Opioids like heroin, morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl are highly addictive and dangerous substances. Being highly addictive, a physical dependence can develop in as little as one week – causing people to have withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. Unfortunately, many people will continue using opioids to avoid going into withdrawal, further perpetuating the cycle of drug abuse and addiction. On the bright side, qualified opioid addiction treatment providers in New Jersey are here to help.
Treatment for opioid addiction usually consists of medically-assisted detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient treatment. However, each person’s experience with addiction is different, so each person’s requirements for treatment may be different, as well. Furthermore, thanks to modern-day medicine, there are several medications that can make the opioid treatment process much easier.
If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, it’s time to ask for help. Here’s what you can expect while seeking treatment for opioid addiction in New Jersey.
Medications Used in Opioid Addiction Treatment
Detox is the first step towards overcoming opioid addiction. Whether you’re addicted to street-drugs like heroin or fentanyl or you’ve been abusing your prescription for oxycodone, there are several FDA-approved medications that can help reduce your withdrawal symptoms.
The most popular medication that is used at New Jersey detox and treatment centers is Suboxone. Suboxone is a sublingual film containing buprenorphine and naltrexone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid, so it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and helps reduce withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone may also help reduce cravings. People may begin taking Suboxone 7-10 hours after their last dose of opioids. Sometimes, people will only take Suboxone while detoxing. Other times, people will remain on the medication throughout their course of treatment. If you are allergic to Suboxone or cannot take it, other opioid detox medications include:[1]
- Methadone
- Subutex
- Buprenorphine
Another medication that is sometimes used to treat opioid addiction is Vivitrol. Vivitrol is a once-monthly injection containing naltrexone. Although Vivitrol can’t be administered during detox, it is helpful at reducing or eliminating cravings for people in early recovery.[2] Being an injection that must be administered by a healthcare provider, there is little to no risk of abuse when it comes to Vivitrol.
Inpatient Rehab and Behavioral Counseling
Inpatient rehab is usually recommended for people suffering from opioid addiction. Also known as residential addiction treatment, inpatient rehab programs offer the highest level of care with 24/7 support and monitoring. If you have a severe addiction, a co-occurring mental health condition, or a long history of relapse, inpatient rehab is the right choice for you.
During inpatient, you’ll be required to live at the treatment facility for the duration of your stay. You may live in housing with other individuals at the recovery center. The primary purpose of an inpatient center is to provide a safe and secure environment while facilitating behavioral therapy. Therapy is to help you recognize the underlying causes of your addiction, learn to cope with triggers, and create a relapse prevention plan.
Most opioid addiction treatment programs in New Jersey utilize both group and individual therapy. Furthermore, different therapy approaches may be used to provide a “whole-patient” approach. Some therapies you can expect to participate in while at an inpatient rehab facility include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Holistic therapy
- Trauma-informed care
- Recreational therapy
- Relapse prevention
- Psychoeducation
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Inpatient rehab can last anywhere from 28-90 days or more depending on your individual needs. After completing an inpatient program, it’s a good idea to attend outpatient rehab for ongoing support.
Outpatient Rehab and Peer Support
Outpatient rehab programs provide a lower level of care where you will live at home or in a sober living environment while commuting to the treatment facility for therapy during the day. These programs are often used as part of a continuum of care for people who have completed a residential treatment program. That being said, not everyone can take time away from work, school, or their kids to attend inpatient treatment. As a result, outpatient serves as a flexible option for people with busy schedules.
Outpatient opioid addiction treatment programs in New Jersey place a heavy focus on relapse prevention. They want to help you reinforce the coping skills you learned while in residential treatment and use them to prevent a relapse in the future. Some goals of outpatient programming include:
- Encourage 12-step support group participation
- Help patients improve their communication skills
- Develop and practice relapse prevention strategies
- Celebrate recovery milestones
- Help patients secure employment and stable housing
- Help integrate patients into their communities
- Teach life-skills
- Provide medication management and any necessary treatment referrals
Outpatient programs can last anywhere from one month to one year depending on the program and your progress in recovery.
Find an Opioid Addiction Treatment Center in New Jersey Today
Overcoming an addiction to opioids isn’t easy, but with the help of a professional drug rehab center, anyone can recover. You don’t have to be afraid of withdrawals or cravings because medications will take care of that, and you don’t have to worry about being alone because you’ll have support on a 24/7 basis. So don’t wait any longer. Pick up the phone and contact us today to get started with an opioid addiction treatment program in New Jersey.
References:
Medically Reviewed: December 11, 2020
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.