Many people struggle with drug abuse, and opioid dependence, in particular, is tragically common. While these powerful nervous system depressants can help with pain management, they are also highly addictive. This leads many to enter into patterns of abuse. Are you wondering what you need to know about opioid use disorder? Contact Ray Recovery in Hudson, Ohio, for more information. One of our qualified team members would be happy to tell you more about opioid abuse treatment. Call 888.598.6299 or contact us online to begin the conversation.
What Are Some Key Opioid Use Disorder Facts?
Physicians frequently prescribe short courses of opioids, like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, to treat major pain after surgery. Used only according to their prescriptions, these drugs may significantly relieve symptoms. This is because they work directly on the central nervous system, blocking pain signals before they reach the brain.
Sadly, opioids are also highly addictive because they not only interact with the pain pathways but also the brain’s reward center. By changing the usual activity of key chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, they can create a physical dependence very quickly. When this happens, the person using opioids experiences cravings for the drug. They also require larger and larger doses to get the same effect. Moreover, they may quickly experience painful withdrawal symptoms if they do not meet their cravings with another dose right away. These uncomfortable effects can include everything from anxiety and insomnia to nausea, gastrointestinal issues, and shaking.
Like other substance use disorders, addiction specialists often consider opioid use disorder a lifelong condition. This means that if you’re effectively treated, you’ll nonetheless carry a higher relapse potential than those who were never dependent. It’s thus vital to seek comprehensive care for opioid abuse and make the lifestyle changes needed for lasting sobriety.
If Opioid Use Disorder Is Present, What’s the Best Way to Treat It?
Wrap-around care for opioid use disorder is essential since this class of drugs poses such a high risk of addiction and relapse. This means clients tend to benefit most from treatment approaches that include all of the following features, as well as ample support from loved ones:
- One-on-one talk therapy – Individual therapy assists clients in identifying and addressing the root causes of their drug use. Here, they can build self-awareness and get care for any co-occurring mental health issues that may be present. This helps them develop a stronger foundation for ongoing sobriety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is especially helpful in opioid treatment since it empowers clients to challenge their own negative thought patterns and cultivate mindfulness and resilience.
- Medication-assisted treatment – For some in opioid recovery, a pharmaceutical approach may be most effective in early treatment. Medicines like methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone can all effectively reduce cravings when administered correctly within a broader treatment context.
- Peer Support – Whether through formal group therapy included in rehab or an ongoing support group like a 12-step, it’s powerful to meet with peers. Among people struggling with opioids, feelings of isolation are common, and regularly meeting with people who share some of their experiences can make a world of difference. Through such meetings, they can develop a sense of community, deeper compassion for themselves and others, and personal accountability.
- Holistic and other wrap-around therapies – Holistic interventions like meditation, art therapy, and animal-assisted approaches are likewise potent. They help clients in recovery by introducing coping skills and self-expression modalities that extend beyond the scope of formal treatment. Moreover, they help clients integrate back into everyday life, even in early treatment. This fosters a sense of normalcy and investment in pursuits outside of drug use.
Get More Facts About Opioid Use Disorder and Learn About Treatment at Ray Recovery Today
Don’t feel you need to struggle alone if you or your loved one is living with opioid use disorder. You’re truly in good company, and many effective treatments exist. The upshot of the disorder’s prevalence is that the medical community understands it well. Get help today by calling Ohio’s Ray Recovery at 888.598.6299 or filling out our confidential online form.
