Opioid

2nd Chance Treatment Center

Addiction Medicine & Psychiatrists located throughout the greater Phoenix, AZ area

It’s estimated that 130 people die from an opioid overdose every day in the United States. This prescription medication used to treat pain is highly addictive and has become a national crisis. The experienced team at 2nd Chance throughout the greater Phoenix, Arizona area, sees first-hand the effects opioids have on a person’s life and offers an outpatient program to help you get off the addictive drug. To get help with your opioid abuse, call the office today or request an appointment online.

Opioid Q & A

What is an opioid?

Opioids are a class of pain-relieving medications that interact with the opioid receptors in your brain to muffle pain sensations and release feelings of pleasure. Types of opioid medications include:

Oxycontin
Oxycodone
Morphine
Fentanyl
Vicodin®
Percocet®

Heroin is also a type of opioid.

When prescribed by your doctor and used for a short period of time, these types of medications are beneficial and safe. Unfortunately, due to misinformation from the pharmaceutical companies in the 1990s regarding addiction to these medications, doctors are prescribing opioids at greater rates, leading to the opioid addiction crisis.

Why are opioids so addictive?

The pleasurable sensation you experience when you take an opioid is why it’s so addictive. Over time, your brain begins to crave the sensation, which drives you to compulsive use of the drug. Anyone can become addicted to opioids.

How do I know if I am addicted to opioids?

When you’re taking opioids for a medical purpose, you may have a difficult time seeing that you’re addicted. Symptoms that may indicate you have a problem, which is medically referred to as opioid use disorder, include:

Uncontrollable use of the opioid
Strong desire or compulsion to take the medication
Feeling “high” or euphoric when you take the medication
Confusion or poor judgment
Slurred speech
Constipation
Itching or flushed skin
Small pupils
Shallow breathing
Nausea or vomiting

Opioid use disorder affects many people. But there is help available. The experienced team at 2nd Chance specializes in opioid use and addiction and can help you regain control of your life.

What treatments can help my opioid addiction?

The team at 2nd Chance offers a comprehensive outpatient program to help you with your opioid addiction. After determining that you have opioid use disorder, your specialist designs a treatment plan to help you recover. Your treatment may include medication that helps control cravings and withdrawal symptoms, as well as behavioral therapy to help you understand the addiction and how to overcome it.

Some of the medications used for opioid use disorder at 2nd Chance include:

Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone®, ZubSolv®)
Naltrexone (Vivitrol®)

Studies indicate that combining maintenance medication with therapy in an outpatient setting is crucial for preventing relapse and ensuring a lifelong recovery.

To get help with your opioid use from a team of kind and compassionate experts, call 2nd Chance today or request an appointment online.

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