Opioid Addiction Treatment During Covid 19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid addiction treatment is still necessary but unfortunately began to take the back burner as far as health treatments go. This is extremely dangerous because those who suffer from opioid addiction are in an extremely dangerous place.
Opioids, often recognized under names such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and tramadol, are known as narcotics and serve primarily as pain relievers. Notably, the illegal drug heroin also falls under the opioid category. While these medications are frequently prescribed for pain management, perhaps after significant surgery or an injury, they can be very dangerous. Just as people might need guidance on how to wean off Zoloft for mental health concerns, understanding the implications and proper use of opioids is crucial for physical well-being.
Although opioids are known to be safe for short periods of time, they are also known to be extremely addictive. Substance use disorders are best treated in either inpatient or outpatient programs by dedicated medical staff. During the times of COVID-19, things are a bit different in terms of opioid addiction treatment.
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Types of Opioid Addiction Treatment
Medication Assisted Treatment
Known commonly as MAT, medication assisted treatment is helpful to avoid painful withdrawal symptoms. These medicines also help to activate opioid receptors in the body that suppress cravings. Although used as a maintenance treatment, they can also be used to taper yourself off of opioids.
One issue with MAT is that it is common to relapse. This means that you will need to try something new each time. If you have a support system though, you will be more likely to do better with these therapies.
- Methadone: When administered properly, methadone can be extremely helpful. It should also be given alongside treatment with counseling in a clinic setting when used to treat opioid use disorder. It helps to relieve withdrawal and address cravings.
- Buprenorphine: This medication also relieves opioid cravings but without giving any high. It is often prescribed by physicians from office settings as well as during treatment. This medication is given either as a once-a-month injection or through thin tubes that are inserted under the skin, which lasts up to six months.
- Naltrexone: Although not used as a typical MAT, naltrexone is important to know. It actually does the opposite of the other two medicines and turns off the effects of opioids. Before using naltrexone you must be completely free of all opioids in your body.
- Naloxone: Alternatively, this drug can be used in emergency situations. Whether someone is undergoing an opioid overdose, or it is most likely going to occur, naloxone can flush out the opioid receptors and essentially save someone from death. It is good to note that naloxone is not a form of addiction treatment, but can be used during opioid addiction treatment.
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Counseling
Counseling within opioid addiction treatment can help you go change your attitude and behaviors that surround drug abuse, help you build a healthy life, and also keep pushing through treatment in general. Different forms of counseling include:
- Individual counseling: This might include setting goals, talking about setbacks, and celebrating progress. This form of counseling in treatment typically includes different forms of behavioral therapies.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Known as CBT, is a very popular method of therapy. This therapy helps you to recognize and stop negative patterns of thinking and behavior. Not only will it teach you coping skills, but will also help you learn how to manage stress, as well as change the thoughts that push you to use drugs.
- Motivational enhancement therapy: Known as MET, and helps you build up the motivation to continue with your treatment plan. Alternatively, contingency management focuses on giving you positive reinforcement for behaviors such as staying sober.
- Group counseling: There are many forms of group counseling, one of which is known as 12-step programs. These group programs allow you to know that other people are feeling the same feelings as you. Not only do you get to hear about their struggles, but you will also be able to hear about how they have overcome the same challenges. This can help you to learn new strategies for dealing with the situations you are going to experience in treatment.
- Family counseling: Whether this is including your partner, spouse, children, or other family members, it is extremely helpful. Not only can this help in your recovery, but it can also help them to heal as well while you are in drug rehab.
Inpatient vs Outpatient
Also known as residential treatment programs, inpatient programs combine housing and treatment services. During an inpatient program, you will be living with your peers. This allows you to support one another through your opioid addiction treatment, and motivate you to stay in recovery.
In inpatient hospital-based programs, there will also be an aspect of health care and addiction involved in your opioid addiction treatment program. This provides you with the opportunity to go through a medically assisted detox as well, but it can also simply help you get the mental or physical care you need during treatment.
Outpatient treatment is different from inpatient because you will be living at home during the duration of your opioid addiction treatment. Outpatient treatment requires you to be living in a supportive and drug-free environment that will promote recovery. You will also be required to come to a facility three to five times per week, for an average of three to five hours per session. Outpatient treatment is less intense than inpatient, and is often a follow up for inpatient opioid addiction treatment.
Do I Need Opioid Addiction Treatment?
When it comes to opioid addiction treatment it can be difficult to know whether or not you have a problem, but even harder to admit it. Chances are if you are asking if you have a problem with opioids, you most likely do. You must take a closer look and come to terms with the fact that you may be addicted. Once you can accept that and stop denying it, the next step is looking for the best opioid addiction treatment plan for you.
How Covid-19 and Opioid Addiction Treatment Are a Recipe for Disaster
Struggling with addiction during a pandemic can be painful. Not only do you suffer from an addiction, but on top of that, there is stress and boredom to deal with. These two triggers can spark an easy recipe for disaster. Despite this, there is a chance to join virtual meetings and utilize the many wonders of technology. This will provide you with the opportunity to feel supported during dark times, and avoid using drugs or alcohol to maintain sobriety.
Mental Illness and Addiction
If you are someone struggling with mental illness, then this might be even tougher for you. When you are diagnosed with a mental illness as well as a substance use disorder, this is called a dual diagnosis. This makes it even harder to overcome your addiction. If you do suffer from co-occurring disorders, you will need to have this diagnosed and treated as such.
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At Resurgence Behavioral Health we offer free insurance verification for treatment to help you know what you can afford, and get help sooner.
We know how hard it is to overcome addiction, and we are prepared to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our opioid addiction treatment programs that might work best for you.
