When looking for an opioid treatment center in Austin, Texas, you should primarily focus on its distance from your home or work, the type of programs offered, whether they take your insurance, their post-recovery help, and whether they treat co-occurring mental illnesses or not.
Over the past few years, Austin has had one of the highest drug overdose rates in Texas with a 75% increase since 2020.1 This has put a strain on its addiction treatment centers, especially those that handle opioid addictions.
However, not all opioid addiction treatment centers in Austin are the same. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, Nurture Nexus Recovery’s professional addiction treatments can help. We’re just a call away!
5 Things Your Opioid Treatment Center in Austin Should Have
Finding the right treatment center for your opioid addiction treatment is almost as important as making the decision to get sober. Here are five important aspects to look for when finalizing your list of opioid treatment options in Austin, Texas:
1. Proximity to Your Home, Work, or School
Studies have shown that the closer your treatment center is to where you live, the greater your chances are of following through with treatment.2 Not only would you be free from extensive travel, but having friends and family to support you can hasten the recovery process.
2. Flexible Timings and Treatment Plans
Although drug addiction can put a pause on your life and well-being, recovery doesn’t have to come at the cost of work, school, or family. Many treatment centers offer flexible timings for programs, including options to take sessions in the evening or on the weekends.3
3. Insurance or Co-Payment Options
The cost of addiction treatment in Austin can vary based on the severity of the addiction and what it demands, as well as the treatment center you visit. Consider asking your treatment centers of choice about insurance and co-pay options. Not only does this make it easier for you to afford addiction treatment financially, but it also saves you from having to stop your treatment mid-way.
4. Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Studies show people with opioid addiction tend to have a co-occurring mental health disorder that is often ignored when providing treatment.4 You need to check if the facilities you’ve shortlisted provide co-occurring disorder treatment so your addictive behavior can be corrected alongside the potential symptoms of your mental illness.
5. Post Recovery Resources
Recovery doesn’t end with your treatment program. Instead, it’s a lifelong process that requires you to use the skills you used during addiction treatment and apply them to your everyday life. Good opioid treatment centers offer you post-recovery resources to help you stay on track and prevent relapse.
Types of Medication Used For Opioid Addiction Treatment
Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are three FDA-approved medication options for opioid addiction treatment. These medications interact with the body’s κ- and σ-opioid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system.5
The medications ensure that there aren’t any available receptors for opioid substances to bind to, encouraging a detox from drugs and managing withdrawal symptoms at the same time. Although they achieve the same result, there are a few differences between the two:
Suboxone
Suboxone is a combination of both buprenorphine and naltrexone. Its main component, buprenorphine, is a partial opioid agonist.6 This means it binds to the body’s opioid receptors but only partially engages with them to produce a weaker effect or high.7
A naltrexone component in the medication prevents it from being abused, as taking it orally will help reduce withdrawal symptoms, but snorting it causes an intense withdrawal. This helps patients stick to their prescription routine without relapsing on the suboxone itself.
Methadone
Methadone, on the other hand, is a complete opioid agonist. Unlike its counterpart, it is used for more extreme cases of opioid addiction. The medication reduces the pain felt during withdrawal and can limit the euphoric effects of opiate drugs.
However, methadone can have severe side effects8, such as:
- Tremors
- Irregular heartbeat
- Psychosis
- Hives or rashes
- Shallow breathing
It also has a greater potential for abuse, which is why it is mainly administered in a clinic under medical supervision.
Expert Opinion on Medication for Opioid Addiction Treatment:
“Opioid addiction treatment helps provide extensive care to patients who may suffer from painful withdrawal symptoms during recovery. It also gives them a structured approach towards recovery that reduces the risk of abusing medication and getting better in the long run. The FDA-approved medications for opioid addiction treatment are one of the most effective treatment methods. Recent changes in state and federal laws have made it easier for clinics to provide Suboxone treatment and make it accessible for more people.”
-Dr. Taiye Popoola
Types of Opioid Treatment Plans in Austin To Choose From
Opioid addiction treatment can be more intense than treatment for other types of addiction, but it also comes with a certain amount of flexibility. Most opioid treatment centers in Austin offer the following treatment options based on your availability and living conditions:
Inpatient Treatment Program
If you lack the proper environment to fully recover from an opioid addiction or need constant supervision, an inpatient treatment program is a good fit for you. It provides an intense, structured approach to recovery while ensuring you aren’t subjected to any external factors that can cause relapse.
Outpatient Treatment Program
For those who have stable living conditions and a relatively mild case of opioid addiction, outpatient treatment programs can help you balance recovery with work or school. It offers regular sessions of a few hours, 1-3 days a week.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program
Intensive outpatient programs are more suited to cases of addiction that require a structured approach. IOPs often combine individual therapy, group sessions, and medication-assisted treatment when necessary to ensure patients remain engaged in their recovery journey.
Partial Hospitalization Program
This option is a bridge between inpatient and outpatient care. Patients attend treatment at a clinic or hospital for most of the day, five to six days a week, but return home at night. PHPs are a good option if you need structured care but have a safe and supportive home environment.
Opioid Addiction Treatment Timeline
Successful opioid addiction treatment consists of a series of stages, such as:
1. Detox (1-2 Weeks)
The initial stage of treatment often begins with detoxification, where the body clears out opioids. You may experience withdrawal symptoms during this stage, such as nausea, anxiety, muscle pain, or insomnia. Some programs offer medications to help with the withdrawal and make it easier for you.9
2. Early Treatment (1 Month)
After the initial treatment, patients enter structured therapy programs, such as inpatient or intensive outpatient care in Austin. They learn important coping mechanisms, relapse prevention skills, and how to reduce addictive behavior.10 Many individuals also start attending group therapy or support groups during this phase and opt for medication-assisted treatment.
3. Ongoing Treatment (1-3 Months)
Continued IOP in Austin consists of patients who have shown potential for recovery choosing less structured approaches. They now focus on living a healthy life free from drug use, repairing relations with their loved ones, and learn financial responsibility. Most people tend to relapse during this period, but treatment programs already take that into consideration and help them get back on track.
4. Long Term Recovery (Up to 6 Months)
In severe cases, patients may need to continue therapy for up to 6 months to improve their chances of living a sober life.11 Many Austin treatment centers provide alumni programs, peer mentoring, and community resources to help prevent relapse.
Learn When To Get Help For Opioid Addiction
As with many addictions, opioid addiction is often best treated when you take timely action. Waiting to get help may lead to severe health risks, including overdose. Some signs that you need help for your opioid addiction12 include:
- Using opioids frequently or in higher doses than prescribed
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you are not using
- Issues with maintaining work, school, and personal relations
- Using your available funds to buy opioid drugs
- Being unable to quit using opioids even when you want to
Discover Austin’s Best Opioid Addiction Treatment Provider
Not every treatment center will be the right fit, but finding one that understands your unique situation can significantly enhance your chances of a successful recovery. Nurture Nexus Recovery Center offers professional opioid addiction treatment in Austin, Texas.
Our treatment programs are fully insured, and we accept a number of insurances, including Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Multiplan, Medicaid, and more. Call us at (214) 838-7488 or reach out to us online to book an appointment!
FAQs — Opioid Treatment in Austin, Texas
What Is an Opioid Use Disorder?
Opioid use disorder is categorized as the chronic use of opioids that causes clinical distress, significant health issues, and stops a person from being able to fulfill their personal, professional, and social responsibilities.
Does Texas Have an Opioid Crisis?
Yes, Texas is one of the states with the highest use of opioids in the U.S. This has caused many to believe that the state is currently going through an opioid crisis.
What Are the 5 A’s of Opioid Therapy?
As opioids are also used for medical practice, the 5As of opioid therapy are in place to ensure the proper use of these medicines. They are:
- Analgesia – the ability of an opioid to reduce and manage pain
- Activity – to what extent does he opioid impair the patient’s activity levels
- Adverse Effects – any side effects that can occur due to the treatment
- Affect – the positive or negative effects on a patient’s mood
- Aberrant Behaviors – monitoring for any signs of abuse or misuse of the drug
How Many People Recover From Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction can often be fatal, and when it’s not, it leads to constant relapse for many patients. Only a fraction of the people who opt for opioid addiction treatment make a full recovery, but starting early can improve your chances.
Additional Resources
- Finding the Best Addiction Treatment Programs Near Me: A Comprehensive Guide
- How to Treat Drug Addiction: Methods, Support, and Relapse Prevention
- How To Find a Suboxone® Doctor Near Me? 5 Things To Look For
- Finding a Suboxone Clinic Near Me: 7 Things to Look For
- How Long Does Suboxone® Stay in Your System?
