drugs such as heroin and illegally manufactured fentanyl.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), prescription opioids are generally safe when you take them for a short time as prescribed by your doctor. However, because opioids can produce pleasurable effects in addition to pain relief, their use can also put someone at risk for developing opioid use disorder, which is the clinical term for an opioid addiction.
At CenterPointe Hospital in St. Charles, Missouri, we offer clinically excellent treatment for adolescents, adults, and seniors who are suffering from opioid addictions. Our premier inpatient and residential treatment services can allow you to receive the focused care you may need to work toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Signs & Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction typically affects each person in a unique way. However, there are common signs and symptoms that may indicate that you or someone you love is struggling. Common opioid addiction signs and symptoms include:
- Struggling to reduce opioid use
- Needing more of the drug to get the same effect
- Spending a lot of time obtaining or using opioids
- Strong opioid cravings
- Failing to fulfill important duties at work, home, or school
- Giving up activities you once valued
- Exposure to dangerous situations
- Using opioids even though they harm your well-being
- Social isolation
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Obtaining opioids illegally or seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors
If you are struggling with opioid addiction symptoms, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure how to make the changes necessary to regain control of your life. Despite the challenges, recovery from an opioid addiction is possible, and seeking support at a professional treatment place is often the first step toward rebuilding your life and securing a healthier future.
Opioid Addiction Statistics
According to national statistics reported by NIDA, there were 68,630 overdose deaths involving any opioid in 2020. Additionally, in 2020, NIDA reports that there were an estimated 56,516 overdose deaths that involved the use of synthetic opioids other than methadone.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) presented the following 2020 survey data on opioid use disorder in the United States:
- Among adolescents and adults age 12 and older, 2.7 million people, or 1%, suffered from an opioid addiction in the past year.
- Among adolescents ages 12-17, 0.3% had a past-year opioid addiction. And among young adults ages 18-25, 0.9% had a past-year opioid addiction.
- Among adults age 26 and older, 2.3 million people, or 1.1%, struggled with an opioid addiction the past year.
Effects of Opioid Addiction
An opioid addiction can lead to many painful and distressing complications in different areas of a person’s life. Harmful effects can include:
- Relationship problems
- Financial struggles
- Legal consequences
- Unemployment
- Symptoms of depression
- Higher risk for suicide
- Accidents and injuries, sometimes resulting in death
- Increased risk for infections such as tetanus, HIV, and hepatitis C
- Life-threatening medical complications, such as overdose
Suffering from an opioid addiction can be devastating. However, by seeking and receiving professional opioid addiction treatment, it’s possible to make meaningful progress toward a healthier, happier, and safer future.
Benefits of Opioid Addiction Treatment
Often, the first step of opioid addiction treatment is managing the withdrawal process. At this stage, participating in medical detox may be helpful because it can allow someone to rid their body of opioids with the support and supervision of caring professionals.
After someone has navigated the initial symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal, it’s usually important for them to lay a solid foundation for ongoing recovery. This typically involves participating in counseling and other focused services. A variety of approaches may be helpful, including group therapy, addiction education, family therapy, and aftercare support.
With supportive treatment, someone who is struggling with an opioid addiction can learn the skills they may need to navigate the recovery process successfully.
Therapies Used in Opioid Addiction Treatment
Opioid addiction treatment can look different depending on the individual. However, in general, the goal of treatment is to help you function better on a day-to-day basis so that you can regain control of your life and work toward lasting recovery.
At our inpatient opioid addiction treatment center, a person’s care plan may include:
- On-site medical detox
- Medication management services
- Basic medical care
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines a prescription medication like Suboxone or Vivitrol with a counseling component
- Process groups, psychoeducational groups, and experiential groups
- Experiential therapies several times a week
- Specialized support for co-occurring mental health concerns
The caring experts at our opioid addiction treatment center specialize in helping patients develop strategies and acquire skills that can make it easier for them to cope with challenges, resist substance use, and begin to thrive in daily life.
Why Choose Our Opioid Addiction Treatment Center
Deciding to seek treatment for an opioid addiction can be an important step toward achieving the life you deserve. Therefore, finding a treatment place that can provide the right level of support and personalized care can be crucial for your long-term success.
At CenterPointe Hospital, we’re pleased to provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes inpatient, residential, and outpatient services. We offer these services across a number of convenient locations in St. Charles and St. Louis, Missouri, and Maryville, Illinois.
We want you to receive care that can meet your specific needs and help you achieve your goals. So we will begin by working with you to complete a detailed assessment that can help us determine the right level of services for you. If you begin care at our hospital, you will follow an individualized treatment plan that is designed to address your holistic needs.
Throughout your time at CenterPointe Hospital, you may work with various professionals, including psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and recreational therapists. In addition to monitoring your progress during treatment and offering you tailored support, our experts will make sure to provide you with a supportive aftercare plan upon your discharge from our treatment center.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at CenterPointe Hospital.
