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The opioid crisis has been an ongoing problem in the USA for over a century now. It started back in the 1800s when opiates like morphine became highly sought after for pain relief. The addictiveness of heroin – a morphine-based opiate – was first recognized in the country in the 1920s. But by then, it had already dug its roots deep.
Roughly 80 years later, Oxycontin was introduced in the market to prevent the risk of opioid addiction. While the pharmaceutical companies pushing it assured it wasn’t addictive, it was later found to be false.
Thus began the first wave of the opioid epidemic, when opioid medications were pushed around to manage chronic pain. Between 1990-1999, the number of prescription opioids in the country grew dynamically. The first wave was followed by the second, third, and fourth wave – which is still ongoing in the country.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that 107,000 US citizens died due to drug overdose in 2021 alone. What’s even more shocking is the fact that out of these, 75% of cases involved opioids. In comparison to 2020, opioid-related death rates in the US grew by 15% in 2021. If these numbers tell us anything, it is that opioid addiction could push the future of Americans into darkness soon.
However, did you know that recovery from opioid addiction is possible? Despite the widespread nature of this problem, there’s very little information about its recovery and what that looks like. Today, we’re here to remedy that by exploring what the healing from opioid addiction looks like – the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. Let’s get started!
What Does Opioid Addiction Recovery Look Like? A Journey To Healing
1. Physical Healing from Opioid Addiction
As you’re taking the initial steps on the path of opioid addiction recovery, the first challenge you’ll face is the withdrawal symptoms.
Healthline notes that withdrawal symptoms begin within the first 24 hours after the last dosage. These include nausea, sweating, restlessness, runny nose, and muscle aches. As they intensify over time, you can also experience abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and blurry vision.
But how do you manage these symptoms? That’s what we’re here to help with. Take a look at these strategies that have proven effective in managing opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT):
TruLaw observes that medications like methadone and clonidine help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, improving your chances of strictly following the detoxification process.
Hydration and Nutrition:
Adequate hydration and nutritious meals can support the body’s natural detoxification process and alleviate some withdrawal symptoms, such as gastrointestinal discomfort.
Rest and Relax:
Restlessness is a constant withdrawal symptom that’s not easy to shake away. To cope with it, you should practice deep breathing exercises, meditate regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
Distraction:
Withdrawal symptoms are like acne; the more you focus on them, the more they tend to grow. The key here is to keep yourself occupied with activities that you enjoy, like listening to music, reading books, and spending time with friends.
2. The Downsides of Opioid Addiction Recovery Medication
There’s no denying that the physical recovery from an opioid addiction is a painful journey. And while medication is proven to have far-reaching effects in pushing you on this path of recovery, it isn’t without its disadvantages. Take Suboxone, for instance.
A brand-name medication approved by the FDA for treating opioid addiction, Suboxone contains two drugs – buprenorphine and naltrexone. The medication does exactly what it promises, but causes other damages to the body.
Taken orally in a sublingual film form, the medicine is highly acidic in nature. Due to that, it has been found to cause a number of dental injuries, including cavities, tooth decay, and oral infections.
Last year, patients with opioid addiction came together to file the Suboxone lawsuit, claiming that the manufacturers of the medication had failed to warn them about the risks of dental injuries. Anyone who was prescribed Suboxone and has suffered dental damage is eligible to file a lawsuit.
3. Emotional and Psychological Rehabilitation
Recovery from opioid addiction extends beyond physical healing; it also includes the return to your emotional and psychological well-being following the addiction.
As you navigate the journey toward sobriety, you’re bound to encounter psychological challenges, including confronting past traumas, managing cravings, and rebuilding your sense of self. Emotional and psychological rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in helping you address these challenges and cultivate resilience on the path to lasting recovery.
The Role of Therapy in Addiction Recovery
Therapy stands as a pivotal component in the emotional and psychological rehabilitation of individuals undergoing recovery from opioid addiction.
Addiction Center notes that therapy educates you about your addiction, the recovery process, and potential relapse. By familiarizing you with healthy coping mechanisms and communication skills, it works to heal any feelings of guilt or shame you might experience and helps foster a positive self-image.
The multifaceted approach of therapy is instrumental in addressing trauma and managing cravings, offering a safe haven for healing.
Trauma-informed therapy guides you through a supportive journey to delve into past traumas, be it childhood adversities or neglect. As you unpack these experiences in a safe environment, you’ll figure out how trauma may have influenced their substance use.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) empowers you to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors entrenched in addiction. Specifically tailored for opioid addiction recovery, CBT equips you with coping skills to navigate triggers and high-risk situations.
The focus of mindfulness-based therapies is on present-moment awareness and acceptance of thoughts and emotions. Through these practices, you cultivate greater self-awareness, emotional regulation skills, and resilience.
Furthermore, support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and SMART Recovery serve as invaluable resources, offering peer support and encouragement. Peer counseling provides a platform for you to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does opioid addiction treatment last?
The duration of the treatment varies according to individual needs. Some patients might recover from a short-term treatment, while others can need a longer time. The severity of the addiction is a key factor contributing to it.
Is relapse common during opioid addiction recovery?
Yes, relapse is common during the recovery process from opioid addiction. However, it is important to see relapse as a setback and not a failure, seeking support immediately to continue on the path of recovery.
Can opioid addiction in teens be treated?
Yes. Regardless of age, everyone struggling with an opioid addiction can be treated; only the means and methods adopted might vary.
Final words on What Does Opioid Addiction Recovery Look Like? A Journey To Healing
To sum it all up, it would be fair to say that recovery from opioid addiction is only possible with an unwavering commitment to reclaiming your life from the grips of addiction. The path to recovery is not without its obstacles, but as long as you’re resilient and willing to seek help where needed, you can certainly turn it around.
I hope you found this feature about What Does Opioid Addiction Recovery Look Like? A Journey To Healing helpful, and you can also have a look more of our health and wellness features.
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