Opioid use can be a difficult disorder to treat, requiring both professional expertise and compassion. Opioids come in a variety of forms such as Vicodin and Percocet or heroin and fentanyl. Opioids in any form can lead to dependency and they all carry the risk of overdose. If opioid addiction has affected you or someone you love, contact us immediately our effective treatment approaches.

What to Look for in
Opioid Treatment

It is important that clinicians who treat opioid addiction have the training and experience to address this complex disorder. There are a variety of conditions that can complicate opioid addiction such as chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD, so you should look for a program that can address all the specific needs of the client. Programs should offer various treatment options including the variety of medications that are proven to help opioid addiction.

Because most insurance companies cover some type of substance use treatment, the individual can call their place of employment to get the specifics of their plan. Most treatment programs can provide a complimentary verification of a person’s insurance plan. Longleaf Recovery & Wellness is in-network with several insurance providers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, however, we accept all private insurance plans.

Types of Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Treatment for opioid addiction usually begins with helping an individual manage the withdrawal symptoms that accompany stopping opioid use. These symptoms can be severe enough to require treatment at detox or residential levels of care. Still, many also choose to start treatment in an outpatient setting at the partial-hospitalization (PHP) level of care. This option allows the client to live at home while receiving therapy, medication, and other support needed to remain abstinent from opioid use. Medication is particularly important during the initial stages of treatment to help alleviate the more unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal. However, long-term use of Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is shown to be effective for sustaining recovery and limiting relapse. The three common types of medications used as part of an opioid treatment program include:

  • Buprenorphine: This medication activates certain brain receptors, thus reducing or even eliminating cravings and other symptoms of withdrawal. Buprenorphine can be taken in daily doses or administered as weekly or monthly extended-release injections.
  • Naltrexone: This medication blocks opioid receptors in the brain, preventing euphoria if opioids are used. This also helps to decrease cravings. Naltrexone can only be administered after an individual is completely detoxed from opioids, usually 7-10 days from last use. Naltrexone can be taken daily but is thought to be more effective as a monthly extended-release injection.
  • Methadone: This medication also activates brain receptors opioid cravings and withdrawal as well as blunting or blocking the euphoric impact of opioid use. Though effective for many individuals, methadone must be taken every day and is generally only distributed on a daily basis at specialized clinics.

How Do I Know I Need Opioid Treatment?

It can be difficult to acknowledge that someone has a problem with opioids. The experienced and compassionate professionals at Longleaf Recovery can consult with individuals and their family members or administer a short assessment to determine if opioid treatment is needed. In the meantime, here are signs you or someone you love may need opioid treatment:

  • Isolating from friends and family
  • Avoiding responsibilities and hobbies
  • Financial problems
  • Difficulties at work or school or in relationships
  • Trying to quit taking opioids but being unable to do so
  • Withdrawal symptoms when not using
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Sleepiness
  • Change in eating habits
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of interest in personal hygiene
  • If prescribed opioid pain medication, using more than prescribed or running out of medication early

What Happens During Opioid Treatment?

Opioid treatment begins with assessment by our masters-level clinicians and our medical staff. This allows us to formulate an individualized treatment plan for level of care and appropriate medications. From there, clients engage in group and individual therapy to learn heathy coping skills and make changes that support long-term recovery and a better life without opioid use.

Begin Opioid Addiction Treatment Today

More and more families across the country find themselves with a loved-one who struggles with opioid addiction. Knowing where to turn can prove tough, but the right program can change lives. Longleaf Recovery & Wellness offers opioid treatment that takes clients from detox to outpatient treatment to aftercare. Get started with treatment today by request more information about Longleaf Recovery & Wellness.

Our Recovery Center Locations

Our specialized treatment facilities are dedicated to assisting adults and families grappling with mental health challenges and addiction. We address the underlying stressors, offering a transformative path to change and sustained support for a restored life.

Birmingham Recovery Center
2501 International Park
Birmingham , AL 35243
205.813.7400
Longleaf Wellness Birmingham
2441 International Park
Birmingham , AL 35243
205.813.7402
Longleaf Recovery Huntsville
450 Dunlop Blvd SW
Madison , AL 35758
256.542.0022
Longleaf Recovery Baldwin
13920 Cypress Way
Spanish Fort , AL 36527
251.272.7070

Confidential Request for Information

For more information or to request a confidential phone call from one of our representatives, please complete and submit the form below. Select the ‘Request Help’ button below and a Longleaf representative will respond at their earliest availability.

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