Opioid addiction is an epidemic in the United States. Since the substance abuse crisis began in the late 1990s, there have been hundreds of thousands of opioid-related deaths.
Opioid use often starts innocently when a person takes prescription opioids after surgery or for chronic pain. But prescription pain relievers are only meant for short-term use.
Both opioids and opiates are potentially addictive substances that have similar effects on the brain. They work by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain, producing the hallmark feelings of pleasure and euphoria for which these drugs are known.
Because of the way opioids interfere with critical receptors in the brain, they can have potentially deadly side effects, including suppressing a person’s breathing and heart rate to dangerously low levels. It’s why drug overdose is common in people with opioid addiction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, Del Arroyo offers personalized care in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. Don’t wait another day. We can help you get well.
What Is the Difference Between Opioids and Opiates?
Opiates are chemicals derived from the opium poppy plant. Common opiate pain medications like morphine and codeine have been used for centuries.
Opioids are synthetic versions of opiates that have similar effects on the brain. But they’re often much more fast-acting and potent. Fentanyl, for example, is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times stronger than morphine. Opioid overdose is common with fentanyl obtained on the street.
Common drugs in the opioid family include:
- Fentanyl
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Oxymorphone
Common drugs in the opiate family include:
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Codeine
Signs of Opioid Addiction
The signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder can be physical, behavioral, or psychological. Signs of misuse can include anything from taking more than prescribed to “doctor shopping.”
Physical signs and symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, sweating, abdominal pain, lethargy, extreme pain in the muscles and bones, shaking, fever, and disorientation.
Behavioral signs can include hostility, agitation, losing interest in activities, skipping work or school, lying about drug use, stealing to get money for drugs, and engaging in risky or reckless behaviors.
Psychological symptoms can include depression, anxiety, intense craving, and feelings of shame or guilt.
Safely Detoxing from Opioids
Quitting cold turkey can be dangerous. Safely detoxing from opioids and opiates requires medical supervision. It’s important to get help from treatment specialists who are trained to provide medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction and opioid use disorder.
The clinical team at Del Arroyo Recovery Center provides medically supervised prescription opioid detox using the latest evidence-based treatments. Our medical professionals will closely monitor you during opioid withdrawal to ensure you are safe and comfortable throughout the detoxification process.
Treatment for Opioid Addiction at Del Arroyo
Opioid misuse often starts with prescription medications but can quickly escalate to drug or alcohol addiction or the use of street drugs like heroin. If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription opioid abuse, the team at Del Arroyo is ready to help.
We’re different from other Southern California rehab centers. Our focus is on long-term recovery and relapse prevention. It’s why we prioritize peer support groups and connect our clients to our robust alumni program.
Our addiction specialists and licensed therapists offer behavioral counseling and opioid addiction counseling based on the latest science as part of the recovery process.
Our goal is to empower you with the tools, skills, and resources you need for ongoing recovery from substance abuse. Participants in our residential addiction treatment programs benefit from daily individual therapy sessions, group therapy, and optional family therapy.
Our low staff-to-patient ratio allows us to give you or your loved one individualized attention. If you are looking for residential drug and alcohol treatment in Agoura Hills, you’ve come to the right place.
Our luxury rehab center serves clients throughout Southern California, including those in Los Angeles, CA, Woodland Hills, CA, Malibu, CA, Westlake Village, CA, Thousand Oaks, CA, and Calabasas, CA.
Get Started Today
Don’t wait another day. Get in touch at 877-535-0636 to learn more about our prescription opioid addiction treatment program in Agoura Hills, CA.