Opioids include both illegal drugs like heroin and prescription pain relievers like oxycodone. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioids block pain signals in the brain and release large amounts of dopamine throughout the body.
When someone abuses opioids, they stop feeling pain temporarily and get a rush of pleasure. Over time, they often need even more of the drug to experience the same effects as before, and this can lead someone to develop an opioid addiction.
Southstone Recovery Center provides partial hospitalization programming (PHP) for women age 18 and older who are struggling with opioid use disorder. This highly structured outpatient program offers a safe, welcoming place for women to work toward lasting sobriety.
Signs & Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
While opioid addiction affects everyone differently, there are certain signs that may indicate that someone needs professional support. Common opioid addiction symptoms include:
- Feels overpowering urge to use opioids
- Can’t stop using opioids or control how much they use
- Needs to use more opioids to achieve the same effects
- Struggles with frequent, severe constipation
- Mouth or nose is often uncomfortably dry
- Feels sick whenever they don’t use opioids
- Spends most of their time getting or using opioids
- Is often recovering from the effects of opioid use
- Starts spending less time with friends and family
- No longer takes part in activities they used to enjoy
- Continues to use opioids despite negative effects on their life
Not everyone displays all the symptoms of opioid addiction. But it is essential to know what to look for to get someone treatment for an opioid addiction at the first signs that they are struggling.
Opioid Addiction Effects
The effects of opioid addiction typically vary from person to person depending on different factors in their lives. However, someone is much more likely to suffer from certain negative consequences if they don’t get treatment for an opioid addiction. Common opioid addiction effects include:
- Loss of relationships with loved ones
- Trouble keeping a steady job
- Growing financial troubles
- Frequent run-ins with the law
- Health concerns like hepatitis or HIV
- Injuries suffered while under the influence
- Development of a mental health condition
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
The effects of opioid addiction can be devastating, but it doesn’t have to be this way. By reaching out for professional support at a place that provides opioid addiction treatment, you can minimize any short- or long-term opioid addiction effects.
The Benefits of Opioid Addiction Treatment
While it might be scary to make such a big change, recognizing that you need help for an opioid addiction is an important first step toward a better life.
When you find a place that offers opioid addiction treatment, you will work with experts who will help you understand what factors may have led to your struggles with opioid use. Taking part in opioid addiction treatment can help you process painful or traumatic experiences and learn healthier ways to manage uncomfortable feelings.
During your time at an opioid addiction treatment center, you will also meet others who share your struggles with opioid use disorder. These connections can be a powerful source of support as you navigate your journey to sobriety.
Therapies Used to Treat Opioid Addiction
Southstone Recovery Center offers partial hospitalization programming (PHP) for women age 18 and older who are struggling with opioid addiction.
Because opioid addiction affects everyone differently, we will take the time to develop a detailed understanding of how opioid addiction has had an impact on your life.
To accomplish this, we will complete a comprehensive assessment of your medical history, your past and present opioid use, and your goals for treatment. Based on this information, we will custom-build your treatment plan using an array of therapies and services, which may include:
- Medication management services
- One-on-one counseling
- Group and family therapy
- Various experiential therapies
- Basic medical care
To best support you throughout your time at our opioid addiction treatment center, we will utilize various therapies depending on what is best for your specific needs. These might include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), DBT-informed therapy, redecision therapy, and motivational interviewing.
Why Choose Our Opioid Addiction Treatment Center
At Southstone Recovery Center, we know how overwhelming it can be when an opioid addiction takes control of your life. When you choose our opioid addiction treatment center, you can work with a team of compassionate experts who will help you make the changes needed to put opioid addiction behind you for good.
Our multidisciplinary team includes addiction specialists, a medical team, and mental health experts. These professionals will work with you every step of the way to help you set the groundwork for lasting recovery.
Our expert team designed our programming specifically for women. This gender-specific approach addresses women’s unique needs while providing women with a safe, welcoming place to focus on their recovery.
That sense of safety and belonging can be found throughout our 200-acre campus, where you’ll discover a peaceful atmosphere that allows you to get away from the stressors of daily life. At our opioid addiction treatment center, you’ll have access to a 5-acre lake, a basketball and volleyball gym, an art and pottery studio, and an outdoor recreation area used for soccer, football, hiking, and gardening.
By choosing Southstone Recovery Center, you can regain control from opioid addiction and rediscover a better, brighter future.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Southstone Recovery Center.
