Where Do I Begin to Get Help for My Opioid Addiction?

Recent research suggests that more than 16 million individuals worldwide and 3 million people in the United States live with opioid addiction. For many people, getting treatment can seem daunting, because they may not know how to get started. Or, they may worry about being judged for seeking help. 

Here at Alpha Care Medical in Seaford, Millsboro, Harrington, and Dover, Delaware, we treat patients with compassion, and we use evidence-based treatment to help patients break their addiction to opioids.

In this blog, we explain why opioids can be so addictive and how you can get help.

What makes opioids so addictive

All drugs within the category of opioids come from the poppy plant. When consumed, smoked, or injected, opium produces a euphoric and analgesic effect. This is why it’s so common in pharmaceuticals for pain relief. 

While people can get addicted to opioids by taking illegal forms sold on the street, for many people, opioid addiction starts with a prescription. However, in either case, the chemicals latch onto receptors in the nervous system, which causes the physiological and psychological effects.

The reaction that occurs when opioids bind with the receptors triggers the reward system in the brain. This is a major reason why it’s so easy to become chemically dependent on opioids. And, your tolerance can increase over time, which means higher and higher doses are required to achieve an effect. 

What to expect when you get help

Alpha Care Medical offers evidence-based treatment whenever you’re ready to get help. This might be when you notice signs of addiction or when those around you approach you with concerns. Your treatment plan will depend on your specific case. However, plans generally consist of two parts: medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy.

Medication-assisted treatment

Medication-assisted treatment can drastically lower your risk of relapse and help prevent overdose as you manage your addiction. With this part of treatment, we prescribe medications, such as methadone, naltrexone, or buprenorphine, which are nonaddictive and work by blocking the effects of opioids.

And, as you take these medications, our team supervises you closely and guides you on what you should and shouldn't do. For example, you should avoid alcohol during treatment. 

Behavioral therapy

Behavioral therapy can help you address problems in your life that could be contributing to your addiction or arising from it. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy can help you analyze your thoughts and how they impact your emotions and the decisions you make. 

You might also benefit from therapy in a group or family setting as you go through treatment.

Treatment for opioid addiction could save your life, and getting help is simple. To get the care you need, book an appointment online or over the phone with Alpha Care Medical today.