Choosing an Opioid Rehab Center

Opioids are a large class of drugs that include illicit street drugs like heroin, as well as prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine. In 2014, an estimated 21.5 million Americans aged 12 or older met the criteria for a substance use disorder, with 1.9 million people struggling with addiction to prescription painkillers, and nearly 600,000 addicted to heroin.

It is fair to say that this nation has never seen a substance abuse problem like the one we are currently facing with opioids. Whereas 10 or 15 years ago few people were familiar with drugs such as Oxycontin or Percocet, now they have become household names, as they have caused a tremendous amount of pain for an entire generation of Americans.

For those who hit adolescence around the turn of the millennia, opioid abuse has become an all too familiar issue. It seems that no one is immune to this, and just about every person in this country knows someone who has been affected by these powerful narcotics. The overdose rates have been staggering and as unfortunate as it is, every other week it appears there is a different news story covering the horrors that these drugs are producing.

Family and friends of those afflicted many times feel as if they are at a loss for how to help the opioid addict in their life, as they watch them morph into someone unrecognizable right before their very eyes. Many times these individuals will begin to feel hopeless like they will never get their loved one back, but this does not need to be the case.

Opioid rehab centers have been established across the country to help people dealing with opioid use disorders. Treatment center details may vary, but a range of quality recovery options are available from standard to luxury opioid rehab programs, with these drug addiction treatment centers being offered in either inpatient or outpatient settings.

Many of the more standard programs use opioid treatment methods that have been shown to work for a large number of people, while many luxury programs create treatment plans that have been individually tailored to a person’s unique needs using cutting-edge addiction treatments and advanced supportive therapies.

If you are addicted to opioids like OxyContin or opiates like morphine, know that your substance use disorder is highly treatable. Rehabnear.com offers comprehensive options for opiate addiction treatment and has a variety of programs that are specialized in opioid addiction treatment as well. We use numerous strategies, including medical and therapeutic interventions as tools to help you adjust back to life without opiates. Our team at Rehabnear.com is comprised of experts in addiction science who are dedicated to helping you fight this disease. Our goal is always the same: to empower you to maintain a lifetime of recovery.

USA Opioid Overdose Deaths – 115 Each Day

Every day, more than 115 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of an addiction to opioids—including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total “economic burden” of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.

• Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
• Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
• An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
• About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
• Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
• The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
• Opioid overdoses in large cities increase by 54 percent in 16 states.

Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is associated with many telltale symptoms or behavioral features. Opioid use disorder can be identified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how many of the diagnostic criteria are met, with two to three criteria pointing to a relatively mild case, four to five indicating a moderate level of addiction, and six or more indicating a relatively severe addiction.

Characteristic symptoms of opioid use disorder include:

• Development of drug tolerance, where more opioids are needed to achieve the desired effect.
• Using more than intended, or using for longer than planned.
• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when opioid use is suddenly stopped or the amount usually taken has been reduced.
• Experiencing strong cravings to use opioids.
• Continuing to use opioids after experiencing negative consequences, such as legal trouble or overdose.
• Use of opioids repeatedly interfering with the person's ability to fulfill responsibilities at work, school, or in the home.
• The person posing a danger to himself or others by repeatedly using opioids in environments or situations in which doing so is hazardous, such as while driving.
• The person’s relationships suffering from issues related to opioids, yet he continues to use opioids.
• The person having a strong desire to use less, or struggling to control his use of opioids.
• Spending a majority of the time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of opioids.
• Cutting back or stopping important activities at work, socially, or recreationally due to opioid use.
• The person’s attitude or behavior changing, such as keeping different groups of friends or becoming increasingly secretive.

Dangers of Opioid Addiction

The abuse of opioids in any capacity can put a user in significant danger both physically and mentally. Additionally, opioid addiction can jeopardize a user’s social life and career.

Overdose

The most immediate danger associated with opioid addiction is the risk of fatal overdose. Overdose occurs when an individual consumes too high of a dose of opioids, causing his or her body to be unable to properly metabolize them. As a result, the body begins to shut down, and if immediate medical attention is not obtained quickly, an individual can lose his or her life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are three symptoms of opioid overdose, known as the opioid overdose triad. They include pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness, and respiratory depression. In addition to these symptoms, however, an individual can also experience other overdose symptoms, including the following:

• Frequent vomiting
• Significant confusion
• Bluish tint around the skin or lips
• Clammy, cold skin
• Severe sleepiness

Physical Dangers

Opioids of all kinds, ranging from prescription painkillers like Percocet to heroin, put an individual at risk when abused. Opioid addiction does not just cause an individual to get high and then withdraw, rather the consumption of this substance deeply damages the body in ways that can be irreversible.

Physical dangers of opioid addiction can include, however, are not limited to, the following:

• Constipation
• Sleep disturbances
• Chest pain
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat
• Problems breathing
• Persistent vomiting
• Low blood pressure

Psychological Dangers

When opioids are in the body, the psychological damages that can ensue can be severe. For most, being under the influence causes mood swings and other psychological distress, such as agitation and confusion. However, when opioids are being continuously abused, other psychological dangers can present themselves, such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Paranoia

Each one of these psychological dangers can cause an individual to experience symptoms that keep him or her continually abusing opioids as a method of coping.

Opioid Addiction Not Receiving Treatment

While the rates of opioid addiction treatment have increased more than 6 fold since 1999, few individuals struggling with addiction actually receive treatment. A 2016 Surgeon General’s Report found that only 1 in 10 people receive any treatment to manage their addiction. Of those addicted, 40% do not seek treatment. Of the 20 million Americans that had a substance abuse addiction in 2015, about 10% of them were addicted to opioids.

Opioid Overdose Rates Still Rising

According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between June 2016 and September 2017, emergency room visits for suspected opioid overdoses increased 30% across the USA.

These figures, included in the agency’s monthly Vital Signs report, suggest that the opioid crisis which claimed more than 42,000 lives in 2016, shows few signs of improving. That is an average of 115 opioid overdose deaths each day. “It does not respect state or county lines and is still increasing in every region in the United States,” Dr. Anne Schuchat, the acting director of the CDC, said in a statement.

The CDC estimates that the total “economic burden” of prescription opioid misuse in the United States is $78.5 billion a year. This includes the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Opioid Rehab Programs

Opioid rehab programs provide care in either an inpatient or outpatient setting. At an inpatient facility, the person stays at the treatment facility and receives around-the-clock care from trained professional staff. Partial hospitalization programs (also known as PHPs or “day programs”), intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or facilities, and other outpatient substance abuse programs provide treatment for a portion of time during the day or evening. The time commitment will be variable from program to program, but patients return home at the end of each day.

Inpatient programs are more expensive than outpatient programs due to their limited availability (there are a finite number of beds in any treatment facility), the high degree of involvement that the facility's staff has with the person, the various amenities available to residents, and the fact that treatment and/or supervision is provided on a 24-hour basis.

When is Opioid Rehab Needed?

Many individuals with relatively severe opioid addictions seek recovery help via inpatient treatment. At many inpatient facilities, the individual will first complete a medically supervised detox period. After detox, ongoing treatment will take place in a safe, restricted environment that serves to block access to opioids or other drugs during treatment as well as reduce the number of stressors that those in recovery will face. Inpatient facilities provide individuals a chance to sober up away from a stressful or unstable home environment that can easily trigger relapse.

Are Opioid Rehab Centers Private and Confidential?

Opioid rehab facilities do everything they can to protect the privacy of their patients and maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), a federal law ensuring that protected health information is kept private and confidential unless authorized by the individual. The only people a rehab facility will correspond with our patients, those involved in the treatment of the patient, and anyone who has been authorized by a patient to receive information.

What Happens During Opioid Rehab?

Both inpatient and outpatient opioid addiction treatment programs consist of:

• Admission: The individual requiring treatment is first evaluated by an addiction treatment professional. Treatment recommendations are offered and a treatment plan is drawn up at the point of admission into the program. This can be a lengthy process because the staff must first gather background information on the person and his substance use history, which will inform the basic treatment plan and the appropriate level of care. Additionally, treatment center staff will need to set up insurance reimbursements or otherwise secure payment arrangements. This is also the point at which the facility staff will explain the program structure and rules, provide information on privacy practices, and give the person an opportunity to decide if they want any family members or loved ones to be informed of their treatment progress.
• Detoxification: Acute opioid withdrawal can be a markedly unpleasant and daunting hurdle to overcome. Medically supervised detox can make the detox process more safe and comfortable. Opioid dependence can be managed via a number of medication-assisted treatment approaches, including the administration of addiction treatment medications like buprenorphine, naloxone, and buprenorphine (Suboxone), and methadone. These medications can help to ease the painful withdrawal symptoms, manage cravings, and ultimately decrease the likelihood of relapse. Detoxification can be a very difficult process, but staff will ensure that every possible measure is taken to make the person comfortable.
• Addiction therapy: The person participates in both individual and group counseling sessions. Any medications prescribed to assist in the treatment process will continue to be taken during this time. Many of the therapeutic interventions will draw heavily from evidence-based techniques, and can be based on a non-spiritual, 12-step/spiritual, holistic or religious/faith-based philosophy.
• Specialized care: The person receives treatment that is tailored to his or her unique situation and needs.
• Aftercare: The person exits the rehab program and may receive additional group counseling, individual therapy, and/or enroll in a 12-step program, such as Narcotics Anonymous. A network of support is established to provide aftercare to encourage continued recovery and help prevent relapse.

How Long Does Opioid Rehab Last?

Most inpatient opioid rehab programs last for 28 to 30 days, with 60-day, or 90-day programs available on a case-by-case basis. Rehab facility staff will often recommend a treatment duration that fits a person’s needs and budget. Although 28-to-30-day inpatient programs are common, longer periods of treatment can be more effective, so it may be beneficial to enroll in an outpatient facility after leaving inpatient treatment. Many treatment programs last 30 to 90 days, with some offering extended care to those who need them.

Opioid Rehab: Away From Home or Not?

Attending an opioid rehab facility nearby can be convenient and provide a sense of safety. Conversely, a facility that is located far away can provide physical and emotional distance from what may be a troubled household or certain stressful daily triggers, or it can offer an increased sense of anonymity.

After Opioid Rehab

It is common to feel a sense of shock after exiting an opioid rehab program, but it is important not to lose confidence in your ability to change. Following up with continued counseling on an outpatient or private basis, and entering a 12-step program can help ease the transition back to everyday life and provide additional support, but you may also want to consider entering a sober-living home, especially if your living situation is unstable or even dangerous. Sober-living homes are residences that prohibit alcohol or drugs and limit the number of guests allowed while providing a safe place to reside in early recovery.

Paying for Opioid Rehab

Opioid rehab facilities set their own pricing policies. Health insurance may cover some or all of the cost of rehab. Be sure to closely analyze your policy and speak with your insurance provider before entering a treatment facility. Financing options, a sliding scale fee, or payment plans may also be available, depending on a facility's policy.

Finding an Opioid Rehab Center

Finding the right inpatient opioid rehab center involves a number of factors, including where the facility is located, whether insurance will cover it, the cost of treatment, the qualifications of the staff, if the program is accredited, and the treatment philosophy of the facility. Be sure to ask questions about any/all of these aspects of an opioid treatment program.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can provide information on accreditation of facilities to help you determine the right treatment facility for you. Inquire about their success rate and what types of treatments are provided. This can help you choose the best facility to get you started on the road to recovery.

• Sources

  American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

  American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2016). Opioid Addiction 2016 Facts & Figures.

  Harvard Health Publications. (2009). Treating Opiate Addiction, Part I: Detoxification and Maintenance.

  Mayo Clinic. (2014). Drug Addiction.

  National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (3rd edition).

  National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2013). Seeking Drug Abuse Treatment: Know What to Ask.

  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Your Rights Under HIPAA.

  U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2016). Opiate and Opioid Withdrawal.