What Is Opioid Rehab? The Process, Time, and Everything Else You Need To Know.
Opioids are medications that work on the brain to reduce pain. They are also very addictive. Over 10 million people abuse opioids in the US every year. And out of that, many of them get addicted and suffer from severe health and social consequences.
Withdrawal symptoms, health issues, and family struggles are just a few of the places that opioid addiction takes people to. However, it does not have to end there; in this introduction to rehabilitation you will see there is a choice that anybody can make to change their situation.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid dependence, then you should consider rehab as a tool to help them recover. Here, we will explore what opioid rehab entails, how long it takes, and how the treatment works.
Opioid rehab is a treatment approach that is designed to help people overcome addiction to opioids, such as prescription painkillers or heroin. Rehab programs combine medical, psychological, and social support to guide them toward recovery and prevent relapse.
Rehab begins with a detailed assessment. Medical professionals evaluate the severity of addiction, mental health status, and individual needs. This helps tailor a personalized treatment plan that addresses both substance use and co-occurring disorders.
Detox is often the first step. During this phase, the body rids itself of opioids, which can trigger withdrawal symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and insomnia. At NuLife, detox is medically supervised to ensure safety and comfort.
Therapy forms the core of rehab. It is where we learn the where, why, and how of addiction. Anything that needs to be unpacked will get the needed attention. And there are many forms of therapy that are used in rehab. Of course, this depends on the approach of the center where rehab is happening.
In the case of opioid addiction, sometimes medications are used to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Drugs like methadone or buprenorphine are often used in addition to therapy to be well-rounded in the treatment.
This step is often under-appreciated. A great rehab program doesn’t end when treatment is complete. Aftercare planning sees to it that patients have access to whatever support they need after leaving the rehab center. This includes support groups that check in on each other and other mild therapy that are planned for them.
There is no singular timeline for rehab. There are many things in play. For one, it could be a co-diagnosis where the patient also has a mental health condition. In cases like these, the rehab center has to spend more time on the patient.
The most common timelines you will find include;
- Short-Term Rehab (30 Days): for patients with mild addiction or those who cannot commit to longer programs. However, aftercare is a priority here.
- Medium-Term Rehab (60–90 Days): Provides a more in-depth focus on recovery. They also get more therapy options.
- Long-Term Rehab (6–12 Months): Recommended for people with severe addiction or those who are at a high risk of relapsing.
Opioid rehab is a life-changing process that offers hope and healing. By addressing both addiction and mental health, programs like those at NuLife Behavioral Health provide the comprehensive care necessary for lasting recovery. If you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to NuLife today. Remember, recovery is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone.
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