Millions of Americans suffer from opioid addiction, resulting in 50,000 people in 2019 dying from opioid addiction overdoses, and 83,000 in 2020. Getting the right treatment for opioid addiction to essential to starting on the road to recovery.
At Liberty Wellness in Berlin, NJ, we recognize that addiction is a disease that creates a life that is no longer manageable. Our top-tier counseling staff looks beyond the substance, addressing the addiction along with underlying issues. We pride ourselves on helping each and every individual develop healthy coping skills that promote success with reintegration back into the community. Our opioid addiction treatment programs offered at our outpatient rehab facility allow our patients to receive personalized, intensive therapy and rehabilitation to begin their road to a healthy and fulfilling life.
What is Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction is a chronic long-term disease that can cause major health concerns. Opioids are a class of drugs that act in the nervous system, creating feelings of pleasure and euphoria. They are oftentimes used as prescription drugs to relieve pain, but sometimes can be abused. Opioids include, but are not limited to:
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
- Oxycodone drugs including:
- Oxycontin
- Percocet
- Roxicodone
- Hydrocodone drugs including Vicodin
- Pethidine
- Dilaudid
Opioid addiction is described as a powerful, compulsive urge to use opioid drugs, even when they are no longer prescribed. Opioids are highly addictive, even when they are prescribed the normal amount by a doctor, and taken as directed. Opioids change the chemistry of the brain which ends up creating a tolerance for the drug. This means that a higher dose will need to be taken in order to achieve the same results that once required less. Opioid addiction can cause life-threatening health problems that can include overdosing, which is why professional opioid treatment programs are crucial.
Medical Treatment for Opioid Addiction
There are different types of medications used to treat opioid addiction, including buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, and extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol).
Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
This medication also helps with cravings without giving the same high as other opioid drugs. This is typically a daily dose given under the tongue and also can be given once a month through an injection form. Buprenorphine can also be used to taper someone off of opioids.
Methadone
Methadone is an effective opioid treatment when combined with counseling, helps with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Methadone is always used in a clinical setting by a medical professional and is closely monitored.
Extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol)
Naltrexone or Vivitrol is a different type of medication and requires the individual to be completely detoxed from opioids before administering it. Naltrexone works differently by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids. It can be taken orally or as a once-a-month injection.
While Liberty Wellness is not an MAT program, we do accept clients on Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT), including clients on medications such as suboxone. Contact us today to learn more about our medical addiction treatment program.
Counseling Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Combining different therapies with medications can significantly increase your chances of beating your addiction. Counseling with a qualified professional helps the individual deal with any social or emotional issues that could lead to addiction or make it worse. These can include:
- Feelings of self-worth
- Problems at work or home
- People that use drugs around you
Counseling treatment can include a variety of different therapies, including family therapy, support groups, cognitive behavioral therapy, and contingency management.
Contingency Management
This form of therapy is incentive-based and uses rewards to help individuals meet certain goals, such as sticking with medications or attending certain meetings.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is just like psychotherapy, or counseling, except instead of just the client attending the entire family participates. While individual counseling focuses on the thoughts, behaviors, and emotions of the individual, family therapy focuses on relationships and understanding their experiences. The goal of family therapy is to bring clarity to all relationships and repair certain ones if needed.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
This is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective in helping to treat anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol addiction, eating disorders, and more. CBT takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. Its goal is to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people’s difficulties and to change the way they feel
Detoxing Process
Opioid addiction results in changes to the brain, which leads to your body becoming dependent on them. Long-term use of opioids affects almost every system in your body, which is why detoxing needs to be done under medical supervision and never alone. The process of detoxification can cause withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Severe cravings for drugs
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Body aches
- Mood swings and agitation
- Diarrhea
- Large pupils
- Chills and goosebumps
Opioid withdrawal can last anywhere from hours to days or even weeks. After the intense symptoms subside, some physical and mental discomforts could possibly linger for a few weeks. The symptoms can become unbearable which is why it’s necessary to have a detox done by a medical professional. While we do not offer detox at Liberty Wellness, we refer out to a number of professional detox facilities.
Our New Jersey Opioid Addiction Treatment Professionals Can Help You
At Liberty Wellness in Berlin, NJ, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the right opioid addiction treatment options to fit their needs. We have dedicated addiction professionals that assess each individual to ensure they are provided with the best medical treatment for them. Don’t wait to take the first steps towards a more fulfilling life, call or contact us now to schedule a confidential, personal tour and consultation. Start your road to recovery today.
