Opioid Addiction Treatment in San Antonio, TX

Opioid abuse continues to affect Texas residents at an alarming rate as new, more powerful types of opioids become available, and the battle to contain this epidemic continues.

The opioid crisis has shifted through three distinct waves: the first driven by prescription pain relievers, the second by heroin, and the third by synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. Deaths from prescription opioids have plateaued or decreased, while deaths from synthetic opioids have increased more than 10-fold from 2013 to 2019. Illicit fentanyl and its analogs are responsible for roughly 90% of opioid-involved deaths. The opioid crisis was declared a nationwide Public Health Emergency in the United States on October 27, 2017.

Opioid use disorder can significantly disrupt a person’s daily life, interfering with routines, responsibilities, and overall functioning. The opioid crisis has serious public health impacts, including increased transmission of infectious diseases and the rise of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Certain groups are at higher risk for opioid overdose, including males, older individuals, and those with low socio-economic status.

Fortunately, there are a number of opioid addiction treatment services available to help those who are abusing this dangerous drug. In 2022, nearly 110,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, with more than 81,000 of these deaths involving either prescription or illicit opioids. Treatment for opioid abuse includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and other proven therapeutic techniques to treat the physical and mental aspects of the addiction. For each affected person, individualized care and close monitoring are essential to address opioid-related harm and support recovery. Emergency responses, such as naloxone administration and community-based interventions, are critical in reducing opioid overdose deaths. Counseling is an integral part of opioid addiction treatment, playing a key role in behavioral therapies and relapse prevention to support comprehensive recovery. These techniques are safe and proven effective through years of scientific research and field studies.

What are prescription opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that include both prescription medications and illegal drugs such as heroin. Opioid drugs encompass pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others, as well as illegal opioids and illegal drugs. Both legal and illegal opioids can be addictive due to their euphoric effects. These substances are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain. Some opioid drugs are derived from the opium poppy plant, while others are synthetic or semi-synthetic.

Opioids are a class of drugs that derive from, or mimic, natural substances found in the opium poppy plant. Prescription opioids are FDA-approved and legally prescribed by licensed professionals for pain management. Prescription opioids can relax the body and relieve symptoms of an illness, an injury, or a surgical procedure. Opioids are renowned for their pain-relieving effects but also for their ability to produce significant euphoria, making them highly addictive. In addition to euphoria and addiction, opioids can cause sedative effects including drowsiness, confusion, nausea, and constipation. Opioids can restrict the ability to breathe when taken at higher doses, and misuse can lead to a fatal overdose.

While prescription opioids are used widely in the medical field for managing severe and chronic pain, health care providers prescribe these medications to reduce pain in patients with acute or chronic conditions. Pain medications, including non-opioid options, are also considered for managing acute or chronic pain. The use of opioids is common for severe pain, especially in cases like cancer, surgery, or traumatic injuries, and after a surgical procedure for pain relief. However, their high abuse potential has led to a widespread epidemic of misuse and addiction. This misuse can lead to devastating health effects, including overdose deaths, particularly when used in ways other than prescribed. The use of opioids covers both medical applications and the risks of dependence and overdose.

Opioids attach to proteins called opioid receptors on nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, gut, and other parts of the body. Opioids work by blocking pain messages transmitted from the body to the brain through nerve receptors, particularly in the spinal cord. Opioids can be taken in pill form, as lozenges, by injection, or through a skin patch.

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid used as a pain reliever and anesthetic, but illicitly manufactured fentanyl is a major contributor to the opioid crisis. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is produced in informal labs, often mixed with other drugs, increasing the risk of overdose. The risks associated with mixing fentanyl with other drugs are significant and can be fatal.

New psychoactive substances, including synthetic opioids like fentanyl analogues, are emerging and require ongoing monitoring and regulation. Psychoactive substances, such as opioids, present risks of misuse and highlight the need for surveillance and harm reduction efforts.

Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder

Recognizing the symptoms of opioid use disorder (OUD) is a crucial step in seeking timely help and preventing the serious health risks associated with opioid misuse. OUD is a chronic medical condition that can develop from the use of prescription opioids, synthetic opioids, or illicit drugs, especially when these substances are used outside of medical guidance or for longer periods than intended.

Common signs of opioid use disorder include taking higher doses of opioid medications than prescribed, or using them for longer than recommended to manage chronic pain or other conditions. Individuals may find it increasingly difficult to control their opioid use, even when facing negative consequences in their personal, social, or professional lives. Affected individuals often spend significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from opioid use, and may experience intense cravings or a strong desire to continue taking opioids.

Neglecting important responsibilities at work, school, or home is another warning sign, as is continuing opioid use despite worsening physical or mental health problems. Over time, the body can develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same pain relief or euphoric effects. When opioid use is reduced or stopped, withdrawal symptoms can occur, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia, sweating, chills, and restlessness. These opioid withdrawal symptoms can be severe and are a major reason why many people struggle to stop using opioids on their own.

The risks of untreated OUD are significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths—especially those involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl—have risen sharply in recent years. Opioid overdose can cause life-threatening respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and even death. The CDC, along with the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, emphasizes the importance of early intervention and comprehensive treatment to reduce overdose deaths and improve health outcomes.

Health professionals, including pain management specialists and addiction medicine experts, play a vital role in diagnosing and treating opioid use disorder. They can help patients manage chronic pain with fewer risks, avoid withdrawal symptoms, and develop safer pain management strategies. Interventional therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management, when combined with medication-assisted treatment, offer a comprehensive approach to treating opioid dependence and supporting long-term recovery.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria for diagnosing OUD. These include taking opioids in larger amounts or for longer than intended, unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control opioid use, spending excessive time related to opioid use, experiencing cravings, and continuing use despite negative consequences. Other criteria involve developing tolerance, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and giving up important activities due to opioid use.

Understanding these symptoms and the risks associated with opioid use is essential for disease control and prevention. If you or someone you care about is experiencing signs of opioid use disorder, seeking help from qualified health professionals can make a life-saving difference. Early intervention, evidence-based treatment, and ongoing support are key to overcoming opioid addiction and reclaiming a healthier future.

Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Opioids are powerful pain relievers that doctors prescribe to patients after surgery or a major accident or to treat chronic pain. They are a synthetic version of natural opiates and are the active ingredient in Imodium, Vicodin, Oxycontin, Percocet, Demeral, and other brand-name opioid-based pain relievers. While they are safe to take when following the prescription, they come with a high rate of abuse, which can lead to a serious addiction.

Treatment for opioid abuse involves a combination of behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication to minimize withdrawals and cravings during detox. Counseling and behavioral therapies are important components of outpatient treatment for opioid addiction, helping individuals address underlying issues and develop coping skills. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are evidence-based treatments that improve recovery outcomes. This mix of therapies provides a more thorough recovery experience and addresses the physical and mental aspects of the disorder. An average opioid addiction treatment program can include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy

• Dialectical behavior therapy

• Motivational interviewing

• Family therapy

• Art therapy

• Nutrition classes

• Animal-assisted therapy

• Other holistic therapies

Medication options to treat opioid use disorder include opioid agonists such as methadone and buprenorphine, which activate opioid receptors to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Opioid agonist maintenance treatment with methadone and buprenorphine has the strongest evidence of effectiveness for opioid use disorder. Long-acting formulations of these medications can help with treatment adherence and relapse prevention. Naltrexone is a long acting opioid antagonist used in opioid addiction treatment; it works by blocking the effects of opioids and helps prevent relapse. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose and is an important tool in overdose prevention. Prescribing buprenorphine is an important tool for health care providers to expand access to opioid addiction treatment. It is important to note that medication-assisted treatment is not simply substituting one addiction for another, but is a medically supervised approach to restore brain balance and support recovery. Medications for opioid use disorder are safe, effective, and save lives. Combining medication and counseling is essential to effectively treat opioid use disorder. Effective treatments for opioid use disorder can reduce the use of illicit opioids by up to 90%, and medications help patients return to their families, jobs, and communities.

Opioid addiction treatment can occur in various settings, including outpatient, residential, and hospital-based opioid treatment programs. Outpatient treatment programs for opioid addiction allow individuals to receive care while maintaining their daily responsibilities. Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) provide a structured treatment environment for individuals with opioid addiction while allowing them to return home at night. Medically assisted treatment (MAT) is a common approach in outpatient settings for individuals recovering from opioid addiction. Gender-specific rehab programs can provide tailored support for men and women in outpatient treatment for opioid addiction. Individuals seeking outpatient treatment for opioid addiction often need to verify insurance coverage for their care. Only about one in four people with opioid use disorder receive specialty treatment.

A pain management specialist can play a key role in assisting patients with managing withdrawal symptoms, understanding pain levels after opioid cessation, and evaluating effective alternative pain treatments.

At Blue Heron Recovery, our opioid addiction treatment programs aid Texas residents in their recovery journey through our outpatient treatment programs. Our facility near the airport sits on 18 acres of land, which is ideal for reflection and true healing.

Prevention and Education

Prevention and education are foundational in the fight against opioid addiction and opioid use disorder (OUD). By raising awareness about the risks of opioid use, the signs of opioid dependence, and the realities of opioid abuse, we can empower individuals and families to make informed decisions and seek help early. Understanding the dangers of prescription opioids, as well as other opioids like heroin and fentanyl, is crucial—especially since misuse of these substances can quickly lead to a problematic pattern of drug use, withdrawal symptoms, and even opioid overdose.

Healthcare providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, play a vital role in prevention by educating patients about safe pain relief options and the risks associated with opioid medication. They are also instrumental in providing effective treatment for opioid use disorder, including prescribing buprenorphine treatment and methadone treatment—medications approved to reduce opioid cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. These medication treatments, when combined with behavioral therapy and supportive care, represent the gold standard for opioid use disorder treatment and can help individuals achieve long-term recovery.

Organizations such as the Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer valuable resources on opioid addiction, substance abuse, and treatment options. Their guidance helps both individuals and family members recognize the signs of opioid use disorder, understand the importance of early intervention, and access treatment services that address both the physical and mental aspects of addiction.

Family members and loved ones are essential allies in the recovery process. By learning about opioid addiction, withdrawal, and the available disorder treatment options, families can provide supportive care and encourage their loved ones to seek help. Education also helps reduce stigma, making it easier for those struggling with opioid dependence to reach out for assistance.

Ultimately, prevention and education are key to reducing the risk of opioid abuse, opioid overdose, and the spread of related health issues such as hepatitis C. By staying informed, using prescription opioids only as directed, and supporting those affected by opioid use disorder, we can help build healthier communities and support individuals on their journey to recovery. If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid addiction, know that effective treatment and compassionate support are available at .

Types Of Treatments At Our Outpatient Drug Rehab

At , we’re committed to providing a comprehensive suite of treatments to support your journey to recovery. Our outpatient drug rehab in San Antonio, TX, includes a variety of evidence-based therapies designed to address not just addiction, but the underlying causes and its psychological impacts:

• Individual Therapy: Dive into a personalized therapeutic experience where you can work one-on-one with a therapist to explore the roots of your addiction and develop coping strategies.

• Group Therapy: Join peers who understand your struggles in a group setting, fostering an environment of shared experiences and mutual support. This involves attending addiction therapy sessions with people who have similar addiction issues within a group setting. Group therapy provides a safe, supportive environment and can help individuals build social support networks.

• Trauma Therapy: We offer specialized therapy to help you work through past trauma, which is often a significant factor in substance use disorders.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Engage in CBT to help reframe negative thought patterns and develop more constructive ways of thinking. CBT is a talk therapy that focuses on helping individuals recognize their negative thought patterns and behaviors and then replace them with positive ones. Moreover, CBT can help people learn new strategies for coping with triggers or negative feelings.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on improving emotional regulation and building skills to manage stress and relationships. DBT teaches individuals how to regulate their emotions and communicate effectively. DBT can help individuals who struggle with impulsive behavior, suicidal ideation, and self-harm.

• Holistic Therapy: Embrace therapies that target your overall well-being, including mindfulness, nutrition, and exercise.

• Medication-Assisted Treatment: Access medications that can help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings safely under medical supervision.

• Experiential Therapy: Reconnect with your environment and discover joy in new activities and hobbies that foster a sense of accomplishment.

Each therapy and treatment we offer is part of our mission to ensure a holistic and tailored approach to recovery, ensuring that both your mental and physical health are supported throughout your residential rehab journey.

Find Comprehensive Substance Abuse Treatment at Blue Heron Recovery

Blue Heron Recovery is available for individuals who want help breaking their opioid addiction and regaining control of their lives. Our opioid abuse treatment programs are tailored around each person’s unique reasons behind the abuse. Moreover, they will include a mix of therapies and treatments. Our outpatient programs are ideal for people who can abstain from taking opioids with minimal supervision.

Discover the benefits of our opioid addiction treatment services by calling 888.403.6608 today to book a tour and begin working on your recovery.