According to data published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 50% of Americans aged 12 and older admit to having used illicit substances at least once in their lifetime. Even more alarmingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an almost 30% increase in drug and alcohol deaths between 2019 and 2020 — 75% of which were caused by opioids.
This crisis affects Americans of all ages, genders and economic status. Thankfully, opioid addiction treatment centers provide an array of treatment options to ensure those facing drug addiction can recover comfortably with excellent chances for long-term success.
At Recovery Life Group, we’re committed to providing clients with holistic, customized inpatient drug rehab options to help them overcome opioid addiction and start a new life free from substance abuse.
Executives and upper-level management often experience extreme stress while problem-solving company issues, pressure from board members to perform, demanding work schedules and the perceived obligation to keep the company running smoothly. As a result, many turn to after-work drinks, social drinking and illicit drug use at home. However, according to the Mental Health Services Administration, continued drug use only adds to the stress and can lead to other addictions. An executive rehab center like Recovery Life Group can help.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of common prescription pain relievers and illicit substances that cause feelings of euphoria. While they can be safe when used briefly and as prescribed by a licensed doctor, those who use illicit opioids or engage in drug abuse with prescriptions are at a high risk of addiction and overdose.
Types of Opioids
There are several different types of opioids to be aware of:
- Heroin: Heroin is an illegal opioid that kills an estimated 36 people each day in the United States, according to the CDC. This drug can be injected, smoked or snorted.
- Fentanyl: While fentanyl can be manufactured and prescribed legally, it’s often distributed illegally. This drug is among the most dangerous and addictive, with overdoses rising in the United States year after year.
- Prescription opioids: Prescription drugs are legal to use, provided they’re used by the person they’ve been prescribed to and according to a doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions. Unfortunately, these prescriptions are commonly misused, and that drug abuse can have severe consequences. Prescription opioids include oxycodone, codeine, morphine, OxyContin and hydrocodone.
How Do Opioids Work?
Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in your brain, which are responsible for controlling several natural functions within your body, including releasing endorphins, a natural chemical that helps relieve pain and increase pleasure. When binding to opioid receptors, opioids rapidly reduce feelings of pain and cause intense euphoria.
Why Are Opioids Addictive?
The euphoric feelings opioids cause lead to addiction and potentially opioid use disorder.
As the drug wears off and euphoric feelings fade, the person may feel depressed, anxious or tired, which can result in taking more of the drug to regain the feelings of pleasure. Over time, the body requires higher doses to create the same feelings. This dangerous cycle of substance abuse not only results in addiction but also presents a high risk of overdose.
Opioids vs. Opiates
Often, the terms opioid and opiate are used interchangeably for potent painkillers, but there’s actually a difference between the two.
Opioid is a general term that covers all natural, semisynthetic and synthetic drugs, including prescription drugs and heroin.
Opiate is a term that describes only natural opioids. These include morphine, heroin, and other opioids that aren’t produced synthetically.
Signs of an Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction signs and symptoms can vary widely depending on the person and on the type of drug they use; however, most people who have an addiction experience some of the following signs and symptoms:
- Visits to multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions
- Poor performance at work or in school
- Legal problems pertaining to drugs or theft
- Isolation or increased time alone
- Risky behavior to obtain drugs
- Weight loss
- Changes in hygiene
- Digestive problems, including vomiting and diarrhea
- Scabs and sores from using injectable opioids
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Lack of sustained concentration and slowed thinking
Withdrawal Symptoms
Drug and alcohol recovery is always a difficult process, with the withdrawal process often being the most difficult. While detox centers and opioid treatment programs strive to make withdrawal symptoms as comfortable as possible with the help of methadone or other medications, unpleasant symptoms are likely, such as:
- Anxiety
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Irritability or agitation
- Muscle spasms and tremors
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Loss of appetite
Opioid Overdoses
The risk of overdose is particularly high in those who use opioids along with alcohol or other drugs, although overdose can occur when using prescription or illicit opioids on their own, too.
An overdose can have long-term effects or even cause death, so it’s important to seek medical attention immediately any time a person may have overdosed.
Signs of an Overdose
- Slowed breathing
- Reduced heartbeat
- Blue tint to fingernails or lips
- Pale, clammy skin
- Constricted pupils
- Seizure
- Loss of consciousness
What to Do When Someone Is Overdosing
If a person is overdosing, seeking immediate help is crucial, so contact 911 immediately. Naloxone can be administered to reverse the symptoms of overdose, if available.
Our Opioid Addiction Treatment Center
At Recovery Life Group treatment center in Maryland, our luxury facility offers clients various treatment options, including an intensive care inpatient rehab program for drug and alcohol addiction and outpatient programs. We’re equipped to deal with various substance abuse disorders, including addiction to opioids.
Types and Stages of Substance Abuse Treatment
Located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, our luxury opioid addiction treatment center is staffed with experienced addiction professionals. We provide a drug rehab program that addresses opioid addiction, along with other substance abuse and mental health disorders.
After receiving medical detox treatment and withdrawal management services at our luxurious, 16-bed Maryland drug addiction facility, our clients can begin opioid inpatient treatment programs.
Our inpatient treatment program consists of various proven therapies, including:
The recovery process is supported by additional on-site services, amenities, and activities that enhance our homelike atmosphere. These include:
All opioid treatment programs, including our inpatient program, may be followed by an outpatient rehab program with our drug and alcohol counselors. This consists of mental health services for recovering addicts, support groups and one-on-one counseling at our treatment centers.
Private Opioid Rehab — Get Help Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction and in need of opioid rehab, contact Recovery Life Group today. Our admissions counselors can walk you through our rehab options, such as the treatments offered and insurance coverage, as well as our success rate so you can make an informed decision.
Call us today at (301) 686-3233 to learn about our opioid addiction treatment center, or fill out our online form and take the first step toward your new life.