You’ve likely heard about the ongoing opioid epidemic sweeping California and the rest of the nation. It’s a crisis affecting countless families and claiming thousands of lives a year. Drug overdoses now exceed car crashes as the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, with opioids involved in a staggering 45% of fatal overdoses here in California. With drug use increasing among 18- to 25-year-olds, it’s clear we need solutions. That’s where opioid addiction treatment centers like ours come in.
At Immersive Recovery, our men’s opioid addiction treatment center in Encinitas, California believes that with the right support, recovery is achievable. We provide a variety of substance abuse programs and therapy services to help our clients recover and maintain their sobriety long-term.
Keep reading to learn about opioids, how they affect the brain and body, the signs of addiction, and our comprehensive treatment options to help you or your loved one break the cycle of drug addiction.
Opioids are a class of drugs that includes both prescription pain relievers and illegal substances. They work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and body to reduce the perception of pain. Common prescription opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl. These medications are often prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, especially after surgery or injury, or for chronic pain conditions.
In addition to their pain-relieving properties, opioids can produce feelings of euphoria, which can lead to misuse and addiction. The misuse of prescription opioids and the use of illegal opioids like heroin have contributed to a significant public health crisis known as the opioid epidemic. A high incidence of overdose deaths and widespread addiction mark this crisis.
Opioids can be very effective for pain management when used correctly and under medical supervision, but their potential for addiction and other serious side effects requires careful and responsible use.
The opioid epidemic refers to the widespread misuse of both prescription and non-prescription opioids, leading to a significant increase in addiction, overdose, and death. In California, this crisis continues to escalate, with drug abuse and overdose rates rising annually. According to recent statistics, California has seen a concerning uptick in opioid-related deaths and hospitalizations.
While the statistics on opioid addiction in California are staggering, the good news is that opioid use disorder is a treatable medical condition. Many opioid addiction treatment centers utilize both medication and behavioral therapies to help people safely stop using opioids, avoid relapse, and reclaim their lives. By raising awareness of addiction as a disease and promoting access to evidence-based treatment, we can turn the tide against the opioid epidemic. But it will take the effort and compassion of all Californians to make that happen.
There are three main categories of opioids:
These are medications prescribed by doctors to manage moderate to severe pain. Common examples include:
These man-made drugs mimic natural opioids and can be legally prescribed or illicitly manufactured. Examples include:
These are non-prescription substances used recreationally for their euphoric effects:
Understanding these types helps highlight the various ways opioid addiction and abuse can occur.
Opioid addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Indicators that opioid use may have become problematic include:
Opioid abuse can result from various causes and risk factors, including:
Understanding these causes and risk factors can help in identifying individuals at risk and developing strategies for prevention and treatment. Seeking help from an opioid addiction treatment center in Encinitas, CA can provide the necessary support and resources for overcoming addiction and achieving long-term recovery.
Opioid addiction is a disease that often requires professional help to overcome. The first step is diagnosis, which involves a physical exam, mental evaluation, and history of drug use. Be honest with your doctor about your opioid use-they need an accurate picture to determine appropriate treatment. Our treatment center provides comprehensive care, including:
Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can effectively reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Methadone and buprenorphine are opioid agonists, meaning they activate opioid receptors in the brain but at a controlled, steady level. Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids. Common withdrawal symptoms of opioid abuse include:
Understanding these symptoms can help individuals prepare for recovery. Treatment programs that include therapy, have proven to give individuals the best chance at overcoming an opioid use disorder (OUD).
Counseling, whether individual, group, or family-based, is essential in addressing the root causes of addiction. Addiction therapy services such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teach coping strategies to avoid relapse, while motivational interviewing helps build the motivation for change.
Opiate usage is becoming increasingly common, and the drugs are devastating for physical and mental health and even sometimes fatal. If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, know that help is out there.
Opioid addiction is often a lifelong battle. Relapse is common, but hard work and perseverance make long-term recovery possible. Our caring staff provides the tools and support you need to break the cycle of addiction for good. Don’t lose hope – contact us for help right away. You deserve to live a happy, fulfilling life free from addiction. Our opioid treatment center is here to help you take that first step toward recovery.
