Reshaping Lives: Opiate Addiction Treatment in Denver
If you or a loved one are searching for effective opiate addiction treatment in Denver, Mile High Recovery Center has you covered.
Prevalence of Opiate Addiction
In the heart of Denver, Colorado, opiate addiction is more than just a statistic. It’s a daily battle for many, and the road to recovery can be long and arduous. However, there is hope.
If you or a loved one are looking for quality opiate addiction treatment in Denver, Mile High Recovery Center has the resources you need.
This article will delve into the complexities of opiate addiction and its impacts on individuals and society. It will also share how our dedicated team at Mile High Recovery Center is reshaping lives through our tailored treatment programs.
Understanding Opiates: A Closer Look
Opiates are a class of drugs derived from the opium poppy plant. They have been used for centuries for their potent pain-relieving properties. These substances work by interacting with the body’s opioid receptors. They reduce the perception of pain and often induce a sense of euphoria.1
Primary Prescription Opiates
Some of the primary prescription opiates include:
- Morphine: This is often used before and after surgical procedures to alleviate severe pain. Morphine acts directly on the central nervous system (CNS) to decrease the feeling of pain.
- Codeine: This is used for milder pain relief. Codeine is often prescribed for pain relief after a surgical procedure. It is also prescribed for chronic pain from conditions like cancer. It may even be found in some prescription cough syrups.
The Prevalence of Opiate and Opioid Misuse: A National and Local Perspective
Opiate use disorder is a significant issue both nationally and locally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 79,700 reported opioid-involved drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2022. These included overdoses from prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids.2
In Colorado, the issue is equally concerning. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) reports that in 2022, there were 1,799 drug overdose deaths involving opioids in Colorado.3
Opioid Misuse in Denver, Colorado
Specifically, in Denver, the opioid crisis mirrors the national trend. According to the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner division of the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE), there were 453 opioid-related overdose deaths in Denver in 2022.4
These statistics highlight the need for options for comprehensive opiate addiction treatment Denver residents can go to for help.
Understanding the Difference Between Opioids vs. Opiates
People often use the words “opioids” and “opiates” in the same way. However, there is a slight difference.
Opiates are natural substances from the opium poppy plant, like morphine and codeine. Opioids include opiates, man-made opioids like fentanyl, and semi-man-made opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone.
All these substances work in similar ways and have similar risks of substance use disorder and addiction.
The Impact of Opiate Addiction: Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences
Opiate addiction can have devastating short-term and long-term impacts on your life. It can affect several aspects of your health, including:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Social
- Financial
Short-Term Consequences of Opiate Addiction
In the short term, opiate misuse can cause a range of physical, mental, and social health issues. Some short-term consequences include:
Physical Health Issues
Opiate misuse can eventually lead to various physical health issues. These substances are effective in relieving pain. But they can also cause symptoms such as:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Itching or rash
- Confusion or disorientation
- Low blood pressure
These side effects may seem minor, but they can significantly impact your quality of life.
In more severe cases, misuse of these drugs can lead to physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, or a life-threatening overdose. An overdose occurs when you consume a dose that your body cannot handle. This leads to severe respiratory depression and, in some cases, death.
Mental Health Issues
Substance use disorder can also lead to mental health problems. The high that these drugs give can quickly turn into mental dependence, leading to conditions like depression and anxiety.
You may find yourself unable to feel happy or relaxed without the drug. This can lead to a cycle of misuse and mental health problems. The stigma that surrounds substance use disorder can worsen these mental health issues for some individuals making it harder for them to get help.
Social Health Issues
Opiate misuse can also lead to significant social issues. You may ignore your relationships as you focus more on getting and using the drug. This can lead to isolation and damaged relationships. This isolation can worsen the misuse cycle, as you may turn to drugs to cope with your loneliness.
Also, the legal issues related to drug misuse can lead to job loss and financial problems.
Long-Term Consequences of Opiate Addiction
In the long term, opiate addiction can lead to chronic health conditions and social, emotional, and financial problems. Some long-term consequences of opiate addiction are:
Chronic Health Conditions
Long-term opiate addiction can lead to a host of chronic health conditions. The constant strain on the body’s systems can contribute to heart or lung disease. The body struggles to cope with the effects of the drugs. Some opiates have also been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Unsafe drug use practices, such as needle sharing, can lead to the transmission of diseases like hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. This further compounds the health risks associated with opiate addiction.
Emotional Struggles
- Depression: The cycle of addiction can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, and these feelings can persist even after you’ve stopped using opiates. You might find it difficult to experience joy or pleasure in things you once loved, leading to a pervasive sense of sadness.
- Anxiety: The uncertainty of recovery, the fear of relapse, and the stress of rebuilding your life can all contribute to feelings of anxiety. You might find yourself constantly worrying, feeling restless, or experiencing difficulty concentrating.
- Low self-esteem and feelings of guilt or shame: You might blame yourself for your addiction and the problems it has caused. This leads to a damaging cycle of self-criticism and negative self-talk.
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This may happen especially if your addiction is linked to traumatic experiences. This can manifest as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares about the traumatic event. These symptoms can make the recovery process more challenging.
Social Symptoms
The social effects of long-term opiate addiction can be just as bad as the physical and emotional ones. As you deal with the results of strained and broken relationships, you may become isolated and lonely.
Moreover, addiction can disrupt your ability to function in your daily life, leading to job loss and difficulties in maintaining stable housing.
Financial Problems
The financial impact of long-term opiate addiction can be significant. The cost of obtaining the drugs and the potential loss of income due to job loss can lead to severe financial difficulties.
This economic toll can make the road to recovery even more difficult because you have to struggle to meet your basic needs while fighting to overcome addiction.
For these reasons, it’s vital for anyone addicted to opiates to receive opiate addiction treatment Denver residents can trust and rely on.
Mile High Recovery Center: effective opiate addiction treatment in denver
At Mile High Recovery Center, we understand the complexities of opiate addiction and the unique challenges it presents. We also recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to opiate addiction treatment in Denver.
We offer comprehensive opiate addiction treatment Denver residents can rely on, with a range of services tailored to meet each client’s individual needs.
Opiate Addiction Treatment In Denver: Therapeutic Opportunities
At Mile High Recovery Center, we believe in treating the individual until they are whole. Our professionally trained and certified therapists use the latest proven and effective therapies to address substance abuse disorders and accompanying mental health conditions.
These therapies for opiate addiction treatment in Denver include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that can help you understand how your thoughts and feelings influence your behaviors.
It’s commonly used to treat a range of disorders, including substance use disorder. CBT can assist you in identifying and changing negative thought patterns that lead to destructive behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy is a treatment approach that emphasizes the development of four skill sets:
- Mindfulness
- Distress tolerance
- Emotional regulation
- Interpersonal effectiveness
These skills can be particularly helpful for you if you’re struggling with addiction. They help you manage risk factors and cravings while also aiming to ensure you can maintain healthier relationships.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps you heal from the symptoms and emotional distress resulting from traumatic life experiences. It involves stimulating the brain through eye movements and writing about your opiate abuse and your vision for your future.
If you’ve experienced trauma and are struggling with addiction as a form of self-medication, EMDR could be particularly effective for you.
Community-Based Therapy and 12-Step Support
Community-based therapy involves various therapeutic approaches that emphasize the role of the community in the recovery process. This can include:
- Group therapy sessions
- Family therapy
- Participation in 12-step programs
These programs provide a supportive network of others who are also in recovery, which can be a powerful tool for maintaining your sobriety.
Alumni Program
An alumni program, or relapse prevention group, involves those who have completed a treatment program and are living in recovery. They’ve been in your shoes, so they know how you feel and can help provide tips to keep you sober and healthy for the long-run.
The Role of Primary Services in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
As mentioned above, a multi-faceted treatment plan plays a crucial role in opiate recovery. At Mile High Recovery Center, our primary services for opiate addiction treatment in Denver include short-term residential treatments.
One is a partial hospitalization program (PHP), which provides intensive treatment five days a week with high accountability. Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) is less intense than a PHP and is designed to help you reintegrate into the community while still receiving regular support.
Additionally, our sober living or recovery housing provides a drug-free and supportive living environment conducive to recovery as you transition back into daily life.
Begin Opiate Addiction treatment In Denver Today
Opiate addiction is a complex and challenging issue. However, with the right support and treatment, recovery is possible. At Mile High Recovery Center, we offer comprehensive, evidence-based opiate addiction treatment for Denver visitors and locals alike.
Our team of professionals is dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and achieve long-term recovery.
Our programs offer ongoing support, resources, and community connections to help you maintain your long-term recovery. We provide opportunities for you to share your experiences, offer support to others, and continue to learn and grow in your recovery journey.
Mile High Recovery Center’s Approach to Opiate Addiction Treatment
Mile High Recovery Center offers additional community-based and recreational activities to truly encompass the healing of the whole individual.
Our goal is to provide comprehensive, evidence-based opiate addiction treatment Denver residents can trust, helping individuals reshape their lives and achieve long-term recovery.
We also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which includes the use of medications like suboxone and Vivitrol to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Reach Out Today
At Mile High Recovery Center, we believe that a long-term approach with a personalized treatment plan and community support is the best recipe for success.
We are committed to providing the highest quality opiate addiction treatment Denver has to offer, helping individuals overcome addiction and reshape their lives.
Find Support for Opiate Addiction Today
End the cycle of opiate use disorder and take the first step toward recovery. To learn more about opiate addiction treatment Denver residents can rely on and receive support from, contact Mile High Recovery Center today.
Resources
- https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids
- https://blogs.cdc.gov/nchs/2023/05/18/7365/
- https://denvergazette.com/news/fentanyl/colorado-fentanyl-overdose-deaths-2022/article_53f9f666-f999-11ed-a422-877cddf4fc61.html
- https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Public-Health-Environment/News/2023/Denver-Releases-2022-Fatal-Overdose-Data
