Treatment Options for Opioid Addiction
The National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA, estimates that about 2.1 million individuals in the U.S. were abusing prescription opioids last 2016. However, only 17.5% of these individuals received treatment that same year. There are, however, many different treatment options that can be used for treating opioid dependence, including cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT, counseling, and medications. Generally speaking, healthcare professionals will recommend a combination of various therapies called the MAT or medication-assisted therapy.
Medicines for Treating Opioid Addiction
Buprenorphine and methadone, administered correctly, are drugs capable of reducing withdrawal cravings and symptoms. Buprenorphine is known as a partial antagonist, while methadone is a known antagonist, which means that they affect the same areas of the brain like certain opioids do, but won’t make cause a high. In addition, naltrexone, a newer medicine for treating opioid dependence. It works by blocking opioids when it attaches to an opioid receptor without stimulating it.
CBT as an Opioid Addiction Treatment
CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy is basically talk therapy or psychotherapy used for treating various disorders, including depression, insomnia, and anxiety. It can help those with opioid dependence by helping them identify and stop negative behaviors, and thinking patterns cause them to use opioids. This therapy is based on the principle that when an individual develops a negative behavior like misuse of opioids, learning plays an incredibly vital role. Put simply, when you seek help from a CBT therapist in Westport, Connecticut, you will learn how to recognize negative behaviors that result in problematic behaviors so that you can develop strategies to cope with them more effectively.
Counseling as a Treatment for Opioid Dependence
Counseling, whether individual, family, or group sessions could be very beneficial during opioid dependence treatment. Individual counseling usually involves goal setting, working through setbacks, and rejoicing in small victories. Aside from CBT, counseling usually involves motivation enhancement therapy to help build confidence and motivation in the individual undergoing treatment and help him or her stick to the treatment plan. With group counseling, you will undergo therapy with others also struggling with opioid addiction so you won’t feel so alone and learn strategies that will help you manage your addiction from others on the same boat as you. In addition, family counseling could help you improve your relationship with your family by making them part of your therapy.
Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) for Opioid Dependence
This is the most commonly recommended treatment approach for those suffering from opioid addiction and involves medications, counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy. This multifaceted approach could boost the chances of successful and continued recovery.
If you have a loved one suffering from opioid addiction, it is immensely crucial to know that with the right treatment plan, you can help your loved defeat addiction. When looking through treatment options, keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for opioid dependence and that long-term and consistent follow-ups are necessary for preventing a relapse. With that said, research all available treatment options to determine the safest way to help your loved one defeat opioid addiction.
