OPIATE ADDICTION TREATMENT IN BEREA, KY
Opiate addiction is characterized by a compulsive need for opiates that goes beyond medical use. Users often have difficulty stopping because of the intense withdrawal symptoms. Opiates are extremely addictive because they block pain signals from the brain to the body, making the user feel good. There are multiple types of opiates that are both legal and illegal in the United States. Berea Walk-in Clinic, located in Berea, KY, offers an opiate addiction treatment program that can help with recovery.
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What Are Opiates?
Opiates are narcotics that relax muscles and relieve pain. Users who consume opiates in high doses experience acute relaxation and semi-consciousness. High doses of opiates can result in coma or death. There are two main types of opiates:
Antagonist Opiates
Antagonists are considered to be less addictive than agonists. Antagonists attach to the opioid receptors without activating them. Therefore, they cause no opioid effect and they actually block full agonist opioids. Moreover, antagonists are used to reversing an overdose on other agonists opiates such as heroin.
Agonist Opiates
Agonists mimic the effects of naturally-occurring endorphins in the body and produce an opiate effect by interacting with specific receptor sites in the brain. Agonists include drugs like morphine and fentanyl, which are most commonly used in medical settings and have the strongest effects. Many substances in this category have a very high potential for abuse and addiction.
Why Are Opiate Addiction Treatments Necessary?
An individual who struggles with a substance abuse disorder will often wish to quit but feels unable to do so on their own. The only way a person can fully overcome the grips of drug addiction is by seeking treatment. Opioid dependence means an opiate user is susceptible to opiate withdrawal symptoms whenever he or she stops taking opiates. The length of time required to become physically dependent on opiates varies from person to person, but it generally takes just a few weeks of daily use. Dependents are so driven to avoid withdrawal symptoms, they stop at almost nothing to obtain more and more opiates, even if that means damaging relationships, losing a job, or going to jail.
Morphine
Morphine has been considered as a godsend for people suffering from severe chronic pain. It is also one of the most addictive substances known and responsible for a large amount of unintentional drug-related deaths nationwide.
Fentanyl
This is a synthetic painkiller that is up to 100 times stronger than heroin. Fentanyl is only prescribed by physicians in instances of extreme pain. If fentanyl is used with other opioids, it can lead to very dangerous side effects, including overdose.
Heroin
Heroin is a natural substance that is made from the seed pod of the many different opium poppy plants. Heroin is also illegal and has no medical uses. For this reason, the creation of heroin is not regulated whatsoever. Users generally have no idea how strong the heroin is that they are purchasing. Heroin is also known to be easily contaminated with other substances, such as fentanyl.
Oxycodone
This prescription pain pill is often prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone is often mixed with other pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen. The most common forms include Percocet, OxyContin, and Roxicodone. Oxycodone is one of the most commonly abused prescription medications in the country.
Methadone
Methadone is often used as a pain reliever in conjunction with an opioid addiction treatment regime. Methadone reduces withdrawal symptoms individuals, as it is still an opioid, so it mimics the same effects as other opioids, but not nearly at the same strength. Individuals can become addicted to methadone because of it.
Opiate Addiction Treatment At Berea Walk-In Clinic
Our approach at Bearea Walk-in Clinic is based on the philosophy and belief that opioid use disorders and co-occurring disorders are conditions that are extremely challenging to diagnose and manage without the right forms of treatment and professional help.
Medically-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Specialized medications have been shown to work better than many other types of opiate withdrawal treatment. Buprenorphine based medications typically shorten the length of opiate addiction treatment. Medications like Buprenorphine relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that create chemical imbalances in the body. MAT treatment provides a safe and controlled level of medicine to overcome opiate addiction. Research has proved that when given at the proper dose, medications used in MAT have no adverse effects on a person’s intelligence, mental capacity, physical functioning, or employability.
Berea Walk-In Clinic Can Help You In Your Opiate Recovery Journey
The idea of going to treatment often feels daunting. The first step is recognizing that you need help. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the opiate addiction treatment. We are located in Berea, KY, and can be reached at (859) 986-0375. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. With the proper addiction therapy services, recovery is possible. You don’t have to live a life that is suffocated by addiction.