Opiate Addiction Treatment in San Antonio, TX

Opiates are a powerful pain reliever with a high rate of addiction due to the euphoric effects and the common practice of mixing opiates with alcohol or other drugs. Opioid addiction is considered a chronic disease, similar to other chronic diseases like diabetes, and opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic and relapsing disease that can affect anyone. Opioids work by interacting with specific opioid receptors in the brain and body to reduce pain, but they also cause side effects and euphoria. Regular opioid use can lead individuals to develop tolerance, which increases the risk of dependence and addiction. Opioid dependence is characterized by a strong internal drive to use opioids, leading to impaired control over use and persistence despite harm. Opioid misuse can result in a range of health problems, both physical and psychological. Certain groups, such as males, older individuals, and those with low socio-economic status, are at higher risk for opioid overdose.

Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of developing opioid use disorder, and an estimated 3-12% of people treated with opioids for chronic pain will develop an addiction or abuse with negative consequences. The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide Public Health Emergency in the United States (October 27, 2017). In 2022, nearly 110,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, with more than 81,000 of these deaths involving either prescription or illicit opioids. By June 2021, synthetic opioids were involved in an estimated 87% of opioid deaths and 65% of all drug overdose deaths in the United States. Globally, in 2019, approximately 600,000 deaths were attributable to drug use, with about 80% of these deaths related to opioids. The number of opioid overdoses has increased in recent years, partly due to the increased availability of opioids for chronic pain management.

People who develop an opiate addiction can find relief through a treatment center that provides opiate addiction treatment services. These services include treatment for the physical and psychological aspects of addiction and can include holistic therapies that promote a healthy lifestyle and long-lasting sobriety.

What are opiates?

Opiates are a group of drugs derived from the opium poppy plant that are primarily used for their potent pain-relieving properties. These natural alkaloids include morphine and codeine, both commonly prescribed to treat severe pain. However, the term “opiates” is often used interchangeably with “opioids,” which refers to both synthetic and semi-synthetic substances that function similarly by acting on opioid receptors in the brain. Opioids work by binding to specific opioid receptors in the brain and body, which helps reduce pain but can also cause side effects. Opioids include compounds such as morphine, codeine, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, and tramadol. Prescription opioids are mainly used to treat acute pain, chronic pain, cancer-related pain, palliative care, and end-of-life care. Opioids are a class of psychoactive substances, and monitoring new psychoactive substances, such as fentanyl analogues, is important due to their emerging dangers. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, 50–100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, and has been associated with a spike in deaths from opioid overdose. Common side effects of opioids include drowsiness, confusion, euphoria, nausea, and constipation. Opioids are prescribed to reduce pain after injuries, surgeries, or for chronic conditions. This interaction not only alleviates pain but also produces feelings of euphoria, making these drugs highly susceptible to abuse and addiction.

Due to their effect on the part of the brain regulating breathing, high doses can lead to respiratory depression and even death. The addictive potential of opiates, coupled with their widespread medical use, has led to significant public health issues concerning misuse, addiction, and overdose deaths.

Opioid Overdose and Withdrawal

Opioid overdose and withdrawal are two of the most urgent challenges facing individuals, families, and communities affected by opioid addiction. An opioid overdose occurs when someone takes a high dose of opioid drugs—whether prescription opioids, illicit opioids like heroin, or synthetic opioids such as fentanyl—causing their breathing to dangerously slow or stop. This can quickly become life-threatening, and opioid overdose is now a leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the vast majority of recent overdose deaths are linked to synthetic opioids, including illicitly manufactured fentanyl.

Withdrawal symptoms are another major hurdle for those struggling with opioid dependence. When a person who has been taking opioids for acute or chronic pain, or for non-medical reasons, suddenly stops or reduces their dose, the body reacts with a range of uncomfortable symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can include muscle aches, chills, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, insomnia, and intense cravings. While opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, the severity of these symptoms often leads individuals to continue taking opioids simply to avoid withdrawal, perpetuating the cycle of addiction.

The risk of overdose and withdrawal is especially high for those who have developed a tolerance to opioids, whether from long-term use of pain medications after a surgical procedure or from using illicit drugs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that a significant percentage of people prescribed opioids for chronic pain may develop opioid use disorder, a condition defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a pattern of opioid use causing significant impairment or distress.

Treating opioid addiction and preventing overdose requires a comprehensive approach. Medications for opioid use disorder—such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone—work by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain to reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms. These medications, combined with behavioral therapy and intensive outpatient treatment, form the foundation of effective substance abuse treatment. Health professionals may also recommend non-opioid pain relief options, such as physical therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help manage pain without the risks associated with opioid drugs.

Education and support are critical in reducing the risk of overdose death and helping individuals restore balance in their lives. National organizations like the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Library of Medicine offer valuable resources on opioid use, treatment options, and prevention strategies. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, seeking help from qualified health professionals can make all the difference in avoiding negative consequences and beginning the journey to recovery.

By understanding the dangers of opioid overdose and the challenges of withdrawal, we can work together to prevent drug overdose deaths, support those affected by opioid use disorder, and provide hope for a healthier future.

Knowing When to Enroll in an Opiate Addiction Treatment Program

Opiate addiction is a serious mental health illness that is treatable through a combination of scientifically proven therapeutic techniques, holistic therapies, and medication. Understanding the symptoms of opiate abuse is imperative if you or a loved one is taking opiates for pain. While opiates are safe to take when sticking to the prescription, they come with a high risk of abuse due to our society’s acceptance of recreational drug use.

If a friend or loved one is taking opiates and you think they may be abusing them, here are some of the common signs of prescription opiate abuse:

• They run out of their prescription before the refill date.

• You find multiple prescriptions for opiates from different doctors or prescribed to different people.

• They take opiates “just in case.”

• They say, “One pill is not enough.”

• They continue taking opiates for longer than prescribed.

A person who abuses their opiate prescription runs the risk of being denied further refills. If this happens, there is a strong chance that they try heroin or other illegal opiates to continue feeling the same effects.

At Blue Heron, we offer a number of opiate addiction treatment services at our outpatient facility in San Antonio.  Our programs use the latest therapeutic techniques and best practices for teaching people how to lead a healthy and sober lifestyle.

What to Expect from Opiate Addiction Treatment Services

While there is no cure for opiate addiction, there are several treatment options available to help people stop the abuse before causing serious harm. If this is your first time enrolling in a treatment program, here are the types of opiate addiction treatment services that you can expect during the recovery process:

Health Assessment

The first step in the recovery process is to determine the severity of addiction. Therapists will run a full health assessment to determine the best treatment program for the severity of their symptoms. This assessment may include screening for health problems commonly associated with opioid use, such as hepatitis C and other medical complications. People with a severe addiction will start treatment through a residential program, while those with mild to medium symptoms can begin recovery through outpatient programs.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

To ease the physical cravings and withdrawals that are associated with opiate abuse, medical staff will administer specific dosages based on each client’s treatment program. These medications are only available through an accredited treatment program and are meant as temporary support while participating in therapy sessions. As their symptoms decline, medical staff will begin tapering down the dosage size until no longer necessary.

Therapy Sessions

Opiate treatment programs include group and private therapy sessions to teach clients about the dangers of addiction and how to lead a sober and healthy lifestyle. Therapists work to identify negative behaviors and harmful thinking and show clients how they have the power within them to make positive changes.

Rebuilding Relationships

An important part of the recovery process is having healthy relationships with peers, spouses, and family members. Therapists will work with all family members to repair fractured relationships and resolve any lingering issues that may disrupt recovery. They will educate them on the specific disorder. Then, they’ll show them how they can be a part of the recovery process.

Types Of Treatments, Including Intensive Outpatient Treatment, At Our Outpatient Drug Rehab

At Blue Heron Recovery, 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.

In addition to therapy, it is crucial to be prepared for emergency responses in the event of an opioid overdose. If an affected person experiences an overdose, immediate action is needed—monitor their breathing, administer naloxone, and call emergency services right away. Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdose, available as a nasal spray and injectable, and can be obtained over the counter without a prescription. The administration of naloxone can rapidly improve breathing in a person experiencing an overdose, but it is critical to call emergency services immediately after administration. The availability of naloxone in a community is directly tied to reduced opioid overdose deaths, and training on its use can substantially reduce deaths. Naloxone has virtually no effect if administered to someone who has not taken opioids.

Harm reduction strategies, such as syringe services programs, are also important for reducing the transmission of hepatitis C and other health problems among people who use psychoactive substances. Monitoring and regulating psychoactive substances, along with community education and support, are key components in preventing misuse and supporting recovery.

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.

Get Help With Substance Abuse Treatment at Blue Heron Today

Opiate abuse treatment programs are very effective in helping individuals stop the abuse safely and with fewer risks of relapse and setbacks. Those who complete the program and continue practicing healthy habits will have the confidence to handle all of life’s stressful moments without the need to reach for more pills.

Blue Heron Recovery is an accredited addiction treatment facility for Texas residents who are ready to stop abusing their prescription or illegal opiates. Our opiate abuse treatment programs combine behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication management to ease disruptive symptoms and allow clients to continue with their therapy on an outpatient basis.