Every addiction has the same essential element at its core: pain. Whether it stems from an injury, chronic disease, or psychological conditions, almost everyone struggling with a substance use disorder or addiction uses to numb or lessen pain. Opiates, substances that come from the opium poppy, have been used for centuries to treat pain. Recently, their synthetic opioid counterparts have become so popular that they’ve ceased to be a useful medical option and have become an epidemic. The over-reliance on opiates and opioids have led millions to suffer from the disease of addiction. Opioid addiction and opioid abuse have damaged livelihoods and led to thousands of fatalities.

This is why finding the right opiate and opioid addiction treatment is so important. TruHealing in Baltimore, Maryland intimately understands how the opioid epidemic has affected individuals, families, and communities. This is why we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality care possible.

How Opiates and Opioids Work

Both classes of substances have similar effects. These painkillers attach themselves to opioid receptors in your brain and change the way you perceive pain. There are numerous medications prescribed to treat pain, such as Percocet, Darvocet, or Oxycontin. These prescription painkillers are incredibly potent, so even if individuals follow their doctor’s instructions, they can develop a dependency or addiction.

For those not feeling physical pain, these drugs can bring on a sense of euphoria followed by deep relaxation. Many individuals who become addicted through prescription painkiller abuse turn to illegal opiates like heroin. But over time, individuals struggling with opioid use disorder develop a tolerance requiring more to achieve the same effect. Thus begins the cycle of opioid and opiate addiction.

If you’re concerned that you or someone you love has an addiction to opiates, there are several red flags that are quite noticeable. They include:

• Euphoria and/or extreme sleepiness
• Confusion
• Constricted pupils
• Slowed breathing
• Nodding off
• Mood swings
• Isolation
• Obtaining opiate prescriptions from several doctors

Depending on the substance a person uses, withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to extremely uncomfortable and even potentially life-threatening. Fighting your opiate addiction alone can be dangerous. If, for instance, you’ve been heavily using a powerful opiate such as heroin or fentanyl for any length of time, suddenly quitting the drug without professional help would be very difficult both physically and psychologically. Furthermore, your chances of relapse would be extremely high.

Treating Opioid Addiction and Opiate Abuse

Treating opioid addiction can seem daunting. However, with the right combination of individual therapy and group therapy, those who come to work with us at TruHealing Baltimore can get to the root of their addiction. As a chronic disease, addiction needs professional support to overcome and manage. It is complex with both mental and physical aspects. Our team of counselors and therapists work with medical professionals to provide holistic treatment. We offer several therapeutic options, so clients have their specific needs met as they progress through treatment. This, combined with medication-assisted treatment, has proven very effective in helping those struggling with opiate or opioid addiction heal from the disease.

TruHealing Baltimore

Here at TruHealing Baltimore, we understand that fighting addiction to opiates and opioids is an incredibly difficult battle. At the same time, our highly successful medical and therapeutic team knows that success and freedom from the bonds of addiction are possible. We understand that each individual has a unique path to recovery. Thus, we offer a wide range of treatment programs to meet the needs of clients. For instance, individuals can take advantage of the following:

• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient program
• Outpatient addiction treatment
• Sober living program
• Case management
• Aftercare

Don’t let yourself or someone you love become just another statistic. Liberate yourself from the burden of opioids and opiates today. Contact our caring, compassionate opiate addiction treatment counselors at 833.782.2241 to take the first step toward lasting sobriety.