Keeping Our Bodies Healthy

« Back to Home

What Might Be Important In An Opioid Addiction Treatment Center?

Posted on

If you have an addiction to heroin, oxycontin, or another type of opiate, then you can seek help for your addiction through an opiod addiction treatment center. These centers vary quite significantly in what they offer, so you do need to look at your options quite closely. Keep reading to learn about a few of the more important offerings you need from the center.

Dedicated Detoxification Process

Opiate addicts go through an extensive and uncomfortable detoxification process. And many addicts will use drugs during the process if they are unable or unwilling to deal with the discomfort. For this reason, it is best to offer opiate addicts the opportunity to go through a guided and controlled detoxification process. Make sure that the center you choose has a process for this.

Medical detoxification is offered in many cases and involves the tapering of opiates to minimize withdrawal symptoms. You should keep in mind that slow tapering offers the best support, but it does take many weeks to complete. You want to make sure you are prepared to dedicate this time both when living in the treatment center and also once you are released to outpatient treatment.

Medical detoxification uses prescription medications that may or may not include methadone. Drugs that include a mixture of opioids and opioid antagonists are often used now to minimize the risk of relapse. And you may be given some medicines that help to control symptoms of withdrawal like insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

Personalized Aftercare Services

While the inpatient treatment center in itself is important, you also need to think about maintaining your sobriety after you leave the facility. And you may require many different approaches to sobriety. The best program is one that you work out with your counselors and that you feel as though you can follow, so you want a facility that works with other facilities, doctors, hospitals, social workers, and community outreach programs so that a personalized aftercare program can be established for you.

Training and jobs programs may be a part of the aftercare service, so if this is important to you, then make sure to ask about this. Also, sober living activities may be a good choice.

When looking at addiction centers, ask whether or not you will work with a dedicated social worker or counselor. This individual is someone who can follow you throughout the recovery process and provide you with assistance as needed once you leave the facility. 


Share