Opioid Rehab in California
As a top opioid rehab in California, Restoration Recovery Center understands that opioid addiction affects all walks of life. With multiple evidence-based treatment approaches, our team of addiction professionals can help you get back on track to a life free from opioids.
Over 5.5 million people in the United States aged 12 or older had substance use disorder in 2021, including opioid use disorder (OUD). Opioids are a type of drug commonly used to treat pain and relax the body. This article will dive into what opioids are, the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, and how to get treatment at opioid rehab in California.
What are Opioids?
An opioid is a drug that produces relaxing and pain-relieving effects on the body. Opioids can be naturally made from the opium poppy plant while others are synthetically made in a lab by creating the same chemical structure. Common types of opioids include but are not limited to:
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Morphine
- Methadone
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
Synthetic or natural, opioid chemicals interact with receptors in the brain and body to reduce feelings of pain and the intensity of pain signals to the brain. Some opioids can be used through a prescription (such as oxycodone and hydrocodone) while other opioids (such as fentanyl and heroin) are illegal.
Opioids vs Opiates
Although many people use the terms “opioids” and “opiates” interchangeably, they are in fact different. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opiates refer to “natural opioids such as heroin, morphine and codeine” while opioids “refer to all natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic opioids.”
Unless you are specifically talking about a natural opioid, the correct term to use is opioid.
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
Opioids are classified by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II substance. Drugs in this classification have a “high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence”.
When a person has a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant distress or impairment, it can be an indication of addiction. An opioid use disorder (OUD) diagnosis can only be made by a medical professional. Signs and symptoms of opioid addiction include but are not limited to:
- Opioids are taken over longer periods of time or in larger amounts than intended.
- There are unsuccessful efforts or a persistent desire to control or cut down opioid use.
- A lot of time is spent in obtaining opioids, using opioids, or recovering from the effects of opioid use.
- Craving (a strong desire or urge to use opioids).
- A failure to fulfill major obligations at home, school, or work due to recurrent opioid use.
- Persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems exacerbated or caused by continued opioid use.
- Giving up or reducing important social, recreational, or occupational activities because of opioid use.
- Recurrent opioid use in physically hazardous situations.
- Continued opioid use despite knowing about persistent psychological or physical problems.
- A need for markedly larger amounts of opioids to achieve the desired effect, also known as tolerance.
- Symptoms of withdrawal if opioid use is reduced or stopped.
Opioids (both illegal and prescription) are highly addictive. If you think you or someone you love may have an opioid use disorder, reach out to your local healthcare provider today for an assessment.
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Overdose
Opioids (both prescription and illicit) are very powerful drugs that have a risk of overdose which can potentially lead to death. In 2021, over 100,000 people in the United States died of an overdose involving drugs, a number that has doubled since 2016. More than 80,000 of those overdose deaths involved an opioid. As the United States continues to see an increase in overdose deaths, it is more critical than ever to know the signs and symptoms and reach out for help immediately.
Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose include but are not limited to:
- Slow and shallow breathing
- Limp body
- Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
- Small and constricted pinpoint pupils
- Cold, pale, or blue skin
- Gurgling or choking noises
If you think someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately. If available, administer the opioid overdose-reversing medication Naloxone (Narcan). Stay on the line with the 911 operator and listen to all of their instructions until emergency help arrives.
How Does Opioid Rehab in California Work?
Fortunately, there is evidence-based help available. Although opioid addiction can never be cured, you or your loved one can learn to manage it successfully and lead productive substance free lives.
Restoration Recovery Center is a certified opioid rehab in California that offers a variety of treatment programs including:
- Medical detox
- Inpatient/Residential rehab
- Outpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Aftercare
Each person in a program at Restoration Recovery Center is assessed to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. This often includes an assortment of therapies which can include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Trauma therapy
- Group therapy
- Christian counseling
- Equine therapy
Furthermore, Restoration Recovery Center also offers holistic therapies to support healing and recovery. For more information on programs offered or what program is right for you, reach out to Restoration Recovery’s compassionate team at 888-290-0925.
Medications Used to Treat Opioid Addiction
Safe and effective medications have been developed and approved by the FDA to help treat opioid use disorders. These medications include:
- Buprenorphine: Can help ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Methadone: Also used to ease symptoms of withdrawal and cravings.
- Naltrexone: An opioid receptor antagonist that blocks the effects of the opioid.
Restoration Recovery Center does offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) alongside other behavioral therapies to help support recovery. However, not every person will need medication-assisted treatment as part of their recovery. If you are interested in potentially incorporating medication into your treatment or the treatment of a loved one, reach out to Restoration Recovery Center’s team for more information.
Benefits of Opioid Rehab in California
Although opioid addiction cannot be cured, it is a treatable disorder. Research-based treatments like the ones discussed above have been developed to help people stop using opioids and other drugs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that addiction treatment “enables people to counteract addiction’s disruptive effects on their brain and behavior and regain control of their lives.”
Besides providing a safe and medically-monitored environment to safely detox from opioids, effective treatment can teach people how to:
- Handle triggers and stressful situations.
- Modify attitudes and behaviors surrounding drug use.
- Remain in treatment for longer.
Find Opioid Rehab in California Today
Help is within reach. For more information on how to get into rehab in California, how to pay for addiction rehab, or how to help a loved one seek treatment for addiction, reach out to our compassionate team below or verify your insurance today!