How to Treat Opioid Addiction

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 2.5 million Americans had opioid use disorder in 2014. People across the country deal with this condition every day. If you have an opioid addiction, remember that plenty of people understand your experience. An opioid use disorder treatment center can help you recover from addiction and reclaim your life. Discover how these clinics help people with opioid use disorder and what options you have.

Opioid Addiction Treatment Methods

Professionals can use a variety of opioid use disorder treatment methods to help patients manage addiction. Opioid addiction treatment forms include:

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): In a MAT program, the patient takes medicine to relieve the effects of withdrawal. They also receive support services and therapy to help them stay committed to treatment. Most patients take methadone or buprenorphine, two opioid medications that have good safety profiles under a doctor’s supervision. These medicines fulfill the brain’s need for opioids so that the patient can work on recovery.
• Residential treatment: Long- and short-term residential treatment programs give patients a place to live as they focus on their recovery. Patients who participate in short-term programs stay for a few weeks or a month. Meanwhile, long-term residential programs can last as long as a year. This treatment model gives patients plenty of structure when they have a risk of relapse.
• Hospital-based treatment: Certain hospitals have inpatient or outpatient opioid addiction programs. These initiatives help patients in need of hospital care get opioid addiction treatment with supportive services. With all of their services at the same medical facility, the patient can have more coordinated care.

Many patients combine some or all of these treatment models during their path to recovery. You may also find that one program gives you enough support as you receive treatment.

Which Opioid Treatment Is Right for You?

The appropriate treatment model for your needs depends on a variety of factors. Everyone has a unique path to recovery. When thinking about your options for addiction care, consider these questions:

• Do you need to go to school or work during the program?
• How severe can your withdrawal symptoms get?
• Have you have difficulty with relapse?
• Where can you find treatment clinics in your area?
• Which services can receive coverage through your insurance?

As you learn about your options, you can research or contact the care providers in your area to get more information.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) at Health Care Resource Centers (HCRC)

If you live in New England, HCRC can provide MAT in a safe environment. We specialize in MAT because research supports its effectiveness in decreasing opioid use and improving social function. It also lets us take a holistic approach to treatment. Our team combines medicine, therapy and other forms of assistance to address all aspects of addiction.

Learn More About the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorders

Let HCRC help you understand opioid use disorder. Our blog covers information about opioid addiction and treatment for patients and loved ones. If you need help recovering from opioid use disorder, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Medically Reviewed By:

Health Care Resource Centers Clinical Team

Health Care Resource Centers Clinical Team

The Clinical Team at Health Care Resource Centers is our team of physicians and medical directors within the organization. HCRC is a CARF accredited organization and has been providing addiction treatment services for over 32 years in the New England area.