Prescription opioids have become readily accessible across the nation. They are a main contributor to the resurgence of heroin and one of the main causes of the 115 overdoses per day from opioids.[1] Prescription opioids are originally prescribed by doctors to ease pain from a variety of medical ailments or surgery. However, many people are abusing prescription painkillers and get used to its ability to to ease mental, physical, or emotional pain. For this devastating reason, many individuals have become addicted to prescription opioids and are suffering in their work, home, and social environments.
In 2015, approximately 2 million people in the United States were addicted to prescription opioid drugs. These drugs ravaged through every community across the United States and have even led to harder drug use. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately “80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.” These devastating figures prove that it is critical for individuals to seek effective treatment for their prescription drug addiction before it leads to harder drug abuse and an accidental overdose.
Treatment Options for Prescription Opioid Drugs
Medical-Assisted Treatment (MAT)- MAT includes a comprehensive medical approach to treating prescription opioid drug abuse. This treatment option includes medical detoxification in which medical professionals use medication to ease withdrawal symptoms. A primary component of MAT is Naltrexone. Naltrexone is a type of medication in the form of a pill or injection that helps to reverse an opioid overdose or opioid addiction. The medication works to “prevent other opioids from binding to and activating opioid receptors.”[2]
In addition to Naltrexone, Methadone and Buprenorphine are medications that will also be used during MAT because both drugs are effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms in the absence of the drug. These withdrawal symptoms can include a wide range of mental and physical symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and seizures. Additionally, these drugs are beneficial for reducing the cravings for opioid prescription drugs because they target the pleasure-seeking part of the brain and help to replace the urge for the drug.
Behavioral Therapy- After medical detoxification, it is essential that individuals learn techniques to replace the destructive thoughts and behaviors that have led to the use of opioid prescription drugs. To do this, clients will participate in psychotherapy sessions that emphasize research-based therapy techniques to help transform negative thoughts and reduce the cravings for the drug.
Therapy options include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Contingency Management Interventions. These psychotherapy techniques motivate individuals to focus on positive behaviors through creating personalized coping mechanisms to respond to any type of adversity. Contingency Management Interventions will focus on rewarding positive behaviors and emphasizing the success of each cognitive and behavioral goal in the treatment plan.
A Faith-Based Approach- The best chance to avoid a relapse and to truly detoxify the mind, body, and soul from opioids is to combine MAT and Behavioral therapy with a Christian-based approach to treatment. By choosing a treatment center that emphasizes a faith-based perspective, individuals will focus on healing all parts of the mind, body, and soul that have been destroyed by addiction.
Through pastoral counseling sessions and a connection to the Church community, individuals will always feel safe and comforted throughout their journey towards maintaining lifelong sobriety. The whole person must recover from opioid prescription drug addiction to truly destroy this disease and to avoid a relapse. Only when the entire self is reconstructed in mind, body, and soul can individuals lead a happy and healthy life beyond the label of their addiction.
Making the Call Today Can Save a Life
Covenant Hills Treatment Center offers a Christian-based approach to helping anyone suffering from an addiction fully recover and live the life of their dreams. Their diverse program options, individually-designed quality care, highly trained professional staff, and prestigious accreditations meets the needs of all individuals. Covenant Hills is equipped in helping anyone struggling with an addiction restore their spiritual foundation by restoring their connection with God.
If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, call Covenant Hills treatment specialists today at 800.662.2873 for a free and confidential assessment.
[1] https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis [2] https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs/how-can-prescription-drug-addiction-be-treated
