Three Treatment Options To Break Your Opioid Dependence

Health & Medical Blog

If you are struggling with opioid dependence, it is time to start exploring treatment options. When an individual who is addicted to opioids cannot procure pills, it is not uncommon for the individual to turn to other illegal drugs to alleviate the need for opioids. Check out some of the treatment alternatives that may be right for you. For maximum effectiveness, many doctors recommend combining multiple treatment methods to handle all of the facets of addiction.

1. Counseling

When used correctly, opioids are perfectly safe for a number of different conditions that cause temporary or chronic pain. However, some individuals have internal and external influences that cause them to abuse opioid pills. Regular sessions with a counselor can help you address that psychological reasons that you chose to abuse opioids. Counseling can also help you more effectively cope with external factors that led to your addiction.

For example, if you turned to opioids because you were struggling with depression, the counselor can teach you techniques to retrain your brain to better cope with melancholy thoughts. Your counselor can also determine if prescription medications may be needed to manage your depression and refer you to a psychiatrist.

2. Suboxone Treatment

When you are trying to stop using opioids, it is not uncommon to experience signs of opioid withdrawal. Signs of opioid withdrawal include anxiety, irritability, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and hot flashes. These symptoms can last for up to a month.

There are prescription medications designed to help individuals who are addicted to opioids manage their symptoms of withdrawal when they are trying to break free from their addiction. Suboxone is one such medication.

Suboxone combines buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a mild opioid, while naloxone reverses the physical effects of opioids. The two combine to create mild feelings of euphoria that minimize symptoms of withdrawal. Doctors prescribe suboxone to help their patients stop using opioids. One of the benefits of suboxone treatment is that patients can take it in their home, rather than at a clinic, to assist in their quest to stop abusing opioids.

3. In-patient Rehabilitation

If your life is full of stress or you have multiple responsibilities, you may find it difficult to wage a successful fight against your opioid addiction. Some patients require in-patient rehabilitation to break their opioid dependence. An in-patient program makes it possible for the patient to solely focus on quitting opioids without the stress of everyday life. Patients also have access to prescription medications, support groups, and trained counselors, all of which can help them break free from their addiction.

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23 June 2017

Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

Over a year ago, I was formerly diagnosed with high blood pressure. However, due to frequent headaches and dizziness, I had already suspected that I suffered from this serious medical problem. Immediately, I was placed on medication. I also began to research natural ways that I can lower my blood pressure. I now carefully scan food labels for sodium content. I also try not to add extra salt to my recipes when I’m cooking at home. In addition, I strive to consume foods daily that are believed to have a positive effect on blood pressure numbers. On this blog, you will learn about various natural ways to lower your blood pressure.