The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates two million Americans are addicted to opiates or opioids. If you or someone you love is struggling with opiate addiction, there is hope for recovery. The first step in recovering from opiate addiction is understanding what it is and how treatment works. Doing so doesn’t have to rely on searching “opiate addiction treatment near me” online. Instead, if you’re in Florida, you can call 833.551.2304 to speak with someone from the caring and compassionate team at Gulf Breeze Recovery about recovering from opiate addiction with the help of our programs and services.
What Is the Difference Between Opiates and Opioids?
The terms “opiates” and “opioids” are often used interchangeably. However, they do have different meanings. An opiate comes from a natural poppy plant, while an opioid is a synthetic or semi-synthetic chemical derived from an opiate that has been altered in some way. Examples of opioids include:
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
However, most opiates are also considered opioids, and the terms are typically used interchangeably. Opiates bind to specific receptors in the brain that control pain sensations and feelings of pleasure. This makes them highly effective at treating both physical and emotional pain. Over time, however, the body builds up a tolerance for these drugs so that more of the drug must be taken to achieve the same results as before. When this happens, people may take more of the drug than prescribed or take opioids without a prescription—both of which can lead to addiction over time.
What Are the Signs of Opiate Addiction?
Because opioids and opiates are similar, the signs of addiction to both are the same. Common signs of opioid or opiate use disorder include the following:
- Needing larger doses of opioids or opiates to get high
- Taking opiates and opioids even when they are not needed
- Experiencing intense opioid and opiate cravings
- Neglecting responsibilities such as family or work obligations because of opioid or opiate use
- Feeling withdrawal symptoms when not using opioids or opiates
- Taking risks, such as engaging in criminal activities while under the influence of drugs
- Engaging in compulsive behaviors related to opioid and opiate use, such as hoarding pills
Addiction to opiates like prescription painkillers can cause severe damage to physical, mental, and emotional health. However, because these opiates have medical purposes, it may be challenging to spot an addiction developing in yourself or a loved one. In cases like this, seeking professional help from a treatment center as soon as possible is essential.
What to Expect from Opiate Addiction Treatment
Recovering from opiate addiction involves more than just stopping drug use—it also means learning how to cope with cravings and triggers without using drugs again. Most treatment programs incorporate medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapy to help clients manage cravings and prevent relapse after treatment has ended.
MAT involves medications, such as buprenorphine, that can help reduce cravings while preventing any potential overdose if someone relapses after treatment ends. Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help clients recognize triggers that could lead them back into active addiction and learn strategies for avoiding those triggers altogether or managing them if they cannot be avoided completely.
Find Opiate Addiction Treatment in Florida at Gulf Breeze Recovery
Recovering from opiate addiction requires professional help. With personalized care plans tailored specifically for each client’s needs provided by Gulf Breeze Recovery’s caring and compassionate team here in Florida, you or your loved one will receive comprehensive care through evidence-based methodologies such as CBT, 12-Step programming, and more. Get started today on the journey towards recovery by contacting Gulf Breeze Recovery today at 833.551.2304.
