Opiate Addiction in Lakewood
Opiates are one of the most abused substances in the world. In fact, the NIH found that an estimated 36 million people struggle with an opiate addiction. If you are stuck in the cycle of abuse, you should know that help is available. Our treatment center for opiate addiction in Lakewood is ready to help you reclaim your life.
What is Opiate Addiction?
Opiates are derived from opium and may be abused in prescription form or in the form of street drugs. This substance is known for relieving pain and inducing sleep. It can produce strong feelings of euphoria as well. Opiates are highly addictive in nature and considered one of the most difficult substances to overcome. Symptoms of a serious addiction include the following:
- Small pupils
- Self-isolation
- Rapid mood swings
- Unexplainable anxiety or sleepiness
- Sudden changes in weight (especially weight loss)
- Slurred speech
- Shallow breathing
Knowing the signs of opiate addiction is critical for getting the help you need for yourself or a loved one. The longer addiction is left untreated, the more difficult it can be to overcome.
What Are the Health Consequences?
Prolonged abuse of opiate-containing substances produces a wide variety of dangerous and even life-threatening health consequences. The following are most commonly associated with opiates:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Mental illness
- Liver damage
- Brain damage caused by respiratory depression
- Mental illness
Long-term addicts are more likely to experience the ill effects of opiate abuse, making it critical to seek out help as soon as possible in order to avoid complications. Mental illnesses often develop as a result of long-term abuse and may require dual diagnosis treatment. Some of the most commonly associated mental illnesses are anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and even schizophrenia. Failure to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment can lead to more serious symptoms later on in life and even suicidal thoughts in some people.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Inpatient treatment from a reputable opiate addiction treatment center is the most effective option available to individuals seeking help. This type of program requires patients to maintain a brief period of on-site residency during which they undergo 24/7 supervision and have access to a team of medical and mental health professionals for support.
These factors, as well as our relapse prevention program in Lakewood, prevent patients from relapsing during the critical beginning phases of recovery. Before beginning treatment, many facilities require patients to complete detoxification first. Doing so can virtually eliminate all cravings and help patients overcome uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox in Lakewood serves as a jumpstart to the recovery process.
During rehabilitation, you can look forward to a variety of different activities and therapies. The following are the most effective:
Group counseling: Group counseling is often mandatory in rehabilitation because it encourages healthy socialization, helps patients develop a support system and provides a safe space for everyone to share their experiences and feelings during the recovery process.
Individual counseling: Also known as one-on-one therapy, this option offers a safe and private space for patients to express themselves with a counselor. They do not need to worry about feeling judged or embarrassed. During it, counselors help patients work through problems in a productive manner and also work on developing coping strategies that can be used to fight cravings and triggers in the future.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Addiction is strongly rooted in behavior, which is why CBT is such a necessary process for individuals in recovery. It aims to identify and replace maladaptive behaviors that lead addicts to continue to engage in self-destructive behaviors.
In addition to the options discussed above, many rehabilitation centers offer alternative therapies for opiate addiction in Lakewood such as art, music and even mindfulness-building activities. All of these options help patients explore new interests, express themselves creatively and build strong coping mechanisms. Many patients continue to participate in them after completing treatment as a means of aftercare.
Once you finish treatment, you may benefit from ongoing support. Recovery is a life-long pursuit, and as such requires ongoing maintenance. Community-based programs such as Narcotics Anonymous are available to make the transition back into your daily routine less stressful. Many people choose to continue to participate in individual and group therapy as well.
If you are addicted to opiates, you may feel stuck and even helpless against addiction. Don't lose hope. We treat opiate addiction in Lakewood. All you need to do is call Lakewood Drug Rehab Centers today at (877) 804-1531 for immediate help and to learn more about our addiction treatment programs in Lakewood.