Health

A Guide to Opioid Addiction Treatment Options

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Opioid use disorder (OUD) affects 3 million US residents and 16 million other people worldwide. Opioid addiction comes with significant side effects. Some of the negative impacts occur in the body, while others are a complete mental switch.

Addiction is a prevalent issue throughout the US. As a result, the medical industry continues to fight against it. You’ll find a number of opioid addiction treatment programs in most cities.

However, there are varying levels of care based on the patient. Here are all the various treatment options to help with opioid addiction. 

Counseling

Counseling is an essential treatment option available for people struggling with opioid addiction. This can help people addicted to opioids understand their addiction so that they can develop coping and problem-solving skills and make positive changes in their lives.

In addition, counseling can also help families and loved ones of people with opioid addiction to understand the disease. Through this, they will know how to best support their loved ones.

Detoxification

Also, one of the most important first steps in any treatment plan is detoxification, or the process of ridding the body of the addictive substance. Detoxification can be a difficult and uncomfortable process, but it is a vital first step in recovery.

After detox, patients can begin to receive other forms of treatment, such as medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, and 12-step programs. The most important thing to remember is that treatment is highly individualized, and there is no single right or wrong answer. What works for one person may not work for another, so it is crucial to work with a professional to create a plan that is right for you.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment option for opioid addiction. CBT can help patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their addiction. CBT is often used in combination with other treatment methods.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

In combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, MAT has shown to be effective in treating this disease. This approach helps to reduce the risk of relapse and can provide people with the tools they need to recover from addiction.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a medication used to help people who have an opioid addiction. It is a partial opioid agonist, meaning that it works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. This acts to reduce the craving for opioids as well as the symptoms of withdrawal.

This medication can be taken as a pill, a sublingual film, or a subdermal implant. It is important to know that buprenorphine is not a complete cure for opioid addiction. Also, this should be used in combination with other treatments such as counseling and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Methadone

Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid that is similar to other opioids, but it does not produce the same “high” that other opioids do. This medication is taken orally, typically once a day, and it works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is important to note that methadone is a controlled substance, and a certified physician can only prescribe it.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the effects of opioids, and it can be taken as a pill or as an injection. It is typically used in combination with other addiction treatments, such as counseling and behavioral therapy. Naltrexone can be an effective treatment for opioid addiction, and it can help to reduce the risk of relapse.

Suboxone

Suboxone is a medication used to help people wean off of opioids. This is actually a combination of naloxone and buprenorphine. In RecoveryDelivered.com, you can find a Suboxone doctor who can help you out regarding this kind of medication. 

Holistic Approaches to Opioid Addiction Treatment

There are many holistic approaches to opioid addiction treatment. They can be helpful if used in conjunction with traditional methods. These include acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one option that is gaining popularity. This ancient practice involves the placement of thin needles into specific points on the body. It is said to help with pain relief, relaxation, and general well-being.

There is some scientific evidence to support these claims. Many people who have tried acupuncture say it has helped them in their battle against addiction. If you are struggling with an opioid addiction, it may be worth considering acupuncture as a treatment option.

Yoga

Yoga and meditation can be an effective part of recovery. Yoga can help to improve physical and mental well-being, and meditation can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Both yoga and meditation can be practiced at home or in a group setting, and there are many resources available to help get started.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote healing and relaxation. Essential oils can be used in a diffuser, diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin, or inhaled directly from the bottle. Aromatherapy is one option that may help to reduce stress, anxiety, headaches, and nausea.

Help Your Loved One Recover from Opioid Addiction

Any kind of addiction doesn’t do good to the body and a person’s life in general. For this reason, any habit should not be tolerated and must be stopped. There is hope for addicts to recover if they find the determination to do so.

For opioid addiction treatment options, there are different treatments available. The best approach depends on the individual’s needs and situation.

Treatment can be successful if the person has the motivation and an excellent support system to help the person quit their habit. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, there are resources available to help.

Keep coming back for more articles on opioid addiction recovery, ways to help your loved one get into rehab, and more.

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