According to the Texas Health & Human Services, the number of drug-poisoning related deaths in Texas has grown by 75% since 2017.1 A large majority of these deaths are due to opioids like oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, codeine, and buprenorphine. Whether used in medicine or illicit forms, Texas is facing an opioid epidemic that needs attention.
The first line of defense against opioid addiction is treatment as soon as an addictive behavior is noticed. Although opioid addiction and withdrawal have high mortality rates, a good opioid treatment center will help you overcome addiction, prevent relapse, and prepare for life after treatment.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction in Arlington, Texas, Nurture Nexus Recovery Center offers professional opioid addiction treatment programs that can help!
5 Things Your Opioid Treatment Center in Arlington Should Have
When choosing the best opioid addiction centers near you, it is important to know what to look for. Almost every professional treatment center will have a certified staff, various programs, and insurance options.
For a more thorough search, consider looking for:
1. Flexible Treatment Schedule
A good opioid treatment center understands this and offers flexible programs that fit around your daily responsibilities. Whether you have a full-time job, classes, or family obligations, flexibility ensures that recovery doesn’t come at the expense of stability.2
2. Different Medication Options
Not everyone reacts well to the standard medications used for opioid addiction treatment. Some may be at risk of abusing opioid agonists, while others may have mental health conditions that hinder their ability to take daily doses. An ideal opioid addiction treatment center would offer a variety of medications in film, tablet, and injection forms to suit the patient’s needs.3
3. Relapse-Prevention Lessons
Since opioid addiction has a considerably high relapse rate, treating addictive behavior isn’t enough. An opioid addiction treatment program must incorporate relapse prevention techniques and coping mechanisms to ensure the patients maintain sobriety even after their program ends.4
4. Dual Diagnosis Inclusivity
Studies show that a co-occurring disorder, such as a mental health issue or some other form of substance abuse, often accompanies opioid addiction. Professional addiction treatment centers should be equipped to handle dual diagnosis cases and provide relief from both the addiction and symptoms of accompanying medical issues.5
5. Resources for Intervention
When it comes to high-risk addictions such as opioid addiction, drug intervention is an essential service most people need.6 A drug interventionist near you could help you understand why you need treatment and ensure you are willing and motivated to go through with your opioid addiction treatment program.
How Opioid Addiction is Treated in Arlington, Texas
There is no universal treatment for opioid addiction that will guarantee successful recovery for every patient. Opioid addiction tends to impact the behavior, mental, and physical health of an individual, often resulting in a high-risk case.
While some drug rehab centers may focus on using FDA-approved medication to reduce the body’s dependence on the drug and ensure they are no longer addicted, it is equally important to understand the root of addiction.
According to studies, the best approach to opioid addiction treatment consists of:
Medication-Assisted Treatment
The go-to approach for many treatment centers is to use opioid agonists such as Buprenorphine and Methadone to bind to the brain’s opioid receptors and prevent the patient from getting high using illicit opioids.7 These medications prevent the sudden onset of opioid withdrawal and allow the body to slowly reduce its dependence on the drug.
Methadone
Methadone has been used for decades to treat opioid addiction. It works by activating the same receptors as other opioids, but in a controlled, medical setting, which prevents withdrawal symptoms and cravings.8 When taken under supervision, it helps patients regain control of their lives and build toward stability.
Suboxone
Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. It helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same “high” that opioids do. This medication allows patients to transition into recovery more comfortably while lowering the risk of misuse.9
Psychotherapy Approaches
Along with medication, psychotherapy approaches tend to help identify why a patient is inclined towards addictive behavior and equip them with the coping mechanisms and life skills needed to avoid addiction in the future.10
Psychotherapy approaches in addiction treatment centers often include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Family therapy
- Addiction counselling
Expert Opinion on Medication for Opioid Addiction Treatment:
“Opioid addiction treatment offers patients comprehensive care, especially during the difficult stage of withdrawal. It provides a structured path to recovery that lowers the risk of relapse while supporting long-term healing. Among the most effective approaches are FDA-approved medications, which have been proven to improve outcomes. With recent changes in state and federal laws, access to Suboxone treatment has expanded, allowing more clinics to provide this vital service and more individuals to receive the help they need.”
-Dr. Oluwole Popoola
Telehealth Vs. Regular Opioid Addiction Treatment Near You
Before COVID-19, opioid addiction treatment was largely carried out through face-to–face in-person treatment sessions.11 The patient would sign up for opioid addiction treatment, receive a personalized treatment schedule, and go to the clinic for their daily sessions and purchase medication either at a pharmacy or the clinic itself.
However, with the introduction of telehealth, Texas was one of the first states to apply this new modality to addiction treatment. Now, many opioid treatment centers offer you the option of telehealth programs that let you attend treatment sessions from the comfort of your home.12
Plus, these programs also deliver your medication to your doorstep with innovative options of monthly injections, such as Sublocade and Brixadi. If you are someone who is struggling to manage work or studies with addiction treatment, telehealth options may provide you with the flexibility you’re looking for.
What is the Opioid Addiction Treatment Timeline?
Since opioid addiction tends to be severe and difficult to treat successfully, its treatment can last anywhere between 1 and 3 months on average. The timeline consists of the following stages:
1. Detox (1-2 Weeks)
Detoxing from opioids is essential and tricky, as leaving the drugs altogether can cause a sudden onset of withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal syndrome is known to be fatal in severe cases and is a medical emergency for most patients.13 An addiction treatment center can help you manage that withdrawal through medication and medical monitoring.
2. Early Treatment (1 Month)
Early treatment for opioid addiction consists of managing withdrawal symptoms that may linger after detox, reducing the body’s dependency on the drug through medication, and providing support to the patient.14 Treatment during this stage can be outpatient, intensive outpatient, or partial hospitalization, depending on the severity of the addiction.
3. Ongoing Treatment (1-3 Months)
By this stage, the patient should have successfully recovered from the opioid addiction. In most cases, their body goes back to how it was before the addiction, and their cravings are at a minimum. This time period focuses on group therapy, behavioral therapy, and teaching coping skills to prepare them for life after recovery.
4. Long Term Recovery (Up to 6 Months)
For severe cases of opioid addiction, recovery can take up to six months to ensure proper addiction treatment and relapse prevention. These cases often highlight the risks of opioid addiction and how persistent it can be.
NNRC is Arlington’s Best Opioid Addiction Treatment Provider
Opioid addiction treatment can vary based on which rehab center you go to, but finding the right treatment can significantly enhance your chances of a successful recovery. Nurture Nexus Recovery Center offers professional opioid addiction treatment in Arlington, Texas.
We offer fully-insured treatment options and drug interventions to help you make the right choice just in time. Call us at (214) 838-7488 or reach out to us online to book an appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Do People Relapse During Opioid Addiction Treatment?
Relapse is fairly common during opioid addiction treatment since opiates create a long-term dependency on the body and are hard to remove from the system.
Is It Common to See Dual Diagnosis Cases in Opioid Addiction?
Yes, co-occurring diagnoses are common in opioid addiction cases as the patient may also show personality disorders to addiction to other substances.
What Are the Five As of Opioid Therapy?
When used in medicine, the five As of opioid therapy ensure that the treatment involving opioids doesn’t turn into a substance abuse problem in the future. 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
What is 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.
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?
