Opioids are a group of drugs that consist of prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illegal substances like heroin. The chemicals in these drugs are similar, and they work by interacting with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. This relieves pain and makes you feel good.
Opioid addiction is a situation in which a person becomes both physically and mentally reliant on these highly addictive pain medications.
How Does Opioid Addiction Affect Mental Health
Opioid addiction negatively impacts mental health in several ways:
- Some people with opioid addiction are more likely to have other psychiatric disorders along with it.
- If anyone suffers from existing mental health issues, using opioids can make matters much worse for them or cause new ones, like depression and thoughts of suicide.
- Sometimes, people who use opioids only have mental health symptoms when they’re using the drug or going through withdrawal.
- Many people with opioid addiction experience lower motivation, depression, irritability, sleep problems, and changes in behavior. Opioid addiction can also lead to poor decision-making, mood swings, and irritability.
Often, one can either develop mental health issues because of their opioid addiction or develop an addiction while dealing with their mental health issues.
Either way, it’s important to get help for both opioid addiction and any related mental health issues in order to recover successfully.
Various Treatment Options
Successful methods for treating opioid addiction involve drugs and counseling. Medicines like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone help balance brain chemicals, reduce cravings, and stop withdrawal symptoms.
Counseling helps people with opioid addiction gain coping abilities, handle triggers, and create good habits. For good results, treatment plans are customized to the person’s needs and might combine medicines and therapy.
The main aim is to help individuals be productive in their family, work, and community life. Opioid addiction treatment can be different for each person, take place in various environments, have many forms, and last for different periods.
One may need Inpatient and outpatient programs based on the severity of their addiction.
Inpatient programs offer a structured, helpful setting where you can concentrate on recovery without everyday life distractions and triggers.
These programs usually combine medication-assisted treatment, one-on-one and group therapy, and support services to help you gain the skills and resources needed for long-lasting recovery.
Outpatient programs, like IOP (intensive outpatient program), give more flexibility, letting you keep up with work and family responsibilities while still attending treatment.
These programs may have medication-assisted treatment, therapy sessions, or support groups and can be used as a step-down from inpatient care or as the main treatment choice for those with less severe addiction.
Aftercare To Prevent Relapse
Aftercare is very important in preventing relapse, with almost 91% of those in recovery likely to experience it, per some studies.
Some typical aftercare services include:
- Sober living homes: These organized, substance-free living spaces offer a supportive community for you during early recovery, assisting you in transitioning back to daily life while keeping your sobriety intact.
- Support groups: Peer support groups, such as Cocaine Anonymous (CA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), provide a secure environment for you to share your experiences, learn from others, and establish a support network.
- Ongoing therapy: Continuing therapy sessions can help you address the root causes of your addiction and develop new ways to cope with stress and triggers.
- Medication management: Ongoing medication-assisted treatment might be necessary for you to maintain your recovery and avoid relapse.
About ASIC Recovery
ASIC Recovery’s treatment programs are designed to provide men and women who are in the early stages of sobriety with the necessary support, structure, empathy, and assistance to confront and transform their past behaviors. To aid individuals struggling with substance abuse, they provide an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at their Fort Worth facility, along with a range of recovery services aimed at supporting those seeking help with drug or alcohol addiction.
For more information, visit Asic Recovery Services
