Call NowOpioids help millions of people manage pain every year, but even if you take prescription opioids as prescribed, there’s still a risk of addiction. Opioid addiction harms physical and mental well-being, leading to poor health, wrecked relationships, and money problems. When opioids are taken recreationally, the risk of opioid overdose is high, often resulting in fatal consequences.
NuLife Behavioral Health Massachusetts is at the forefront of providing help and healing for opioid addiction. Located in Worcester and Framingham, NuLife Addiction Treatment Center offers a range of drug addiction treatment options tailored to individual needs.
What are opioids?
Prescription Opioids:
Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet). Commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain, often post-surgery.
Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco). Used for pain relief, it’s less potent than oxycodone but still carries a risk of addiction.
Morphine (MS Contin, Kadian). Often used in hospitals, it’s one of the oldest and most potent opioids for severe pain.
Codeine. A milder opioid often found in some prescription cough syrups and pain relievers
Illegal Opioids:
Heroin. An illegal opioid derived from morphine, it’s highly addictive and often leads to severe health consequences.
Opium. This natural raw substance comes from the poppy plant,; it’s the base for many synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids.
Synthetic Opioids:
Fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic). One of the most potent opioids and often used in medical settings for severe pain. Illicit versions are highly dangerous hazardous and a major contributor to overdose deaths.
Methadone (Dolophine, Methadose). Used in medication-assisted treatment. Methadone helps people reduce or quit their use of heroin or other opioids.
Tramadol (Ultram). Used for moderate pain, it’s less potent than other opioids but still carries a risk of dependency.
Are they always by prescription?
Prescription Use. Doctors may prescribe opioids for pain relief after surgery or for chronic pain conditions.
Non-Prescription Use. Some people obtain opioids illegally by buying them on the street or using someone else’s prescription. This is typical for heroin.
Over-the-counter. In the United States, opioids are not available over-the-counter.
How does someone get addicted to opioids?
Physical Dependence. A person’s body starts to rely on a steady intake of the drug to feel normal.
Tolerance. Users need more of the drug to get the same emotional and physical effects, leading to higher doses and increased risk of overdose. Opioids can produce tolerance even when someone takes them as prescribed.
Psychological Factors. Emotional pain, anxiety management, and other mental health conditions can contribute to addiction.
How are opioids administered?
Oral Tablets. This is the most common form and includes medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone.
Injections. In a medical setting, opioids may be injected for immediate pain relief.
Patches. Fentanyl patches provide slow-release pain relief and are used in chronic pain management.
What are the signs and symptoms of opioid addiction?
Recognizing opioid addiction early is crucial for effective treatment. Signs include.
Behavioral Changes. Withdrawal from social activities, neglecting responsibilities, and secretive behavior.
Physical Symptoms. Drowsiness, weight loss, and frequent flu-like symptoms.
Psychological Symptoms. Anxiety, depression, and mood swings are common.
What are the symptoms of opioid overdose?
Around 80,000 lives every year are lost by falling victim to an opioid overdose. Obviously, opioid overdose is a medical emergency.
A person only has to show one of the following symptoms to be experiencing the effects of opioid overdosing.
Shallow Breathing. Difficulty breathing or shallow breaths are a critical sign an opioid overdose is in progress.
Unresponsiveness. The person may not respond to stimuli or may be unconscious. Unlike sleep, a person experiencing an opioid overdose will not be able to be fully rousedcannot be completely roused to wakefulness.
Blue Lips and Fingernails. This indicates a lack of oxygen and is a severe warning sign of hypoxia (too little oxygen in the blood, organs, and tissues).
What are the symptoms of opioid withdrawal?
Withdrawal from opioids can be painful and includes.
Physical Symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, and sweating are common. Dehydration from fluid loss is also common. A person will experience flu-like symptoms, including severe body pains, muscle cramps, and a runny nose.
Psychological Symptoms. Anxiety and depression can worsen during withdrawal. A person’s depression may become extreme.
Cravings. These are overwhelming A strong desires to use the drug again to alleviate symptoms.
What are my rehab options?
How is opioid addiction treated?
Medications. Drugs like methadone and buprenorphine can help manage withdrawal symptoms.
Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are effective treatment methods.
Support Groups. 12-step programs and other group therapies can provide ongoing support.
Can opioid addiction be cured?
Long-Term Management. Addiction is often a lifelong struggle that requires ongoing treatment.
Relapse Prevention. Skills learned in therapy can help prevent relapse.
Can't I just quit on my own?
Quitting opioids without medical supervision can be dangerous due to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Medical Risks. Withdrawal can lead to dehydration and other health conditions.
Relapse Risk. The discomfort of withdrawal often leads to relapse without medical help.
What medications are used to treat opioid addiction?
Methadone. Helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Buprenorphine. Another medication that reduces withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone. Blocks the effects of opioids, making use less appealing.
Does counseling help?
Individual Counseling. One-on-one sessions with a licensed professional can address underlying issues.
Group Therapy. Provides a support network and allows for shared experiences.
Family Therapy. Helps loved ones understand the addiction and how to support recovery.
How can I prevent a relapse?
Skills Training. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches coping skills.
Support Network. A strong support network can provide emotional support.
Ongoing Treatment. Continued outpatient treatment or support groups can help maintain recovery.
What therapies and programs are offered to treat opioid addiction at NuLife Behavioral Health Massachusetts?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This well-researched therapy helps patients identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors. It’s particularly effective for addressing the psychological triggers and responses related to addiction.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This therapy combines traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies. It’s designed to help patients manage emotional instability and improve impulse control, which is often challenging for those struggling with addiction.
Experiential Therapies. Beyond traditional therapies, NuLife offers creative therapies like art and music therapy. These provide alternative avenues for patients to express themselves, explore their emotions, and engage in the healing process nonverbally.
Family Support Programs. NuLife offers educational workshops to educate family members about addiction; NuLife also provides family counseling where family members can discuss their concerns, learn coping mechanisms, and work on rebuilding trust and relationships.
12-Step Facilitation. This community-based, peer-led approach is integrated into the treatment plan. It provides an additional layer of emotional support and offers a structured, step-by-step guide to recovery.
Medically Supervised Detox. For those in the early stages of recovery, NuLife provides a medically supervised detox program. This program helps manage the uncomfortable and often dangerous withdrawal symptoms, preparing patients for the next phase of their treatment.
Aftercare Planning. NuLife strongly emphasizes aftercare, . NuLife providinges patients with the tools and resources they need for long-term recovery. This includes relapse prevention strategies, ongoing outpatient services, and connections to community support groups.
Dual Diagnosis Care. Recognizing that many individuals with substance abuse issues also have co-occurring mental health conditions, NuLife offers specialized dual diagnosis treatment. This ensures that both the addiction and any underlying mental health issues are treated simultaneously, increasing the chances of successful recovery.
A partial hospitalization program (PHP). is much like an inpatient rehab program, except PHP patients go home in the evening. PHP is a good choice for people who need more help than standard outpatient services but don’t require full-time residential care. A PHP requires more time during the week than intensive outpatient. PHP typically lasts 4 to 6 hours a day, 5 days a week.
An intensive outpatient program, or IOP, is similar to partial hospitalization, with the freedom to live at home, with fewer sessions a week. It’s an ideal treatment option for those who have completed our partial hospitalization program and need continued support on their journey toward recovery. An intensive outpatient program offers a structured environment with regular check-ins and therapy sessions, providing structure during this crucial time. Intensive outpatient programs take 2 or 3 hours of therapy several times a week.
FAQs about Opioid Addiction Treatment at NuLife Behavioral Health Massachusetts
What types of treatment programs does NuLife offer? NuLife offers a range of treatment options, including a partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient services. NuLife in Worcester and Framingham also provide group, individual, and family therapy. Each service will be tailored to your needs.
Is insurance accepted at NuLife? Yes, NuLife offers insurance verification to help you understand your coverage for addiction treatment.
What is the first step in getting treatment at NuLife? The first step is usually a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine the level of care needed.
Do you offer treatment for co-occurring disorders? NuLife specializes in treating dual-diagnosis cases where substance abuse and mental health coexist.
What is the family program like at NuLife? The family program at NuLife involves loved ones in the recovery process through education and counseling services.
Is aftercare provided? Yes, NuLife offers continuing care options to help prevent relapse and support long-term recovery.
What kinds of therapies are used at NuLife? NuLife uses evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and experiential therapies like art and music therapy.
How long does treatment usually last? The length of treatment varies depending on individual needs, but it can range from a few weeks to several months.
Is NuLife only for opioid addiction treatment? No, NuLife also offers treatment for various types of addiction, including alcohol and meth addiction.
How do I get started with treatment at NuLife? Begin by contacting NuLife Massachusetts for an initial assessment and insurance verification.
Opioid addiction is a complex issue, but help is available. NuLife Behavioral Health Massachusetts offers a comprehensive range of services to help you or your loved one on the path to recovery. With locations in Worcester and Framingham, Massachusetts, NuLife is ready to help you take the first step toward a healthier future.
Find a New Path Forward at NuLife Behavioral Health Massachusetts
If you or someone you love is in a battle with opioids, learn how our opioid addiction treatment program in Massachusetts can be the best first step in recovery.
You deserve to live a life free from addiction, and we can help you get there. Contact NuLife Behavioral Health Massachusetts online or call us at 888.568.2057 today to get started.
