It is essential to your recovery from narcotics addiction that you seek treatment in a professional rehab program. Here are some quick tips to help you understand rehab for opioid addiction. Call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) now to find safe rehab programs that will cater to your needs.

1. Detox ≠ Addiction Treatment.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Detox alone with no follow-up is not treatment.” If you do decide to attend detox as part of your recovery program, make sure you choose a rehab option afterward. Just because your withdrawal period is over and your dependency on opioids ends does not mean you are cured of your addiction.

2. Medications Are Often Necessary to Recovery.

Different medications, like buprenorphine and methadone, can be used either long- or short-term to minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Without these, it can be very difficult for someone to recover from opioid addiction. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, managing patients in opioid addiction treatment without medications “can produce needless suffering in a population that tends to have limited tolerance for physical pain.”

3. Maintenance Drugs Are Not a Substitute for Addiction.

Unfortunately, many individuals misunderstand the purpose of maintenance drugs like those described above, believing that doctors are merely switching patients from one addiction to another. In truth, these drugs do not cause addiction when used properly because they do not create cravings or euphoria like opioids taken in high doses do.

4. Behavioral Therapies Are Absolutely Necessary to Recovery.

Much emphasis in narcotic addiction treatment is put on medications, but behavioral therapies are also essential to a strong recovery. In these therapeutic programs, patients learn to recognize their triggers for substance abuse, practice better coping mechanisms, and understand and accept why they started using drugs in the first place. All of these benefits can highly affect recovery, which is why behavioral therapies are used more than any other treatment program.

5. Inpatient Care Isn’t Always Necessary.

According to the NIDA, outpatient treatment is a cheaper alternative to inpatient care that is often more effective for those with jobs and extensive social supports. Because opioids do not usually cause life threatening withdrawal symptoms, outpatient care could be a potential option for you. However, some individuals do still require inpatient treatment, especially if they suffer from severe addictions or co-occurring disorders.

6. Support Groups for Narcotic Users Exist.

Narcotics Anonymous, which is similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, is a 12-step program for every type of substance abuse. If you are not comfortable with the 12-step process, SMART Recovery is another type of support group that utilizes a self-actualizing approach.

7. Getting Your Loved Ones Involved Will Help.

When friends and family members get involved in one’s recovery, the benefits of treatment often increase significantly (NIDA). You can ask your loved ones to get involved by driving you to treatment or coming to family therapy sessions at the facility.

8. Recovery from Narcotic Addiction Takes Time.

Usually, successful treatment programs last 90 days or longer, and patients are encouraged to attend the full program in order to reap its benefits. However, your recovery may take even longer than this, and one treatment program may not always be enough to get you to a fully realized recovery. A variety of therapies are available to treat opioid addiction. Therefore, it is important to always be aware of your needs and to seek out help whenever you require it.

9. Co-occurring Disorders Need to Be Treated Simultaneously with Addiction.

If you are suffering from depression, an anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, or another mental disorder in addition to your addiction, you will need to be treated for both during rehab (NIDA). If you are not cared for in this way, the untreated disorder can affect the one you are being treated for, setting your recovery back.

10. You Can Get Help Finding Treatment.

You don’t need to go through the process of searching for and choosing a rehab option alone. All of your needs for treatment should be taken into account when you are choosing a rehab center as well as your insurance plan, your financial situation, and the severity of your condition. Let us help you find the right option for your needs by calling 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) today.