What You Should Know About Opioid Addiction Treatment

The opioid crisis remains a pressing public health concern, with devastating consequences for individuals and their families. In 2021, the number of people who died from drug overdoses was over six times higher than in 1999. around 75 percent of the nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved an opioid. 

If you're struggling with an opioid use disorder, it's important to seek help as soon as possible. Because of the influx of powerful opioids, each day in active opioid addiction is dangerous. However, effective treatment and lasting recovery are possible. Here are some factors to consider when going into addiction treatment.

Opioid Addiction Treatment Approaches
There is no once-size-fits-all opioid addiction treatment plan that works for everyone. Addiction is a complex disease and treatment needs to be personalized for it to be effective. Treatment often begins with a thorough assessment with an addiction counselor or therapist. This often involves a biopsychosocial assessment, which is typically an hour-long questionnaire that determines your biological, psychological, and social needs. Assessment is an important phase of treatment because it's an opportunity for people entering recovery to collaborate with therapy providers to shape their recovery plans. 

Behavioral Therapies are Important
Opioid addiction treatment programs often incorporate behavioral therapies because they are proven to work in clinical testing. Behavioral therapy is a category of therapy that involves helping individuals understand and change potentially self-destructive or unhealthy behaviors. The core idea behind this form of therapy is the principle that all behaviors are learned and that unhealthy behaviors can be changed. Several kinds of behavioral therapy may be used in addiction treatment.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured therapeutic approach that targets negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with substance use. In CBT, individuals learn to recognize and challenge irrational beliefs through techniques like "thought challenging". They also engage in behavioral experiments to test new behaviors and beliefs. CBT also includes skills training, where coping strategies and stress management techniques are taught. This evidence-based therapy has proven effective in treating various substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioids.
• Motivational interviewing (MI) is a therapeutic approach that aims to enhance an individual’s motivation and commitment to change. It employs several techniques to achieve this goal. Open-ended questions encourage self-reflection and allow individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings without feeling judged. Affirmations are used to recognize positive aspects and strengths, MI reinforces an individual’s confidence and self-worth. Reflective listening is practicing empathetic understanding that helps build rapport and trust, fostering engagement in the treatment process.
• Supportive counseling plays a crucial role in addiction treatment by offering emotional support, empathy, and encouragement. It involves active listening which is when counselors attentively listen to the individual’s feelings and experiences. This empathetic approach fosters a safe space for open communication. Validation is acknowledging the struggles faced by those in treatment without judgment is essential. Validation helps individuals feel understood and accepted. Supportive counseling is an integral part of building trust and rapport during addiction treatment, creating a foundation for positive change and recovery.

Twelve-Step Programs Are Effective
A 12-step program is an approach to treatment designed to assist you in overcoming addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems. These programs emphasize personal accountability, the development of a supportive network, and the acknowledgment of a higher power. The Twelve Steps, initially proposed by Alcoholics Anonymous, serve as the foundation for many 12-step programs. 

However, faith-based twelve-step programs like Celebrate Recovery use the same steps but acknowledge the true and living God of the Bible as the higher power to whom you need to surrender your life. Twelve-step programs are centered around the idea that your life has gotten out of control through the use of an addictive substance. Though it was originally designed for people with alcoholism, it has been incorporated into opioid addiction treatment for many people.

Seeking Help for Opioid Addiction Treatment
The opioid crisis is an urgent public health concern that requires immediate attention and action. It's essential to understand that addiction is a complex disease, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. However, with the right support, resources, and evidence-based treatments, recovery is possible. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, seek help immediately. Reach out to Wings of Life to learn more about treatment options. Remember that recovery is possible, and you don't have to face addiction alone. Together, we can work towards a brighter, healthier future.