Opiate Rehab

Studies have shown an increase in opiate addiction. What we see most commonly is the use of oxycodone in the form of Oxycontin and Roxicet. In the vulnerable individual, opiates create a state of euphoria–the “high”, which then leads to positive reinforcement. Within a relatively short period of time, the individual becomes preoccupied with the acquisition of more and more, no matter how severe the consequences. The brain of this individual changes in such a way those other aspects of daily functioning become meaningless. Jobs, school, friends, family no longer matter. Obtaining and using more opiates becomes the sole reason for existence.

The individual who has become dependent upon synthetic opiates (opioids) has disrupted this natural opiate system. If he/she abruptly stops using opioids, the brain responds in an adverse way because it has come to depend upon the higher concentrations than what is normally present. This response is the withdrawal state typically characterized by craving for opiates, nausea, muscle cramps, excessive sweating, joint aches, anxiety, insomnia, and diarrhea.

Detoxification is the process of helping the brain to gradually accommodate to decreasing concentrations of the substance with the goal to return to the substance-free state without any further experience of withdrawal symptoms. This can be achieved by replacing the “street” opiates with prescribed opiates which can be administered in a controlled manner, allowing for a gradual reduction determined by the individual’s response.

We have learned by experience and research that not all individuals are alike in either their natural opiate systems or in how their brains have been affected by their drug use. We know that abused opiates change the brain significantly. These changes are reversible in those people who subsequently do well off of opiates. In other words, the changed brain needs ongoing opiate treatment just to function normally. So far, the research is suggesting that this need continues for a long time (months to years) in some people and probably indefinitely in others. How do we know when this is? The behavioral expressions of brain function include one’s work, play, and relationships. In other words, when someone is functioning well in a work environment, taking responsibility for oneself, establishing a healthy recovery environment and healthy relationships, this is an indication that the brain is functioning as well as it can. The goal of rehabilitation is to enable the individual suffering from addiction to reach a healthy level of psychosocial functioning.