Prescription Opioid Addiction Treatment
An opioid is a drug that relieves pain by blocking pain signals in the brain. Opioids are potent pain inhibitors and are only used in very particular cases for pain relief; and come in a range of forms, including pills, patches, powders, and liquids.
Also called opiates or narcotics, opioids come in various strengths – from very strong (e.g., morphine, Dilaudid, Duragesic, Oxycontin) to moderately strong (e.g., oxycodone, as in Lortab, Percocet) to strong (e.g., hydrocodone, as in Vicodin) to mild (e.g., codeine, as found in some cough/cold medicines).
While opioids tend to be consumed or misused as prescription painkillers, they can also form part of the illicit drug trade and overlap with other drug users. The street drug heroin is made from morphine, a prescribed opioid but is mixed with other substances and can be injected, snorted, or smoked.
Opioids are extremely powerful, which makes them highly addictive; their fast-working action makes it easy for users of opioids to lose control, become dependent on them, use more and more of these substances, and continue to spiral.
Seek out help for Prescription Opioids
Once a person has become dependent upon an opioid, they will experience painful withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop using it. These withdrawal symptoms can drive a person back into a pattern of opioid abuse.
This is why it is crucial for a person to receive treatment to successfully break the cycle of addiction, which could involve several steps, including:
- Detoxification
- Medical supervision
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
If you’re beginning to feel that your use of opioids is starting to take a toll on your mental and physical well-being, or you have begun to spiral into a cycle of addiction.
It may be time to seek professional help.
Treating your prescription opioid addiction
Due to how effective the addictiveness of opioids is, a person can be at the mercy of this type of substance after ingesting it just one time, and that can lead to prolonged use. If you or a loved one has been using prescription opioids, be they legal or illegal, for an extended period and find it hard to live without them, you may have developed an addiction.
While opioids might take away feelings of pain or discomfort, they also inflict pain on the user. Prolonged abuse of opioids can damage relationships, pushing users into a life of crime or illegal activities to acquire more of the drug out of desperation.
Furthermore, opioids can severely impact a person’s health and cause irreversible damage. At the same time, the risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis B or C, and other blood-borne viruses increases when opioids are taken intravenously.
Medical supervision is an option as part of in-patient rehab and is the first step for most addicts. If the addict’s opioid withdrawal symptoms are intense, it can encourage relapse, which is why they need supervision and support.
The withdrawals process can be uncomfortable, but once the habit is broken, addicts are left feeling better as cravings begin to subside.
The reduction in craving intensity, along with a comprehensive 12 Step rehabilitation programme, forms the base of recovery. In addition, our team of counsellors will care for your overall mental health and identify the root cause of your addiction, and tackle it.
During rehabilitation, you will also be provided with various tools to help you achieve long-term sobriety so that once you’re back home, you have the mental clarity and recovery information to avoid relapsing.
Post-treatment for prescription opioid addiction
Once you are discharged from our facility, if you wish, you can continue treatment. We are open to providing additional post-treatment support. Studies have shown that recovering addicts who take advantage of aftercare stand a better chance of avoiding a relapse.
So reach out to us after your stay should you require additional support.
Don’t let your addiction to opioids rule your life. Take control today by getting in touch with us for professional help.
The pros and cons of prescription opioid rehab
Treatment options or rehabilitation programs for opioid addiction are similar to treatment programs and protocols for addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Depending on your mental dependence on opioids, a recovery program will be tailored to you.
The advantages of seeking addiction treatment in a private rehab like ours are numerous. We are equipped with some of the top addiction counsellors in South Africa, with years of experience in helping those battling opioid addiction to achieve a full recovery in a safe environment.
Other benefits of getting your addiction treated in our facility include the following:
- Quick admission
- Medical supervision
- Personalised treatment
- Private care
- 24-hour supervision
- Safe and peaceful environments
- High-quality facilities
- Aftercare services
These benefits, along with tailored solutions for your specific case, are available to anyone seeking out private rehab treatment with The Cedars in South Africa.
Reach out to us today and start your journey towards recovery.
chemical addictions
- CAT
- Cocaine
- Crystal Meth
- Hallucinogens
- Heroine
- Inhalants
- Ketamine
- Marijuana
- MDMA/Ecstasy
- Prescription Medication
- Prescription Opioids
- Prescription Stimulants
- Synthetic Cannabinoids
- Synthetic Cathinones
behavioural addictions
- Eating Disorders
- Exercise Addiction
- Gambling Disorder
- Gaming Addiction
- Pornography Addiction
- Sex Addiction
- Shopping Addiction
- Social Media Addiction
treatment phases & length
Primary Phase
inclusions
- Medication assisted stabilization and withdrawal management
- Daily group-based therapy including interactive, discussion
and focus groups - Regular individual therapy sessions with a counsellor
- Introduction to 12-Step program and written Step work
- Counselling sessions and assessments with a psychologist
- Educational workshops about addiction related topics
- Family therapy sessions (arranged by Zoom if necessary)
- 12-Step Meetings
- Community outings involving fun sober recreational activities
- Healthy meals prepared by our in-house chef, regular aerobic exercise and yoga classes offered by a personal trainer, excursions
Secondary Phase
inclusions
- Daily group-based therapy including interactive, discussion and focus groups
- Regular individual therapy sessions with a counsellor
- Counselling sessions and assessments with a psychologist
- Educational workshops about addiction related topics
- Family therapy sessions (arranged by Zoom if necessary)
- 12-Step Meetings
- Community outings involving fun, sober recreational activities
Tertiary Phase
inclusions
- Accommodation and meals
- Weekly check-in groups
- Check-in sessions with their counsellor, by appointment
- Weekly 12 Step meetings
post treatment support
If you require post-treatment counselling, please click here