Today, many people worry about the dangers of heroin and street fentanyl. However, prescription opioids are equally addictive and often lead to self-medicating with street opioids when someone’s prescription runs out. Unfortunately, the United States is going through an ongoing opioid crisis. Because opioids can be extremely hard to stop taking without medical and psychiatric support, it can be challenging to stay sober without rehab. Opioid addiction treatment programs are the safest, most effective way to overcome opioid addiction, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders.
If you or someone you love are looking for an opioid rehab program in Asheville, North Carolina, Red Oak Recovery® can help. Our treatment center provides comprehensive, evidence-based rehab for opioids. Call us at 828.382.9699 to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment today.
What Are Opioids?
Natural opiates like morphine, opium, and codeine are often converted into synthetic or semi-synthetic opioids like heroin, OxyContin, fentanyl, and Vicodin. Originally derived from the opium poppy, opioids are synthetic or semi-synthetic versions of opiates. Whether someone makes them in home labs or prescription drug factories, both opiates and opioids block pain receptors in the brain and release a rush of dopamine, also known as the pleasure chemical. This chemical causes euphoria, hallucinations, and joy.
While some opioids are slow-release tablets, others, like heroin, provide an immediate high. Someone can develop a prescription opioid addiction even when taking medication as prescribed. The more often someone takes an opioid, the higher their tolerance will become, leading many people to take more opioids to feel the same pain relief.
Opioid Addiction and Rehab
Like other drugs, opioid withdrawal occurs when the brain and body become dependent on opioids. This is the first sign that opioid use has become an addiction. Often called dope sickness, opioid withdrawal is complicated to manage without medical and psychiatric support. Dope sickness can cause irrational behavior because the brain believes it cannot survive without more opioids. This reaction is normal. Other symptoms include:
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Digestive problems
Rehab and addiction treatment can help people safely navigate opioid withdrawal. Many programs begin with a 7-10 day detox. Many clients use medically assisted detox to lessen withdrawal effects. Clinicians prescribe various medications to wean the brain off of opioids during medical detox slowly. This can also help clients begin addiction therapy right away.
Clients meet in one-on-one, group, and family therapy sessions during addiction therapy. Using behavioral therapies like DBT and CBT, clients uncover the root causes of addiction. In addition, they often receive a diagnosis of anxiety, depression, or other co-occurring disorders. Many people who develop opioid addictions struggle with emotional pain and undiagnosed mood disorders. During rehab, therapists can provide clients with the tools they need to safely manage mood disorders, stress, and mental health without self-medicating. After initial rehab, clients join alumni groups, 12-step programs, and aftercare programs to support long-term sobriety.
Comprehensive Opioid Addiction Rehab Center
If you or someone in your life is struggling with opioids, know you are not alone. If you’re looking for opioid rehab in North Carolina, call Red Oak Recovery® today. Our men’s rehab program provides compassionate residential opioid rehab and addiction recovery. We pair DBT and CBT with experiential therapy for safe, evidence-based recovery to reduce opioid withdrawal. Clients receive the long-term support they need for success through aftercare planning and alumni programs. Our trauma-informed team is ready to help you and your loved ones recover from opioid addiction.
Begin Healing at Red Oak Recovery® Today
Are you ready to overcome opioid use? Call us now at 828.382.9699 to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment programs.
