Addiction to Opiates
One of the many addictions we treat is an addiction to opiates, which are commonly used as pain medications. These pain medications are created to help those that experience intense physical pain from trauma or degenerative disorders. They are not meant to be abused. However, individuals can take these opiate-based medications over their intended limit, especially as those affected with pain experience increased dependency on the drugs to function in their daily lives.
Common versions of opiates are known as codeine, heroin, morphine, oxycodone (a synthetic opiate) and hydrocodone. You may have seen or heard of these medications before. Perhaps your doctor may have even prescribed them to you when you had your wisdom teeth removed, for example. The brand names of these drugs include:
• Vicodin
• OxyCotin
• Percocet
• Lomoyil
• Kadian
• Avinza
Commonly Abused Opiates
Morphine is one of the most addictive opiates. This makes hospitals an attractive place for addicts in emergency facilities, as morphine is offered during moments of intense pain, usually before or after surgery, through intravenous methods. Many studies throughout the United States have found that many addicts have visited emergency rooms to pick up a “morphine fix.” Fortunately, there are many new digital systems in place that are able to track an individual’s visits. Those seeking morphine fixes and other narcotic drugs are documented and refused unnecessary treatments.
Symptoms of Opiate Addiction and Withdrawal:
• Increased muscle pain
• Muscle fatigue
• General fatigue
• Cramping in the digestive tract
• Intense dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
How Opiates Negatively Affect the Brain
Addiction to opiates comes from the intense relief they deliver from ongoing pain, as well as how they affect the brain. Opiates provide feelings of euphoria and increased comfort, since they target various receptors in the brain that would otherwise send pain throughout the body. There are also receptors in the spinal cord and brain that are affected by opiates. Many individuals take prescription opiates for back and neck pain. In addition to the increased feelings of comfort and relaxation from these drugs, addiction to opiates can have many serious side effects.
Because these opiate narcotics are extremely effective at triggering the nervous system, any overuse can cause serious issues in the electrical and chemical impulses within the brain. For example, since opiates attach to receptors within the brain to inhibit pain stimulation, they can also block respiratory functions. If the medulla oblongata located in the brainstem is overstimulated, the normal functions of breathing and the rhythm of the heart and lungs can be compromised.
Treatment for Opiates at Genesis Recovery
Addiction to these pain medications can seem impossible to overcome, but rehabilitation is possible with the range of treatments we offer at Genesis Recovery. We offer a completely customizable addiction recovery plan for every client that comes into our facility for addiction to opiates.
We begin with safe and caring detox that may be uncomfortable but shouldn’t be life-threatening. The fear of detox comes from the removal of these stimulants, but with our faith in God we can achieve independence from these harmful substances. Our medically assisted treatment programs are conducted by our medical and specifically-trained team to ensure your safety and comfort.
The next step in treatment after detox is to engage in one-on-one private counseling with one of our specified counselors. These counselors will conduct a dual diagnosis screening for any preexisting mental health conditions and devise a set of treatment plans for additional alternative treatments. Depending on your personality type and your health, we can determine nutrition plans and methods of exercise to supplement your recovery.
Group Therapy, Family Therapy, Exercise and Narcotics Anonymous
Since many people addicted to opiates started taking these medications for pain, we offer exercise treatments that can help with physical pain and mental well-being. When the body and mind undergo full rejuvenation from the effects of opiates, we feel clear and ready to accept all treatments.
Our 12-step Narcotics Anonymous meetings will also help each client share their stories and engage with peers that have experienced this treatment process for opiates, as well. These sessions provide added comfort and support for everything from family and relationship troubles to internal issues and our future fears after recovery.
If you and your family are experiencing added pressure and need further support, our family sessions can help to bring family members together and educate them on addiction. We are here for you in every way.
Contact Genesis Recovery today to learn about opiate addiction treatment in San Diego.
