Opiate abuse is a serious and growing problem in the state of New Jersey. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Jersey has one of the highest rates of opioid-related deaths in the country. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for effective treatment programs for individuals struggling with substance abuse in NJ.
Fortunately, we offer addiction treatment programs for those suffering from addiction. Our facility provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to receive the help they need to overcome their addiction and begin on the path toward recovery.
Opiate Addiction
Opiates are highly addictive drugs that can upend a person’s life when abused. Not only does addiction to opiates have many dangerous effects on a person’s health, but it can also affect the community around them. Addiction will cause a person to prioritize the drug over everything in their life, regardless of the consequences. However, recovery from substance abuse is possible and there is help available.
Opiate abuse is a growing epidemic that has been plaguing societies all over the world. Opiates, also known as opioids, are a class of drugs that are primarily used to relieve pain. Some commonly known opiates include prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, as well as illegal drugs like heroin.
Unfortunately, what starts as a legitimate use for medical purposes can quickly turn into an addiction. Opiates have powerful pain-relieving effects and can induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. This makes them highly addictive and appealing to individuals who may be seeking an escape from their physical or emotional pain.
The Opioid Addiction Epidemic
The rise in opioid addiction can be attributed to several factors. One of the main reasons is the overprescription of these drugs by healthcare providers. In the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of prescriptions written for opioids, leading to widespread availability and accessibility.
Another contributing factor to the opioid addiction epidemic is the misconception that prescription opioids are safe because they are prescribed by doctors. However, when taken in high doses or for extended periods, they can have severe side effects such as respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening.
Due to the high cost of prescription opioids on the black market, many individuals turn to cheaper alternatives such as heroin. This further exacerbates the problem as heroin is often laced with other dangerous substances like fentanyl, increasing the risk of overdose and death.
Commonly Abused Opiates
This is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. It is often used to manage severe pain, but can also be illegally made and sold on the streets.
This is a semi-synthetic opioid that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is often abused for its euphoric effects.
This is another semi-synthetic opioid that is used to treat pain, but it can also be abused for its calming and sedative effects.
This is a mild opioid that is used in prescription cough syrups and painkillers. It can also be found in over-the-counter medications, making it easier to obtain and abuse.
This is a naturally occurring opioid that is used to treat severe pain, such as that experienced by cancer patients. It can also be found in various medications, including some cough syrups.
This is an illegal opioid that has no medical use but is highly addictive and dangerous when abused.
This is a synthetic opioid that was originally developed as a replacement for heroin addiction treatment. However, it can also be abused due to its similar effects to other opioids.
This is a partial opioid agonist used for treating opioid addiction but has also been associated with abuse and dependence.
Any medication containing opioids has the potential for abuse, even if they are prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, it’s important to always follow prescribed dosage and instructions and never take someone else’s medication without medical supervision.
Signs of Opiate Addiction
For someone who is struggling with opiate drug abuse, there are tell-tale signs both physically and reflected in their daily lives. This is because their addiction will become their unintended priority and all other things will fall by the wayside. If a loved one is possibly addicted to opiates you may see:
- Financial struggles (not being able to pay bills etc.)
- Isolation from friends and family
- Not being able to keep a job
- Failure to attend important events/meetings consistently
- Sudden lack of interest in hobbies
- Unexplained irritation/anger
Apart from the changes in their behavior and life, there are physical signs that can point to an addiction to opiates. Some of the signs to look for include but are not limited to:
- Small or “pinned” pupils
- Sweating
- Unusual drowsiness
- Sudden weight loss
- Clammy hands
- Itching
If you or a loved one may be struggling with opiate drug addiction, it is important to seek professional help immediately.
- Body and muscle aches
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shaking
- Fever
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Seizures
At a detox facility, there will be medical professionals on staff to ensure a client’s safe detox. There are also medications available that can ease the side effects of withdrawal such as methadone and buprenorphine. Each client will have an individualized assessment and treatment plan put in place to set them up for a successful recovery. It is strongly recommended that once detox is successfully completed, to continue their treatment at an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment center. Patients will be able to spend time in a safe place without any access to opiates while receiving therapy and learning tools that will help them stay sober once they return to their daily life.
Opiate Drug Detox
For those struggling with opiate drug abuse, it is heavily recommended to receive treatment at our drug and alcohol detox center in New Jersey. Tolerance to opiates builds quickly, requiring the user to use more of the substance each time to achieve the same effects. Due to the repeated use and higher doses, a physical dependency forms quickly, meaning that when stopping the use of the drug, the body will experience withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms of opioid addiction may include:
- Intense cravings for the drug
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches and pains
- Insomnia
- Sweating and chills
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Depression and mood swings
- Flu-like symptoms
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability and agitation
- Tremors or shaking
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Increased sensitivity to pain
It is strongly recommended that once detox is completed, to continue their treatment at an inpatient or outpatient rehab.
Treatment for Opiate Drug Abuse
Moving Mountains offers a renowned opioid addiction treatment program dedicated to helping individuals recover from the powerful grip of opioid use disorder. Their team of highly trained and compassionate professionals provides evidence-based treatment programs to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction.
One of the main treatment options offered at Moving Mountains is our partial care program, also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHP). This program provides intensive support and care to patients who do not require 24-hour medical supervision but still need a structured and comprehensive treatment plan. The PHP program includes daily behavioral therapy sessions, individual counseling, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help individuals overcome their opiate abuse.
Moving Mountains also offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for those who need less intensive care. This program allows patients to attend therapy sessions and counseling while maintaining their daily routines such as work or school. IOP provides a supportive environment for individuals to address their opiate abuse while still being able to fulfill their responsibilities.
For those who have completed PHP or IOP but still require ongoing support, Moving Mountains offers an outpatient program. This program allows individuals to continue receiving therapy and counseling on a less frequent basis as they transition back into their community and daily life. OP serves as a crucial step in relapse prevention as individuals learn to utilize the coping skills they acquired during earlier stages of treatment.
Moreover, Moving Mountains recognizes that some individuals struggling with opiate abuse may also have co-occurring mental health disorders. Therefore, they offer Dual Diagnosis Treatment which addresses both addiction and mental health issues simultaneously.
This integrated approach ensures that all aspects of an individual’s well-being are considered in their recovery journey. Dual-diagnosis treatment typically involves a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Does Insurance Cover Opiate Abuse Treatment?
Under the Affordable Care Act, all individual and small group health insurance plans are required to provide coverage for mental health and substance abuse disorders, which includes opioid addiction treatment. This means that most private insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the costs of treatment.
Medicare and Medicaid also offer coverage for opioid addiction treatment, although specific coverage may vary depending on the state in which you live. Medicaid may also have additional eligibility requirements for access to certain types of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), such as methadone or buprenorphine.
If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for opioid addiction, it’s important to check with your insurance provider about specific coverage details and potential out-of-pocket costs. You can also verify your insurance at our facility to learn about your insurance coverage options.
How Moving Mountains Recovery Can Help
At Moving Mountains Recovery, we understand how serious opioid addiction is. We are passionate about helping people find freedom from their addiction and rebuild their lives on a strong foundation of recovery. Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to helping people find recovery. We are ready to answer any questions about opioid addiction and help where we can. Contact us today!
