Opioid Addiction Treatment Options
There are many options for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Each type has benefits for particular individuals. Treatment modalities can include medical detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab or somewhere in between, such as partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment. The right type of opioid treatment can only be determined after a thorough clinical assessment.
- Medical Detox
Detoxification is a major part of recovery from opioid use disorder. Although detox can be difficult and uncomfortable, this is the time in which the body eliminates opioids from itself. Since the body is accustomed to opioids being present, removing them from the system can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Detox is usually the first step to recovery for someone with opioid use disorder. It is important that detoxification occurs at an accredited facility staffed with medical professionals trained in recognizing and dealing with the various complications that occur with detox. A facility that specializes in the treatment of opioid use disorders can make the detox process comfortable and safe.
Medical detox isn’t always necessary to begin opioid treatment, but it is commonly done in rehab facilities since a successful medical detox reduces discomfort and promotes safety along with creating a commitment to recovery. These efforts can help the recovery process start safely and effectively.
- Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient or residential rehabilitation, also called inpatient rehab, is a type of drug and alcohol addiction treatment in which clients stay at a facility for a particular period of time to strictly focus on recovery.
Inpatient rehab usually comes after the initial detox process and is often followed by step-down programs like partial hospitalization programs or outpatient treatment, which have less restrictive structures and offer greater independence. For inpatient rehab, clients can live in a facility for several days or weeks.
In residential rehab, clients learn how to live without the use of drugs and alcohol in a safe environment with minimal triggers. Clients receive intensive education and support, participate in daily individual and group therapy, and engage in appropriate physical activities. Inpatient treatment programs can have variable timeframes, depending on the needs of each individual, but the most common ones include:
30-Day inpatient treatment programs
60-Day inpatient treatment programs
90-Day inpatient treatment programs
- Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab is designed for people whose needs for oversight are relatively low. Outpatient treatment for drug or alcohol addiction usually involves clients living at home or sober living housing and commuting to a rehab center during the day for medical and psychological support several times a week. Teletherapy may also be an option for those requiring outpatient care. The decreased need for 24/7 care means that the cost of outpatient rehab is usually lower than that of residential treatment.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the administration of prescribed medications under medical supervision. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder. These medications can help decrease the cravings experienced by a person in recovery and can help reduce the physical symptoms of addiction and withdrawal.
Many rehab centers incorporate helpful medications to successfully treat opioid use disorder. These MAT options are becoming more common in the United States and can be very effective at keeping people in recovery, preventing overdose deaths and reducing the harmful consequences of opioid use disorder. It’s important to know that MAT exists to support psychological treatment and counseling, rather than to replace it. MAT is not totally effective without counseling support.
- Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis is when there is a simultaneous drug or alcohol addiction along with a mental health disorder. In 2017, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration estimated that almost 63% of adults with any mental illness had a co-occurring substance use disorder, with either illicit drugs, alcohol or both. It is very important to identify dual diagnosis when it exists because it can have a negative impact on addiction treatment if it is not addressed in a facility that can properly treat dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis is a complicated scenario and is best treated in a facility that can provide individualized care programs.
- Aftercare
Recovery from opioid use disorder is a long-term process that requires patience, humility, and self-awareness. Also called continuing care, aftercare is a major component of recovery. Planning for aftercare often starts early in the process of addiction treatment — perhaps even during the initial periods of medical detox or inpatient rehabilitation.
Successful recovery from opioid use disorder takes commitment, and a complete aftercare plan provides clients with the skills and support systems to foster lifelong recovery. Aftercare plans may include relapse prevention strategies and accountability measures, including:
Maintenance medication plans
Resources for individual therapy
Resources for local group therapy and support groups
Sober living options