What is opioid abuse treatment?

Opioid abuse treatment uses a combination of patient education, medication, and counseling to reduce opioid cravings and help you maintain your sobriety.

Many people start taking opioids to relieve pain caused by an accident, injury, or underlying medical condition. Though effective, these drugs are also highly addictive. Without the supervision of a qualified medical professional, it’s easy to become dependent.

If you use opioids and it’s interfering with your relationships, job, or well-being, contact the team at AIM Behavioral Health immediately.

Who should consider opioid abuse treatment?

Consider opioid abuse treatment if you use prescription opioids or heroin and experience any of the following symptoms:

• Increased tolerance to the drug
• Inability to reduce or stop usage
• Withdrawal symptoms when you stop
• Spending excess money on drugs

You might also benefit from opioid abuse treatment if you’ve started committing crimes to pay for your drugs.

What causes opioid abuse?

Opioids are a class of highly addictive drugs. When you take these medications, they cause chemical changes in your brain that result in pleasurable feelings. The more you consume opioids, the more you need to obtain the same “high.” Over time, you use more and more, resulting in physical dependence.

What happens during an opioid abuse treatment visit?

At AIM Behavioral Health, an opioid abuse treatment visit begins with a substance use evaluation. Your provider will learn about your drug use, including the type of opioids you consume, how often, and if you’re experiencing any medical conditions as a result.

Your provider orders lab tests, including blood work and urinalysis, both of which are provided at the office for convenience. After determining the severity of your addiction, the team makes treatment recommendations.

What does opioid abuse treatment involve?

At AIM Behavioral Health, the team offers a wide range of treatments for opioid abuse. They might recommend:

• Case management
• Counseling
• Routine doctor’s visits
• A referral to a rehab facility
• Outpatient treatment
• Medication-assisted treatment

Since opioid addiction affects multiple aspects of your life, the team typically combines several types of treatment. For example, prescription medication can reduce cravings, while counseling can teach you coping skills to help manage compulsive thoughts and maintain your sobriety.

To explore the benefits of opioid abuse treatment, make an appointment at AIM Behavioral Health by calling the office or booking online today.