Getting Help is Possible
Opioid use disorder can be extremely difficult to treat, with relapse rates as high as 70%. Relapse rates might be high and opioid addiction can be daunting, but it isn't impossible to treat. In fact, there are many highly effective opioid addiction treatment options available to people no matter what stage of recovery they are in. Here are just a few options to consider for you or a loved one.
1. Medical Detox
Medical detoxification is necessary for individuals who continue to use opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers. Medical detox is often the first step in treating opioid addiction and can provide a safe and comfortable way to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal can be one of the biggest barriers to treatment, with symptoms appearing after suddenly stopping opioid use.
Symptoms of opioid withdrawal can range in severity from mild to severe and can include:
- Myalgia, or muscle pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea/vomiting.
- Dilated pupils.
- Fast breathing.
- Insomnia.
- Fast heart rate.
- Sweating.
- High blood pressure.
These withdrawal symptoms can cause immense discomfort, so much so that someone will continue to use opioids just to avoid feeling sick. Medical detox can help manage these symptoms and help people safely wean off opioids.
During medical treatment, a team of health providers, including medical providers, nursing staff and mental health providers monitor and manage withdrawal symptoms. This can be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting. The benefit of medical detox is that it provides supervision during the initial phase of opioid treatment and encourages users to continue treatment instead of turning to using opioids again.
2. Inpatient Treatment
Medical detox is only the beginning of the opioid addiction treatment process. After someone has safely weaned off opioids, they can then begin the process of addressing underlying mental health or personal issues that lead to their addiction. Inpatient treatment is done in a residential facility where people live 24/7.
These inpatient facilities are an excellent choice for people with severe or ongoing opioid use disorder. They often include both individual and group therapy sessions held throughout the day.
3. Individual Therapy
As many as 75% of people with opioid use disorder also have a mental illness. Individual therapy in inpatient treatment is critical to help treat both addiction and any underlying mental health issues. This type of therapy involves one-on-one sessions with a therapist who specializes in treating opioid addiction and mental illness. Possible therapies one can participate in during opioid addiction treatment include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Motivational Interviewing.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD.
- Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Disorders.
4. Group Therapy
Group therapy is another essential aspect of inpatient treatment. It allows individuals to connect with others going through similar experiences, which can provide support and understanding during the recovery process. Group therapy sessions are led by trained therapists and can cover topics such as relapse prevention, coping skills or trauma processing.
Research shows that group therapy has several benefits during the addiction recovery process. These include improving treatment engagement, developing and practicing coping skills and supporting recovery.
5. Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a bit different than medical detox. MAT is an evidence-based approach to treating opioid use disorder that can help manage cravings for people with opioid use disorder. It combines FDA-approved medications with therapy and counseling to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Typically, there are three main medications used in MAT for opioid addiction including:
- Methadone. An opioid agonist that works by binding to the same receptors as opioids but without producing the extreme euphoric effects.
- Buprenorphine. A partial opioid agonist that works similarly to methadone, but with a lower risk of dependency and overdose. Brixaldi is a common brand name for buprenorphine that has recently been approved for use as an extended-release injection.
- Naltrexone. An opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids, making it difficult (if not impossible) for individuals to get high from opioids.
Medications like Brixaldi and other long-acting injectables are an invaluable resource for those looking to maintain sobriety. Instead of residing at an inpatient facility, individuals are able to receive MAT at a doctor’s office or clinic. The beauty and power of MAT lies in its ability to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while people can continue their daily lives.
6. Outpatient Treatment
MAT is only one type of outpatient treatment option. Outpatient treatment is usually the last step in the treatment process for those who have been suffering from opioid use disorder. This type of treatment consists of individual counseling, psychotherapy, and group sessions that help individuals address the underlying issues that led to their addiction.
Outpatient treatment sessions usually last for 2-3 hours a day, once or twice a week. People can come and go from outpatient treatment facilities as they please, allowing them to receive vital mental health treatment while continuing to work, go to school and care for their families.
Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) usually consists of longer and more frequent sessions, making it a viable option for those who need a higher level of care but don't necessarily need to commit to inpatient treatment. Evidence also shows that IOP can be as effective as inpatient treatment.
Find Opioid Addiction Treatment That Works For You
Opioid addiction treatment can take on many forms. The type of treatment that works best for you will depend on various factors, such as the severity of your addiction, your lifestyle and the stage of recovery you are in. From medical detoxification to outpatient treatment, it's essential to continue to engage in treatment and follow through with your recovery plan.
As with all forms of addiction, opioid use disorder does have high rates of relapse. However, these opioid treatment options above can help guide you toward sobriety even in the face of setbacks.