Hope After Opiate Addiction: Comprehensive Treatment in Denver
Get the help you need to overcome opiate addiction. Discover the top-notch opiate addiction treatment Denver locals can trust.
What Are Opiates?
Opiates are powerful drugs. Doctors sometimes prescribe opiates to manage severe pain. For example, people might take them after surgery or injury. Opiates can also cause relaxation and euphoria. They can be misused recreationally, leading to addiction.
Opiates and Opioids: What’s the Difference?
Opioids are a broad category of drugs that work on a person’s opioid receptors. They relieve pain.
Opioid Misuse
Finding Hope
Many families are affected by opiate misuse. Fortunately, there are ways to fight back against this crisis. In this article, we’ll comprehensively cover treatment options for opiate misuse.
From Surgery to Chronic Pain: How Opiates Are Used and Prescribed
Opiates have different uses in medicine. Doctors prescribe them to help manage severe pain. They are commonly used in the following situations.
Post-Surgical Pain Relief
After surgery, opiates are prescribed to provide effective pain relief. They’re usually used during the initial recovery period. Opiates help manage the intense pain that can come with surgery. They allow patients to rest, heal, and regain their strength.
Chronic Pain Management
Palliative Care
Trauma and Injury
Opiates are used to manage acute pain resulting from injuries. Injuries might include fractures or severe burns. Opiates are administered to help patients during the immediate post-injury period. Effective pain control helps patients tolerate the initial stages of healing.
The Scary Truth About Recreational Opiate Use
Opiates can be misused recreationally, leading to addiction. Some people misuse opiates to experience feelings of euphoria. This misuse often occurs without a prescription or medical supervision.
Opiate misuse can cause several problems. Here are some of the negative effects and dangers of opiate misuse:
Increased Risk of Addiction
Tolerance and Dependence
Prolonged opiate use can lead to tolerance, where higher doses are needed for the same effect. This increases the risk of overdose. Dependence can also develop, causing withdrawal symptoms if use is abruptly stopped.
Escalation to Heroin Use
Opiate misuse can escalate to heroin use. Heroin is a potent and illicit opioid with many risks.
Social and Health Consequences
Opiate misuse has severe social, economic, and health consequences. These risks include the following:
- Strained relationships
- Financial difficulties
- Increased risk of infectious diseases like HIV
Risk Factors for Developing an Opiate Addiction
Several factors can increase the risk of developing an opiate addiction. Understanding risk factors helps us prevent opiate addiction and treat it early. Let’s explore them in detail.
Genetic Factors
Personal or Family History of Addiction
Having a personal or family history of addiction increases the risk. If someone has relatives with drug abuse issues, they may be prone to opiate addiction themselves. Family environment and learned behaviors also contribute to this risk.
Mental Health Conditions
People with mental health disorders, such as depression, risk developing opiate addiction. Opiates might seem like a temporary way to ease emotional pain, but they can lead to addiction.
Environmental Factors
The people and places around the person influence their risk of addiction. If a person has friends who use drugs, it can increase their chances of developing an opiate addiction.
Prescription Opiate Use
Misuse of prescription opiates can lead to addiction. Individuals who use prescription opiates for pain relief must follow the doctor’s instructions. Extended or excessive use of opiates can increase dependency and addiction potential.
Age and Gender
What Are the Symptoms of Opiate Addiction?
People can learn to recognize the symptoms of opiate addiction. They may notice symptoms in themselves or others. Then, they can seek treatment.
Later, we’ll discuss some of the best opiate addiction treatment Denver has to offer. In the meantime, here are common symptoms of opiate addiction.
Physical Symptoms
Opiate addiction may appear via various physical symptoms. Watch for the following:
- Small pupils (pinpoint pupils)
- Excessive drowsiness or nodding off
- Slurred speech or slowed movements
Behavioral and Emotional Symptoms
Changes in behavior and emotions can suggest an opiate addiction. Important symptoms to consider include:
- Increased secrecy or hiding drug use
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Mood swings, ranging from euphoria to irritability or depression
Social and Interpersonal Symptoms
Opiate addiction affects people’s relationships and social behavior. Look out for these signs:
- Withdrawal from family, friends, or social activities
- Isolation to avoid judgment or questions about drug use
- Changes in relationships and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Physical Appearance Symptoms
Opiate addiction can also manifest in physical appearance changes. The individual may have poor personal hygiene and grooming habits. They may also have significant weight loss or changes in appetite. Finally, they may have track marks or injection sites on their body.
Financial and Legal Symptoms
People who are struggling with opiate misuse can have financial consequences. They may have financial difficulties or struggle to meet financial obligations. The person may borrow money without an explanation or spend money impulsively.
They may also get into legal trouble. People may become involved in illegal activities to get money for drugs.
Drug-Seeking Behavior Symptoms
Individuals with opiate addiction often engage in specific behaviors to obtain drugs. These can include:
- Doctor shopping to get more prescriptions
- Seeking illicit sources to get opiates
- Engaging in risky behaviors to get drugs
Recognizing these symptoms can help identify opiate addiction. This can prompt people to seek the opiate addiction treatment Denver offers.
What Are the Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Opiates?
Understanding the effects of addiction is important for recovery. The consequences of substance use disorders can be devastating. That’s why it’s important to look for opiate addiction treatment Denver locals can trust.
Education can be an excellent first step to recovery. Here are some of the short-term and long-term effects of opiate use.
Short-Term Effects
The short-term effects of opiate addiction include:
- Euphoria: Opiates can induce a temporary feeling of intense pleasure and well-being.
- Pain relief: They can provide immediate relief from physical pain and discomfort.
- Sedation: Opiates can cause drowsiness and a state of relaxation.
- Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal distress.
- Respiratory depression: Opiates can slow down breathing, which can be dangerous.
Long-Term Effects
The long-term effects of opiate addiction include:
- Physical dependence: Individuals may develop a reliance on opiates to function normally.
- Tolerance: Over time, higher doses of opiates are required to achieve the same effect.
- Withdrawal symptoms: When stopping use, individuals may experience muscle aches, insomnia, and cravings.
- Chronic health problems: Opiate addiction can lead to various health issues. They can include liver damage, heart problems, and respiratory disorders.
- Mental health disorders: Conditions like depression and anxiety are common with opiate addiction.
Levels of Care: Opiate Addiction Treatment Denver Offers
Every substance use disorder is different. People who are recovering from opiate addiction may need different levels of care. The type of treatment they need can depend on the person, the severity of their condition, and more.
Treatment programs can be delivered in many different ways. Here are some of the types of opiate addiction treatment Denver offers.
Inpatient Residential Treatment
In this treatment setting, patients receive 24/7 care in a supportive environment. They take part in therapy sessions, support groups, and activities like mindfulness. This immersive approach helps patients feel secure and optimistic about recovery.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
This program is designed for individuals transitioning from inpatient care to outpatient treatment. It offers structured support during the day and a safe living environment in the evenings. This program helps patients focus on their recovery while gradually returning to their everyday lives.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
In this treatment option, patients attend sessions many times a week. Sessions can include therapy and support groups. They do not stay at a treatment facility. It is ideal for individuals needing more support than traditional outpatient services.
This is a flexible treatment option. In an intensive outpatient treatment program, people receive comprehensive care while still managing their daily responsibilities.
Drug Rehab Aftercare
Recovery doesn’t end after completing treatment. Treatment programs often offer rehab aftercare programs. These services include relapse prevention groups and community resources.
By providing continued care, treatment centers give patients hope. Aftercare helps people navigate life after treatment. It supports long-term recovery.
Treatment Techniques Used in Opiate Recovery
Evidence-based treatment techniques should be a part of the opiate addiction treatment Denver locals choose. Treatment programs use various techniques to help patients achieve their goals.
These techniques help people overcome substance use disorders and lead a healthy life. Here are some of the common addiction treatment techniques applied.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
This technique combines medications with counseling and therapy. Medications can include:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This treatment helps individuals identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. It teaches coping strategies and helps individuals recognize triggers that may lead to drug use. By making positive changes in thinking and behavior, CBT empowers individuals to stay drug-free.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
This technique helps people regulate emotions, improve relationships, and develop healthy coping skills. It teaches mindfulness, emotional control, distress tolerance, and effective communication to prevent relapse.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many treatment programs can address both addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Both conditions are treated simultaneously.
Individuals receive comprehensive care that addresses their unique needs. This approach helps people manage their addiction and mental health concerns together.
Equine Therapy
Equine therapy involves interactions with horses. It helps individuals build trust, manage emotions, and improve self-esteem. Activities like grooming and riding horses promote personal growth and a sense of empowerment.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
This therapy can help people who have experienced trauma. It helps process and heal from past traumatic events that may contribute to addiction. It uses techniques like eye movements to reduce distress and promote emotional healing.
Art Therapy
This technique encourages self-expression and reflection through different art forms. Art therapy can help people do the following:
- Explore emotions and thoughts
- Reduce stress
- Increase self-awareness
- Engage in personal growth and healing
Maintaining Hope in Recovery
Hope is an essential part of recovery. It helps people stay motivated and committed to their health. Fostering hope is a vital function of the opiate addiction treatment Denver offers.
There are many ways to maintain a strong sense of hope during and after recovery. A few of them are listed below.
Supportive Relationships
Strong, supportive relationships are important for lasting recovery. People can build strong bonds with therapists and support groups. They offer guidance and create a safe space to express one’s feelings.
Peer Support
Joining support groups lets people connect with others who understand what they’re going through. Sharing stories and experiences can inspire hope. It helps people feel like they are part of a recovery community.
Talking to a Counselor
Talking one-on-one with a therapist helps people deal with their unique challenges. Counselors help people explore their emotions, identify triggers, and develop coping strategies. This can support hopefulness.
Setting Goals
People can set achievable goals and celebrate milestones. These practices boost confidence and hope. Every step forward reminds the person that change is possible. Goal accomplishment is an important part of opiate addiction treatment.
Learning and Understanding
Learning about addiction and the recovery process empowers people. It helps them understand their condition, see their progress, and believe in their ability to recover.
Mind and Body Practices
Mind and body practices can be great features of the opiate addiction treatment Denver offers. Practicing mindfulness, yoga, and meditation improves a person’s overall well-being. These activities help people become more self-aware and increase feelings of hope and strength.
Healthy Choices
Taking care of one’s body by exercising, eating well, and getting enough rest positively impacts recovery. It can boost mood, energy levels, and optimism.
Positive Support
Getting encouragement from loved ones and support networks reinforces treatment progress. Positive support reminds people they’re on the right track and keeps their hope alive.
Positive Thinking
A positive mindset can help people maintain hope. People can also work on believing in their own ability to change and grow. Embracing the idea that progress is possible keeps people hopeful.
Meaningful Activities
Engaging in activities that bring a sense of purpose can enhance a person’s well-being. People in recovery may engage in the following:
- Hobbies
- Volunteering
- Expressing one’s creativity
These activities can make people feel accomplished and fulfilled. This can help foster hope during recovery.
Opiate Addiction Treatment Denver Residents Can Trust
At Mile High Recovery Center, we create special plans for each person. We talk to you and learn about your needs.
We look at your history with opiates, your health, and your feelings. Then we make a plan just for you! This plan helps you stop using opiates step by step. It is not the same for everyone because everyone is different.
Here are some of the things that make us stand out as a top-rated Denver opiate rehab center:
Focus on Long-Term Recovery
Our goal is not just to help you quit opiates for a little while. We want to help you stay away from them forever, enabling you to lead the happy, healthy, and fulfilling life you deserve.
Our team works with you to create a strong foundation for your recovery. We teach you skills to deal with tough situations. We cheer you on during your journey to long-lasting recovery and provide you with the tools and resources needed to maintain sobriety.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
CBT is a type of therapy we use at Mile High Recovery Center. It helps you understand how your thoughts and feelings can lead to opiate use. We teach you how to change these thoughts and feelings in a good way. This helps you make better choices and avoid using opiates.
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
DBT is another therapy we use. It teaches you how to handle stressful times without turning to opiates. We show you ways to manage strong emotions in a healthy way. You’ll learn to build a life where opiates are not needed to cope.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Sometimes, past traumas can lead to opiate addiction. EMDR can help you deal with these painful memories. We use special techniques to process these memories and make them less powerful. This can reduce the urge to use opiates to escape from the pain.
MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)
MAT can help you during your recovery. We use medicines to reduce opiate cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medicines are safe and effective. They can make it easier for you to stay on the path to recovery.
Meditation
Meditation is a relaxing practice we offer at Mile High Recovery Center. It helps you find peace within yourself. Meditation can lower stress and anxiety. When you feel calm, the urge to use opiates may reduce.
Reach Out and Begin Healing Today
Stop suffering in silence. Our personalized approach to opiate addiction treatment can help you find hope and healing. Call us today to take the first step towards a brighter future.
Resources
- https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/terms.html
- https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates#:~:text=Opioid%2Dinvolved%20overdose%20deaths%20rose,with%2080%2C411%20reported%20overdose%20deaths
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/202205.htm
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36469839/#:~:text=Opioids%20have%20primarily%20been%20evaluated,with%20well%2Dcharacterized%20adverse%20effects
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31431028/#:~:text=In%20palliative%20care%2C%20opioids%20and,opioid%20misuse%20and%20overdose%20deaths
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448203/
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/genetics-epigenetics-addiction
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-women/sex-gender-differences-in-substance-use
- https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/pubs/2018-evidence-based-strategies.pdf
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/methadone-buprenorphine-reduce-risk-death-after-opioid-overdose
