Opiate addiction is common among patients who use opiates to deal with pain after an accident, surgery, or a chronic condition. Over time, tolerance builds up, and dependence on the drug creates an addiction to the point where they cannot function without it.
For those wanting to break their dependence, we offer an opiate addiction treatment program that focuses on the mental and physical symptoms of opiate addiction. We provide various drug abuse treatment programs, which will give patients the best chances of lifelong recovery.
At Chapters Recovery Center, our opiate addiction treatment center in Massachusetts offers behavioral therapy and addiction treatment programs. Through these treatment options, we give you a well-rounded approach to your addiction treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with opiate addiction, our dedicated team is here for you.
What Are Opiates?
Opiates are an alkaloid compound found in the opium poppy plant, Papaver Somniferum. The use of prescription opiates for medical conditions goes back as far as the 8th century AD. Today, opiates are found in many painkillers and help treat certain substance use disorders.
Opiates can be highly addictive and when abused, can cause several problems for a person and their life. Opiates generally vary in severity and are used to treat different instances of pain. While some opiates/opioids are more potent than others, there is always a chance to develop an addiction. Due to the addictiveness of some opiates, it is important to be aware of the signs of addiction so you can get help sooner than later. Our opiate addiction treatment center covers all bases when it comes to comprehensive treatment.
Commonly Abused Opiates
Opiates are typically prescribed for a number of different medical needs. Prescription drugs in the opioid class can be helpful when used properly. There are two forms of opiates, antagonists and agonists. Antagonists are not as addictive as agonists. Agonists, on the other hand, tend to be more addictive. Agonists tend to copy the effects of naturally-occurring endorphins in the brain and body. While antagonists are more intense than agonists, both have the possibility of being addictive and abused.
Some common forms of opiate agonists include:
- Codeine
- Demerol
- Dilaudid
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
Opiates vs. Opioids
The terms opiate and opioids are often interchangeable today, but there is a difference between the two. Opiates are naturally derived from the poppy plant and are one of the main ingredients in heroin, morphine, and codeine. Opioids are the synthetic version of opiates and are in codeine, fentanyl, and hydrocodone.
Signs of Opiate Addiction
As with all forms of addiction, there are symptoms and side effects that can begin to arise after the frequent use of a drug. In some cases, a person may become addicted to opiates without intending to, this can occur after a person begins to build a tolerance to a drug. Tolerance is when a person requires more of a specific drug to reach the desired effects.
Oftentimes, addiction can affect almost every part of a person”s life. Besides the physical effects that come from opiate abuse, comes financial, social, and legal problems. Opiate addiction can change how a person perceives their life, oftentimes relying on the drug to function. This can end up creating long-term problems such as mental health disorders and serious physical effects.
Some of the telling signs of possible opiate addiction include some of the following:
- Unable to control opioid use
- Drowsiness
- Decrease in hygiene
- Weight loss
- Stealing from family and friends (money or prescriptions)
- Isolation (friends and family)
- A change in sleeping patterns
- Unable to control cravings to use
- Financial or legal troubles
- Loss of weight
- Flu-like symptoms on a frequent basis
These are just some of the most prevalent symptoms of opioid addiction. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get proper help in a timely manner. Our opiate addiction treatment center offers quality care for all our clients, no matter what age or situation.
Signs of Opiate Overdose
An overdose can occur when too much of a drug is taken in a short amount of time. If not treated in time, the results could be fatal. It’s important to spot these severe signs of overdose. If you notice any of these telltale signs, get medical help immediately:
- Confusion
- Constricted pupils
- Shallow breathing
- Clammy or cool skin
- Unconsciousness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Inability to wake or intense sleepiness
Overdose continues to be a rampant problem in the United States and across the world. Overdose is a scary situation and it’s important to get help from professionals at an opiate addiction treatment center. Chapter’s Recovery Center is here for you and your loved ones.
Opiate Addiction Treatment Program in New England
Finding an opiate addiction treatment center to help you with your opiate addiction is easier than most people think. Today, the shame of addiction still prevents people from getting the help they need. However, for those who are ready to ask for help, you will find plenty of options for your opiate rehab in Massachusetts.
Partial Hospitalization Program
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is for those who need a daily structured program with therapy sessions and activities throughout an 8 – 10 hour day and return to a supportive sober home environment at night. PHP’s are used for many cases of addiction treatment and continue to be great transitions into normal life.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Many people cannot take time away from work and family commitments or have completed a PHP program. In this case, the next step in their recovery is through an intensive outpatient program (IOP). You will attend meetings 10 – 12 hours a week at an opiate rehab center with evening and weekend options available.
Outpatient Program
Addiction is a lifelong journey where your cravings and triggers can come up at any time, even years after you first began your sober journey. An outpatient program gives you continued support from therapists and peers when you need it the most.
Aftercare
Many people think that the road to recovery ends after treatment, but this is not the case. Recovery is a life-long venture that takes patience and discipline. However, once a person truly reaches the other side of addiction, it is completely worth it. Aftercare helps to ensure a person strays away from triggers and the urge to use again.
Relapse prevention and continued therapy after treatment are two trademarks of aftercare. Continuing to use coping techniques learned during therapy is part of the process. 12-step programs play a major part in aftercare. After treatment has finished, our team is always here for you no matter what.
Addiction Therapy
Therapy is an essential part of the opiate recovery process. Oftentimes, addiction stems from both the body and the mind. It is important to tackle the reasons why a person began using to begin with. Even if a person unintentionally becomes addicted, it’s important to learn coping techniques and strategies to avoid relapse.
There are several addiction treatment methods that are used throughout our various programs. Some of the most common forms of therapy include the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention
Therapy methods like CBT and DBT, aim to figure out the problem at the source. At times, people might turn to opiates or opioids to deal with their stress and traumas. Addiction therapy is essential to the treatment process and seeks to help with relapse prevention in the long run. Whether in a group or individual setting, therapy is provided in almost every opiate addiction treatment center.
Learn More at Chapters Recovery Center
At Chapters Recovery Center, we have the best opiate addiction treatment center in the area. We follow The Big Book of AA in all of our addiction and substance abuse programs. Our behavioral therapy will teach you how addiction can change your thinking to keep you abusing opiates even though you know you are inflicting harm on yourself.
Chapter’s recovery helps to create a safe and open environment for all your needs. Addiction recovery is possible with the right resources and an experienced team. Don’t wait to reach out for help. If you or someone you know is struggling with opiate addiction, give us a call today. We’ll help you learn more about our opiate addiction treatment center and everything included.