The opioid epidemic has had a devastating effect on communities all over the country. More than 200,000 Americans have died from an opioid overdose since 2000. Many people who struggle with opioid addiction never imagined that it could lead to fatal consequences, until now.
In response to this ongoing public health crisis, treatment programs for opioid addiction are becoming more widely available and effective than ever before.
Opioid treatment centers offer many different services for those affected by drug addiction, including residential rehab programs, day treatment centers, and support groups designed to help patients transition back into everyday life after completing rehab.
Opioid treatment programs are informed by decades of research into how best to treat those suffering from addiction without enabling them further.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an opioid use disorder, you might need to get in touch with a local recovery center instead of trying to self-treat at home. Here’s why:
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Tapping Off
Tapping off refers to tapering off of opioids where the user takes a certain dose of opioids each day. They then reduce this dose over a period of time until they are no longer taking the drugs.
The tapping off is administered by opioid treatment programs and is a much healthier and safer alternative to cold turkey. When people stop taking opioids suddenly, their bodies can go into shock. This shock can result in symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, dry heaving, and vomiting. It can also lead to serious problems like seizures.
Rehabilitation and Recovery Care
Opioid treatment programs provide a safe space for users to heal from the addiction.
When individuals enter a treatment program, they are surrounded by other people battling the same addiction. This helps to normalize their situation and gives them a sense of camaraderie and community.
This is important because people who suffer from opioid addiction often feel broken, ashamed, and alone. They often think that they are the only ones who suffer from this addiction. But interacting with other users can help them stop feeling ashamed, and build self-esteem.
Going Cold Turkey Is Dangerous
As we already mentioned, when people go cold turkey, they can go into shock. The withdrawal symptoms that come from shock can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.
These withdrawal symptoms can also last for a long period of time. In some cases, they can last up to a month or even longer. This means that the person will be feeling sick for an extended period of time.
In Summary
The U.S. opioid epidemic has led to a surge in drug addictions and drug-related deaths. Many people whose lives have been altered by opioid use are in search of a solution to their problem.
The good news is there are opioid treatment programs that can help people overcome their addiction and prevent relapse.
However, it’s not just about getting clean from opioids. These programs address the psychological damages caused by opioid abuse and assist the participant in developing strategies for living a sober life moving forward.
