859-681-7823Opiates are a group of drugs used to treat pain derived from the opium of the poppy plant. They remain the most commonly abused drug in the United States today. The term “opiates” is often used interchangeably with narcotics and opioids.
At Lexington Addiction Center, we offer a full range of services for opiate addiction treatment in Lexington, KY that can help people get clean and stay clean. We know how difficult it can be to break free from the grip of opiates, but we also know that it is possible with the right support system in place.
What Are Opiates?
Opiates are a class of drugs that are derived from the opium of the poppy plant. The term opiate refers to any drug derived from opium, including heroin, morphine, and codeine.
Opiates bind to receptors in the brain called opiate receptors. Opiate receptors are located throughout the body, but they are most abundant in areas of the brain that control pain, sensation, and emotion. Opiates work by binding to opiate receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing pain and producing feelings of euphoria.
Opiates are highly addictive and can produce physical dependence after just a few uses. They are most commonly used to treat chronic pain conditions like cancer or post-surgical pain, but people often abuse them recreationally.
How Do Opiates Affect The Mind and Body?
Opiates are a class of drugs that include heroin, morphine, and fentanyl. They bind to brain and spinal cord receptors to produce their effects, including pain relief and euphoria. Because opiates produce such powerful effects, they can be highly addictive. However, they can also treat pain in people after surgery or other conditions.
The effects of opiates on the body are varied. When taken for analgesia (pain relief), the primary effect of opiates is to reduce pain signals from the brain through the spinal cord and into the body. This reduces both acute and chronic pain. Opiates also have sedative qualities that induce sleep and lethargy.
An opiate’s effects on the mind include an initial euphoria that can be followed by depression, sleepiness, and confusion. These feelings require more and more of the drug, as one’s tolerance builds over time. At lower doses, people may experience feelings of relaxation and calmness. At higher doses, they may experience hallucinations or feelings of being high or out of control.
Signs of Opiate Addiction
Opiate addiction is a major problem in the United States, and it can have devastating effects on both the lives of those who suffer from it and their loved ones. Opiates include drugs like heroin, morphine, methadone, codeine, and prescription painkillers. They are highly addictive and can cause physical and psychological dependence.
Examples of physical, psychological, and behavioral signs and symptoms of opiate addiction include the following:
Physical
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Itchy skin
- Diarrhea
- Track marks
Psychological
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Confusion
- Disconnection from reality
Behavioral
- Social withdrawal
- Slow speech
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of interest in activities that was once enjoyed
- Lying
Opiate Addiction Treatment in Lexington, KY
Lexington Addiction Center offers a variety of programs to support the recovery process. Individuals can consult with our clinical staff to determine which program best suits their needs. We are proud to offer personalized treatment based on a patient’s symptoms and level of addiction. The different options for opiate addiction treatment in Lexington are:
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Opiate addiction can be treated with medication-assisted treatment (MAT). With MAT, patients use medications like Naltrexone or Sublocade to reduce their cravings for opiates and prevent withdrawal symptoms. These medications prevent drug-seeking behaviors while helping to maintain sobriety. These medications are safe and effective when used with other treatments under the supervision of a doctor. For most people in recovery, using MAT is the best way to get on with life during recovery.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies are another important aspect of treatment as they help patients learn skills to address triggers that lead them to relapse. They’re useful for conditions like OCD, PTSD and addiction recovery. Behavioral therapy helps patients identify the root cause of their addiction and teaches them how to manage their emotions in healthy ways so they do not turn back toward drugs or alcohol when they feel upset or stressed out.
Lexington Addiction Center offers:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that reverses negative thought patterns and reshapes the way one thinks by focusing on positive, happy emotions, actions, and thoughts.
- Dialectical behavior therapy: The main goals of DBT include helping people regulate their emotions, develop more successful interpersonal relationships, increase their stress tolerance, and become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and environment.
Supportive Therapies
Supportive therapies provide patients with emotional support during recovery by helping them identify their strengths and weaknesses so they can make changes in their lives that will decrease their chances for relapse once treatment has ended.
Lexington Addiction Center offers:
- Individual: This therapy allows individuals to get one-on-one support and guidance from our licensed professionals.
- Group: One-on-one might not be the best option for everyone. However, with group therapy, individuals can be with others that are in similar situations and work through their struggles with group support.
- Family: Family therapy aims to reduce stress and conflict by improving interactions between family members. It looks at problems as patterns and systems that need to be adjusted, rather than focusing solely on the individual’s role in the problem.
- Holistic: Holistic therapy treats the individual as a whole. Including mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Lexington Addiction Center offers yoga, meditation, nutrition, and more.
Find Opiate Addiction Treatment in Lexington, KY
Opiate addiction is a serious problem in our country, but it can be treated. At Lexington Addiction Center, we are here to help you find the right treatment option for your specific needs and situation. Our team of addiction specialists will work with you to identify the root cause of your addiction and then help you choose from a range of treatment options that will best fit your circumstances.
If you or someone you know needs help to find opiate addiction treatment in Lexington, KY, contact us today.
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Set yourself free from the struggles of addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Reach out to our treatment team in Lexington, Kentucky today.
