Fentanyl, codeine, morphine, and heroin are just a few of the types of opioids you can get. What makes them so dangerous? Can you use them safely? If the drugs already hooked you, what’s the way out?
What are Common Types of Opioids?
In simplest terms, there are two types of opioids: legal and illegal ones. Heroin is a derivative of morphine, which producers extract from the opium poppy. In the United States, people use heroin illegally. In other parts of the world, it has limited medical uses.
What are opioids you can buy legally? These products are prescription drugs for pain relief. Examples include fentanyl, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Codeine is another natural opioid that you might find in prescription cough syrups.
Understanding the Abuse Potential
Receiving a prescription for an opioid doesn’t automatically turn you into a substance abuser. However, it puts you at high risk for dependence, tolerance, and ultimately addiction. Opioid abuse takes on different forms. Almost everyone who uses the drugs in an off-label way abuses the medications.
A case in point is the club cook who creates purple drank from codeine-containing cough syrup and soda. Another example is the patient who receives a prescription for a painkiller and keeps taking it for the side effects. Besides that, anyone who uses illegal opioids falls under the heading of abusing the drug.
Dealing with an Addiction to Opioids
What are opioids you can use safely? Due to the addictive properties of the drugs, all opioids have an abuse potential. A doctor can help you mitigate the risk with close monitoring. Some may not prescribe you these painkillers at all if you have a history of substance abuse.
If you already fell victim to addiction, experts at an opiate addiction treatment center can assist. The fear of withdrawal symptoms is most likely a compelling reason for not quitting. Similarly, you might have gotten to the point where you can’t envision life without the drugs. An opioid addiction treatment facility is your way out.
It starts with detox. Addiction specialists customize a withdrawal protocol that controls pain and discomfort. Next, there’s rehab. Possible modalities include:
- Family therapy, which helps you relearn how to communicate with loved ones during your health crisis
- Group therapy as a way to practice coping skills and growth through peer support
- Cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you re-shape the way you think feel, and act
- Dual diagnosis treatment and care for co-occurring psychiatric illnesses
- Individual therapy, which focuses on personal growth, goal-setting, and long-term planning for a drug-free lifestyle
Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment?
Inpatient care lets you live at the facility. It’s the safest way of ending an opioid addiction. In contrast, outpatient rehab treatment is a good option for a moderate substance abuse problem. It lets you reside at home but visit the rehab center for therapy services.
Work with an intake specialist to determine the right treatment delivery method for you. Overcoming addiction to the different types of opioids is possible with professional help. At Casa Palmera, caring therapists want to help you learn how to manage your life and addiction. Contact us today.
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