Opioid Abuse Treatment Methods

Opioid Abuse Treatment in Suffolk County that Accepts Medicaid

Opioid abuse is the psychological and physical reliance on opioids. Opioids include the drug heroin, synthetic opioid fentanyl, and legal prescription pain relievers such as codeine, morphine, oxycodone, and more. They are prescribed to treat pain, but prolonged use can cause the body to develop a dependence. When drug dependence begins to interfere with your life, addiction occurs. Opioid abuse and addiction can cause a lot of problems in your life, but there is opioid abuse treatment in Suffolk County that accepts Medicaid and can help at CEC Health Center!

Signs of Opioid Abuse

Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that has the potential to cause major problems in an individual’s life. Opioid addiction is the compulsive urge to use opioid drugs. Opioids can be highly addictive in many cases, even if the medication is prescribed correctly and taken as directed. Prescription opioids are often misused or given to others. If you or someone you know is abusing opioids, look for opioid abuse treatment in Suffolk County that accepts Medicaid. Opioids have the ability to change the brain’s chemistry and cause drug tolerance, which means that in order to achieve the same effect, the dose needs to be increased. Taking opioids over an extended period of time causes drug dependence, which can cause symptoms of withdrawal. Common signs of opioid addiction include:

 

  • Drowsiness
  • Weight loss
  • Intense cravings
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Uncontrollable opioid use
  • Poor sleep habits 
  • Financial difficulties

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Cravings
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety 
  • Irritability 
  • Vomiting
  • Shaking
  • Feeling cold 

Opioid withdrawal can be extremely difficult, and even dangerous. If you are trying to quit, medically supervised treatment is advised. Trying to quit cold turkey can lead to continued abuse. Abusing opioids can severely impact a person’s daily life and their relationships. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid abuse or addiction, it is not too late to seek treatment. You can find opioid abuse treatment in Suffolk County that accepts Medicaid. 

Opioid Abuse Treatment Methods

Treatment for opioid abuse can include medication, counseling and behavioral therapies, residential and hospital based treatment, and medication assisted therapy. The three medicines that are mainly used to treat opioid addiction are:

  • Methadone 
  • Buprenorphine
  • Naltrexone

Buprenorphine and methadone are used to decrease cravings and withdrawal symptoms. They target the same areas in the brain as other opioids, but without the high. Naltrexone does not help withdrawal symptoms, but it takes away the high you would get while taking opioids. It is used to treat an overdose. In order to take naltrexone, you need to have gone through a full detox in order to prevent bad withdrawal symptoms. Another effective treatment for opioid abuse and addiction is counseling. Counseling can help you change your behavior related to drug use and build healthy habits. Some forms of counseling for opioid abuse include: 

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy – This can teach you how to recognize and stop negative behavior patterns, and teach you coping skills.
  • Motivational enhancement therapy – This approach helps you resolve your feelings about treatment and stop your drug use. This plan can help you stay motivated internally to help you stick with treatment.

  • Contingency management – This focuses on rewarding positive behaviors

  • Group counseling – This can help you feel supported and like you’re not alone with your troubles. Group counseling allows you to hear about the challenges and successes of others who are in a similar situation to you, and teach you new strategies to cope with your own issues.

  • Family counseling – This can help you improve relationships with the people that are closest to you.

You can also use resources like peer support groups to help you treat your addiction. Residential treatment programs involve you living with others that are facing the same issue, and allow you support each other. Hospital-based programs involve health care and treatment for people with medical issues. These types of treatment are structured and involve several forms of counseling and therapies, and often include medication. Opioid abuse has the potential to consume your life, but opioid abuse treatment in Suffolk County that accepts Medicaid can help you regain control. 

Contact Us

Don’t let opioid abuse and addiction dominate your life anymore! Here at CEC Health Center, our patient-centered approach allows us to provide you with high quality effective care to help you get your life back on track! Contact us today!