All About Opiate Addiction, Treatment & Recovery

The United States is currently experiencing a significant phase in its opioid addiction crisis  Heroin, Fentanyl and prescription medication are widely available and causing extensive harm nationwide. Overcoming opioid addiction is challenging but achievable, and specialized opioid addiction recovery programs like the one at Waterstone Counseling Center in Connecticut are crucial for successful recovery.

Understanding Opiates

Opiates are substances derived from the opium found in poppy plants, either as prescribed medications or illegal drugs. They are commonly used as pain relievers but are prone to misuse due to their ability to produce sedation and euphoria. Regular use of opiates invariably leads to addiction, with no exceptions to this rule.

Opiates work by altering the nervous system, dulling pain, and creating pleasurable sensations, making them highly susceptible to abuse. This risk extends to those prescribed opiates, as they too can develop an addiction. Our professional staff at Waterstone Counseling Center offer confidential treatment options for those struggling with opiate addiction.

Distinguishing Opiates from Opioids

While “opiates” and “opioids” are terms often used synonymously, they refer to different substances. Opiates are naturally occurring, such as codeine, morphine, and heroin. Opioids encompass these natural compounds as well as semi-synthetic and synthetic drugs like hydrocodone, fentanyl, methadone, and oxycodone. Every opiate is an opioid, but not all opioids are opiates.

Both opiates and synthetic opioids are subject to widespread abuse. Opiate abuse is a growing epidemic, particularly in New England, where it’s a leading cause of accidental death. Seeking treatment before an overdose occurs is imperative.

The Path to Painkiller Addiction

Addiction to opiate or opioid painkillers often begins with a prescription for pain management. Over time, the body builds a tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve pain relief. This increase can lead to physical dependence, characterized by intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or stop usage. It’s essential for individuals to recognize these risks and seek help if dependence develops.

Opioid dependency, while hazardous, is distinct from addiction. Dependency is a physical condition, whereas addiction encompasses psychological aspects. Nonetheless, opioid dependency can often lead to addiction, necessitating specialized treatment for recovery.

Necessity of Opiate Addiction Rehabilitation

The onset of opioid or opiate addiction is influenced by both biological and environmental factors. The body’s endogenous opioids, which are natural pain and reward regulators, are often mimicked by exogenous opioids like prescription painkillers and heroin. These external opioids can disrupt the brain’s reward system, leading to chemical changes that produce pleasure and alleviate pain. Over time, the body reduces its production of endogenous opioids, increasing the need for external sources to maintain pleasure and avoid withdrawal.

The escalation of opioid and opiate misuse can evolve into an opioid use disorder, making professional treatment essential. Contributing factors to developing such a disorder include poverty, easy access to opiates, childhood trauma, prior substance abuse, co-occurring mental health conditions, and certain personality traits like impulsivity.

Opiates, Overdose, and Its Consequences

Opiate and opioid misuse frequently leads to overdoses, which can be fatal. Overdoses often occur when too much of a substance is consumed at once or combined with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines. In the US, drug overdoses are a leading cause of accidental death, with opioid-related fatalities rising annually from 1999 to 2021.

Symptoms of an opiate overdose may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Pupil constriction
• Shallow breathing
• Cold, clammy skin
• Alternating consciousness
• Extreme drowsiness or unresponsiveness

Survivors of opioid overdoses sometimes continue their use, but many view the incident as a critical signal to seek rehabilitation for opioid or opiate addiction.

Addressing Opioid Overdose with Naloxone

Naloxone, also known as Narcan serves as a critical emergency treatment that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, aiding individuals in regaining consciousness and resuming normal breathing. This antidote has been a staple in medical responses to opioid overdoses for many years.

Every state in the U.S. has enacted laws to increase the accessibility of naloxone, a life-saving medication that counteracts opioid overdoses. Naloxone is specifically designed for this purpose and cannot be misused. It is effective exclusively against opioid overdoses, such as those from heroin, OxyContin, Vicodin, fentanyl, and similar drugs. Administering naloxone to individuals who have not overdosed on opioids poses no danger. However, those with an opioid dependency may go into withdrawal upon receiving naloxone. In any suspected overdose event, it’s crucial to call emergency services at 9-1-1 and provide naloxone when opioids are believed to be the cause.

In Connecticut, naloxone can be administered by anyone, including bystanders. DMHAS-funded Regional Behavioral Health Action Organizations (RBHAOs) can provide training as well as naloxone.

There are places that offer syringe programs in CT that also offer needle exchange and also provide naloxone/Narcan and training on when and how to use it.

Rehabilitation for Opiate Addiction at Waterstone Counseling Center

Navigating the various treatment options for opiate addiction in Connecticut can be overwhelming. At Waterstone Counseling Center, we advocate for a comprehensive approach that includes both detoxification and rehabilitation, tailored to the severity of the individual’s addiction. This personalized care ensures the most effective path to recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Explained

At Waterstone, medication-assisted treatment is a cornerstone of the medical detox and opiate addiction recovery process. MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to manage withdrawal symptoms and support recovery. This approach is adaptable to both inpatient and outpatient settings, however inpatient is no longer necessary to begin the recovery journey.

Medications used in MAT are designed to balance brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and mitigate the rewarding effects of opiates and opioids. With a medical professional’s guidance, these medications can be utilized for varying durations, tailored to individual needs.

Commonly prescribed medications for opioid addiction include buprenorphine, methadone, Lucemyra and naltrexone, known commercially as Suboxone, Subutex, Lucemyra and Vivitrol. While these medications don’t provide a cure, they are instrumental in aiding individuals with substance use disorders.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) offers several benefits for individuals struggling with opioid addiction:

• Reduces Withdrawal Symptoms: MAT can alleviate the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms, making the detoxification process more manageable and less distressing.
• Decreases Cravings: Medications used in MAT can reduce the intense cravings that often lead to relapse, helping individuals maintain abstinence.
• Restores Neurological Balance: MAT medications help normalize brain chemistry affected by opioid use, which is crucial for recovery.
• Improves Survival Rates: MAT has been shown to increase patient survival by preventing overdose deaths.
• Increases Retention in Treatment: Patients receiving MAT often stay in treatment longer, which improves outcomes.
• Supports Holistic Recovery: When combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, MAT addresses the psychological aspects of addiction, leading to a more comprehensive recovery.
• Enhances Social Functioning: MAT can help individuals regain a more stable lifestyle, including improved employment prospects and relationships.
• Lowers Risk of Infectious Disease: By reducing the need for illicit opioid use, MAT can decrease the risk of transmitting diseases like HIV and hepatitis C.

Overall, MAT is a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid addiction, providing a bridge to long-term recovery. It’s important to note that MAT is most effective when integrated with counseling and support services.

Embracing Recovery in Connecticut

In Connecticut, hope and healing are within reach for those seeking freedom from opiate addiction. With a spectrum of care options, our professional staff at Waterstone Counseling Center stands ready to guide individuals towards a path of lasting recovery. Please call 203-245-0412.