Opioid Rehab in Atlanta, GA

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a type of drug derived from the opium poppy plant. Opioids include prescription drugs, illegal drugs, and synthetically produced versions. When someone takes an opioid narcotic, it binds itself to the person’s brain and creates an elevated sense of joy, pleasure, and pain relief. The body, which normally can produce this type of effect on its own, becomes compromised in its ability to do this. With repeated use, opioids begin to take over as the source for producing happy feelings. As a result, the individual abusing them develops an addiction that requires professional treatment.

The Opioid Epidemic & Statistics

When someone develops an opioid addiction, definite signs will appear. While they vary depending on the person and the severity of the addiction, commons ones include:

Causes and Risks of Opioid Addiction

People develop opioid addictions for different reasons that generally fall into one of two categories. The first is environmental, which includes a person’s childhood, their current living situation, and/or their inability to use healthy coping skills during times of stress. Someone who grew up in a volatile home life or witnessed addiction as a young person is more likely to be prone to developing an addiction. As well, dealing with the impact of things like unemployment, poverty, and other stressful events can cause a person to turn to opioid abuse.

The other risk factor is genetics. Someone who has a family history of addiction proves more likely to repeat the pattern. Other contributing causes include relying on opioids for pain relief or having a history of other substance use disorders.

Most Commonly Misused Opioids

The types of opioids that are the most commonly abused are typically classified as Schedule II and III drugs. They include:

Effects of Opioid Addiction

Someone who has become addicted to opioids finds that it negatively impacts their lives in several ways. Many people experience trouble performing well at work or school and may even lose their jobs. Opioid abuse often interferes with relationships and personal responsibilities. Also, the cost of procuring drugs can cause great financial distress. Some people end up in trouble with the law when they buy illegal opioids. As well, over time, medical problems can develop, including damage to the organs, collapsed veins, and breathing difficulties. In the event of shared needles, a person becomes at greater risk of developing diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

Opioid Withdrawal & Detox

The first step to overcoming opioid addiction is going to detox. This process takes about a week and should only be done in a medically supervised setting. Some people need to move into a residential program after this, while others find that outpatient care works best for them. All levels of opioid rehab in Atlanta will offer medical and psychological assistance in minimizing withdrawal symptoms. This makes it easier for the individual to move through the challenging first months of living a drug-free life.

How is Opioid Addiction Treated?

When someone develops an opioid addiction, a multi-pronged approach is needed for them to overcome it. Different types of therapy provide an effective way to help people understand their addiction and learn to move past it. Different types of therapy used include:

Many people find great success in becoming sober by using Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). This combines the use of talk therapy with prescription medications that help reduce withdrawal symptoms. Meds can also help people who experience mental health disorders that contribute to their addictions, such as anxiety and depression.