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Opiate Rehab in Orange County

at Able to Change Recovery

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Amanda Stevens

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Content Writer

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Picture of Amanda Stevens

Amanda Stevens

Medical Content Writer

Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.

Opioid use and abuse pose severe risks due to the highly addictive nature of these substances and their devastating impact on health. These powerful drugs, which include prescription painkillers like oxycodone and heroin, can lead to dependence and addiction with even short-term use.

The dangers of opioid abuse extend beyond the immediate health effects – such as respiratory depression, overdose, and death – to include long-term consequences like chronic illness, deteriorating mental health, and social and economic hardship. As the opioid crisis continues to escalate, effective rehabilitation and treatment are vital in helping individuals start the recovery process.

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What Are Opiates?

Opiates are a class of drugs derived from the opium poppy plant, which includes both natural and semi-synthetic substances.[1] These drugs are primarily used for their potent pain-relieving properties. Natural opiates, such as morphine and codeine, are directly extracted from the opium poppy, while semi-synthetic opiates, including oxycodone and heroin, are chemically modified to enhance their effects.

Opiates work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which helps to block pain signals and produce a sense of euphoria.[2] This powerful pain relief makes them valuable in medical settings, especially for managing severe pain, such as that experienced after surgery or due to chronic conditions.

Despite their therapeutic benefits, opiates have a high potential for abuse and addiction. The euphoria produced by these drugs can lead individuals to misuse them, either by taking higher doses than prescribed or using them recreationally. Regular misuse can quickly develop into dependency, where individuals require the drug to function normally and experience intense cravings. 

This cycle of abuse can result in severe health complications, including respiratory depression, overdose, and long-term damage to the body’s organs. The widespread misuse of opiates has contributed to a significant public health crisis, highlighting the need for effective prevention, treatment, and support for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.

Opioid Addiction and Abuse

Opioid addiction and abuse represent a serious and growing public health crisis, marked by the misuse of opioid medications and substances. Opioids, including prescription painkillers like oxycodone and morphine, as well as illegal drugs like heroin, can be highly addictive due to their profound effects on the brain’s reward system.[3]  

When used, opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and inducing feelings of euphoria. This pleasurable sensation can create a powerful psychological desire to continue using the drug, making it difficult for individuals to stop even when they recognize the negative consequences.

The body’s response to opioids involves not just pain relief but also significant alterations to its normal functioning as well. Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence, where the body adapts to the drug, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effects and leading to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is reduced or stopped. This cycle of increasing tolerance and withdrawal contributes to the development of addiction, where individuals compulsively seek out the drug despite adverse effects on their health, relationships, and daily life. 

The opioid epidemic has reached alarming levels, with millions of people in the U.S. affected by opioid use disorder. In 2021, approximately 2.7 million Americans aged 12 or older had an opioid use disorder, highlighting the widespread nature of this crisis and underscoring the urgent need for effective treatment and prevention strategies.[4]

Opioid Quick Reference Chart

Drug Category

Opioid

Commercial
& Street Names

Depending on the substance, they include:[5]
- Heroin: Brown sugar, China white, dope, H, horse, junk, skag, skunk, smack, white horse
- Fentanyl: Apache, China girl, dance fever, friend, goodfella, jackpot, murder 8, Tango and Cash, TNT
- Oxycodone: Hilbilly heroin, O.C., Oxycet, Oxycotton

DEA Schedule

Schedule I (heroin), schedule II (controlled substances)

Administration

Ingested

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Addiction?

Recognizing opioid addiction can be challenging, as its signs and symptoms may overlap with other health issues or behavioral problems.  However, specific indicators often point to a potential opioid use disorder:[6]

  • Intense cravings: A strong, persistent desire to use opioids, often overpowering other priorities and responsibilities.
  • Increased tolerance: Needing higher doses of the drug to achieve the same effects, which may lead to consuming more than initially prescribed or using the drug more frequently.
  • Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing physical and emotional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, anxiety, and insomnia when the drug is reduced or stopped.
  • Changes in behavior: Noticeable shifts in behavior, including secrecy, mood swings, or withdrawal from social and family activities.
  • Neglecting responsibilities: Failing to meet personal, professional, or academic responsibilities due to preoccupation with obtaining and using opioids.
  • Physical signs: Evidence of physical changes such as pinpoint pupils, slurred speech, and drowsiness, along with neglecting personal hygiene and appearance.
  • Financial issues: Spending significant amounts of money on opioids, often leading to financial strain or engaging in illegal activities to obtain the drug.
  • Risky behavior: Engaging in dangerous activities, such as driving under the influence to obtain or use opioids, increases the risk of accidents and legal problems.
  • Relationship problems: Strained relationships with family, friends, or colleagues due to the effects of opioid use, including conflict, dishonesty, or neglect.

Is Opioid Withdrawal Dangerous?

Opioid withdrawal is not typically life-threatening on its own, but it can be  extremely uncomfortable and pose significant risks due to potential complications.[7] While the withdrawal process itself is unlikely to be fatal, it can lead to serious health issues if not properly managed. The symptoms of opioid withdrawal can include intense cravings, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, insomnia, and severe anxiety. These symptoms can cause significant distress and may lead to dangerous situations if not addressed.

Complications arising from opioid withdrawal can include dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, which can be severe enough to cause electrolyte imbalances and potentially lead to serious health problems. Additionally, the intense discomfort and psychological stress of withdrawal management can lead some individuals to relapse, putting them at risk of overdose, especially if they return to using opioids at previously tolerated doses. In some cases, individuals might engage in risky behaviors or self-harm as a result of the psychological strain.

What Orange County Drug Treatments Are Available for Opiate Addiction?

Addressing opiate addiction requires a comprehensive approach to tackle both the physical dependence and the psychological aspects of the disorder. A customized treatment plan is essential for helping individuals break free from the cycle of addiction and build a foundation for long-term recovery. 

Able to Change Recovery offers both mental health and addiction treatment programs. Each level of care may include one or all of a diverse array of therapeutic modalities that are targeted to meet the unique needs of each person struggling with opiate use:

  • 12-Step Facilitation Therapy: Introduces clients to the principles of 12-step programs, providing a structured support network and fostering a sense of community as they navigate their recovery journey.
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Focuses on identifying and altering negative thought patterns and behaviors, which is particularly effective in developing coping strategies for managing cravings and high-risk situations.
  • Contingency Management: Provides tangible rewards for positive behaviors and progress, reinforcing commitment to therapy and encouraging adherence to treatment plans.
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals regulate emotions and improve interpersonal relationships, which is beneficial for managing the emotional challenges of addiction.
  • Family Therapy: Engages family members in the treatment process to address dynamics that may affect or be affected by substance use, promoting a supportive home environment.
  • Group Therapy: Offers peer support and shared experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and providing diverse perspectives on managing addiction in group counseling and therapy.
  • Holistic Therapy: Integrates complementary approaches like nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness practices to support overall well-being and balance during recovery.
  • Individual Therapy: Provides one-on-one support to address personal challenges and develop individualized strategies for managing symptoms and preventing relapse.
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Teach awareness and acceptance of present-moment experiences, helping individuals manage cravings and reduce compulsive behaviors through mindfulness practices.
  • Motivational Interviewing: Enhances motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence, particularly useful for individuals struggling with commitment to their treatment plan.
  • Trauma-Informed Care: Recognizes the impact of trauma on mental health and integrates this understanding into all aspects of treatment, creating a safe and supportive environment for healing.

At Able To Change Recovery, we offer unique tracks for both mental health treatment and substance use disorder. Our mental health and drug treatment center in Orange County is ready to help anyone begin recovery today. Our dedicated case managers will walk each patient through the process to eliminate fear and spark confidence in their ability to activate long-term sobriety. Reach out to our admissions and treatment team today.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Opiate Addiction Treatment Near Me

Opiates and opioids are terms often used interchangeably, but they refer to different types of substances. Opiates are natural drugs derived from the opium poppy plant, such as morphine and codeine. Opioids, however, include both natural opiates and synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. While opiates come directly from the poppy plant, opioids are a broader category that encompasses all drugs with similar effects, regardless of their origin. This distinction is important for understanding the variety of substances involved in pain management and addiction.

Opiate addiction is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic criteria, primarily using the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). Health professionals assess the presence and severity of symptoms such as compulsive drug use, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. The DSM-5 criteria focus on patterns of behavior, including how drug use impacts daily life, relationships, and responsibilities.

Continuing opiate use without treatment poses significant risks, including the progression of addiction, which can lead to severe health complications such as liver disease, respiratory problems, and heart issues. Chronic use also increases the likelihood of overdose, which can be fatal. Additionally, untreated opiate addiction often exacerbates mental health problems, strains personal relationships, and leads to legal and financial troubles. The ongoing cycle of dependence and abuse can severely impact the overall quality of life and hinder one's ability to maintain employment or fulfill daily responsibilities.

The duration of opiate and drug addiction treatment can vary widely depending on the individual's needs and the severity of the addiction. Some rehab centers with an addiction treatment program often begin with a detox phase, which can last from a few days to several weeks. Each person’s treatment timeline depends on the drug in question, any underlying issues, history of drug and alcohol use, potential underlying causes like trauma, and the individual’s physical condition. 

Following detoxification, primary treatment options typically last several weeks to months and may include residential or outpatient rehab programs. Long-term recovery often involves ongoing support through aftercare or maintenance therapy. The overall length of treatment is tailored to each person’s progress and needs, with the goal of achieving sustainable recovery and preventing relapse.

Yes, at Able to Change Recovery in Orange County, CA, we’re an in-network provider with many major insurance providers. Depending on each patient’s insurance coverage, drug and alcohol rehab programs may be fully or partially covered. Contact our admissions team to verify insurance and determine what a specific insurance provider will cover.

[1] Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission : Opiates or Opioids — What’s the difference? : State of Oregon. (n.d.). Opiates or Opioids — What’s the Difference? : Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission.  https://www.oregon.gov/adpc/pages/opiate-opioid.aspx on September 17, 2024

[2] Dhaliwal, A., & Gupta, M. (2023, July 24). Physiology, Opioid Receptor. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546642/ on September 17, 2024

[3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). Opioids. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids on September 17, 2024

[4] Abuse, N. I. on D. (2022, January 21). Overview. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/overview on September 17, 2024

[5] National Institutes of Health. (2017). Street & Commercial Names | NIH Library. Nih.gov. https://www.nihlibrary.nih.gov/resources/subject-guides/opioids/street-commercial-names on September 17, 2024

[6] Dydyk, A. M., Jain, N. K., & Gupta, M. (2024, January 17). Opioid use disorder. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553166/ on September 17, 2024

[7] Shah, M., & Huecker, M. R. (2019, June 4). Opioid Withdrawal. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012/ on September 17, 2024

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