People from all walks of life use opioids here in Atlanta and around the country. Americans are currently living through an opiate and opioid crisis. While many people worry about the dangers of heroin and fentanyl, prescription opioids are equally addictive and often lead to the use of illegal opioids when people’s prescriptions run out. Opioids are incredibly difficult to stop taking without medical and psychiatric support. However, opioid addiction treatment programs are the safest, most effective way to overcome opioid use and stay on the right track.

If you or someone you love is interested in opioid addiction treatment in Atlanta, Atlanta Detox Center can help. Our team provides comprehensive opioid addiction treatment to the Atlanta community and beyond. Contact us online or call us at 470-450-2355 to learn more about how to get started in an opioid addiction treatment program at Atlanta Detox Center.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are synthetic or semi-synthetic versions of opiates. Opiates are a type of drug made from the opium poppy. People have used the opium poppy for centuries to relieve pain and provide a euphoric high. Natural opiates like morphine, opium, and codeine are often converted into synthetic or semi-synthetic opioids like heroin, OxyContin, fentanyl, and Vicodin.

Both opiates and opioids block pain receptors in the brain and release high levels of dopamine, also known as the pleasure chemical. This causes euphoria, hallucinations, and delusions. While some opioids are slow-release tablets, someone who uses heroin regularly needs to take the drug every six to twelve hours to prevent withdrawal.

Like other drugs, opioid withdrawal occurs when the brain and body become dependent on opioids. Often called “dope sickness,” opioid withdrawal is especially difficult to endure.

Understanding Opioid Addiction and Withdrawal

Dope sickness can cause many people to act irrationally and become a danger to themselves or others. During withdrawal, the brain believes it cannot survive without more opioids, which is a normal reaction. Long-term opioid use changes a person’s brain, making it even more challenging to quit using opioids.

Signs of opioid addiction include:

  • Mood swings
  • Nightmares
  • Insomnia
  • Profuse sweating
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Confusion
  • Paranoia

For many people, opioid addiction stems from the treatment of physical or emotional pain. Those living with chronic pain may have prescriptions for Vicodin or OxyContin. Unfortunately, even when taken as prescribed, opioids are highly addictive. When taken frequently, the body builds up a tolerance to opioid medications. This means a person needs a higher dose to experience the same level of pain relief or euphoria.

A tolerance also increases the likelihood of overdose and opioid-related deaths. While many people worry about heroin addiction and overdose, street fentanyl is stronger than heroin and easier to get. Both can lead to overdose and death. When a person experiences an opioid overdose, they become incapacitated and cannot seek help.

Many people may self-medicate with opioids to numb emotional pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic stress, and undiagnosed mood disorders. A dual diagnosis program can help people understand and treat their mental health alongside opioid recovery.

Our Comprehensive Opioid Addiction Treatment in Atlanta

Our team at Atlanta Detox Center provides compassionate and comprehensive opioid addiction treatment in Atlanta. We pair dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with medication-assisted detox for safe, evidence-based recovery. Through aftercare planning and alumni programs, clients receive long-term support with an emphasis on stress management. Our trauma-informed team is ready to help you and your loved ones recover from opioids and other substance use disorders in Atlanta, Georgia.

Begin Inpatient Opioid Rehab Today at Atlanta Detox Center

An opioid rehab center in Atlanta can give people the tools and support they need to begin their recovery from addiction. If you or someone you care about might benefit from an opioid addiction treatment center in Atlanta, contact Atlanta Detox Center online or call us at 470-450-2355. We are standing by to provide more information about our opioid addiction treatment in Atlanta, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today.

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