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Opioid Addiction

Comprehensive Care for Addiction Recovery

We understand the profound impact opiate addiction can have on your life. Our dedicated team is here to support you with innovative, evidence-based treatment programs tailored to your unique needs.
Understanding Opioid Addiction and Treatment

We focus on holistic recovery, addressing not just the physical aspects of addiction, but also the emotional and mental challenges.

Explore our comprehensive resources and personalized care options to embark on a journey towards lasting recovery and a brighter future. Your path to a healthier, more fulfilling life starts with us.

Understanding Opioid Addiction

Did you know?

Opioids are naturally occurring substances derived from the opium poppy and have been used for medical purposes for over 6,000 years. They are known for their ability to relieve pain and suffering and have other medicinal uses. However, opioids also deliver pleasure and relief from anxiety, leading to a long history of recreational use.

Pharmacology: Chemical Characteristics

Raw opium contains about 10% morphine by weight and a smaller amount of codeine. Heroin, which is derived from morphine, can pass through the blood-brain barrier faster due to added acetyl groups, making it more potent than morphine. Researchers have developed various prescription painkillers while trying to separate the pain-relieving effects of opioids from their dependence-producing effects.

Types of Opioids and Their Strengths

Current Patterns of Abuse

Prescription Narcotic Analgesics

Medical Uses of Opioids

Misconceptions and Preconceptions

The Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

Opioid Addiction Symptoms

Dependence Potential

Withdrawal Syndrome Symptoms

Toxicity Potential

What are the Risk Factors?

Depending on the type of opiate, the amount used, frequency, strength and half-life of that drug, along with the route of ingestion, this all affect the drugs safety and subsequent withdrawal effects upon cessation of that drug use.

Prescription, opiates, Fentanyl and Heroin are the most abused. Fentanyl is exceptionally dangerous, where a single use may be fatal. Heroin is frequently associated with needle use along with Hepatitis C and HIV / Aids. This occurs mostly from needle sharing and or unsafe sex.

Tolerance and addiction to the drug can occur quickly, repeated use results in decreased effect, leading folks to use more with potentially dangerous results. Various physiological effects occur including changes in body temperature and intestinal motility (contractions, constipation). Decreases in heart and respiration rate may occur, which could lead to an overdose and death.

Withdrawal is difficult. Leading to a long lasting ’intestinal flu’ combining nausea, vomiting with diarrhea, aches, pains and a general sense of misery. Rarely life threatening, but most unpleasant. In-patient detox or opioid replacement therapy is strongly suggested to manage withdrawal.

What is the Treatment?

Opioid Recovery

There are several effective treatments for opiate dependence, often tailored to the individual’s needs. These treatments can be used individually or in combination, depending on the person’s needs. 

Here are some common types of treatment:

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

Medication Management

Narcan

Lifestyle and Self-Care

Support Groups

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Hospitalization and Intensive Treatment

Medical Detoxification:

Medical detoxification may be necessary. Desert Star coordinates with a number of Detox facilities and hospitals as deemed clinically necessary. If referred to medical detox their medical team will monitor you for medical stability and safety until you are medically cleared. Their discharge team will then coordinate with Desert Star for admission to the program. The team at Desert Star will coordinate throughout your detoxification process.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP):

An intensive outpatient program that provides structured treatment for up to six hours during the day up to five days per week.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP):

An intensive outpatient program that provides structured treatment for up to three hours during the day up to four days per week.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Opiate dependance please know that there is help available. At Desert Star Addiction Recovery Center, we’re here to support you. We offer personalized care to help you live a life in long term recovery. Our personalized treatment includes supportive and structured group therapy three to four times a week, individual therapy sessions, access to medication management and case management. No matter what you are feeling right now there is hope! With treatment you can learn the tools need to navigate your life in Long Term Recovery.

This is your journey
and we are here to help you every step of the way.

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Journey Today!

Get the help you need without putting your outside commitments on hold! We individualize treatment for every client and can combine groups from different programs to suit your unique needs. We offer varying levels of structure and support, from partial hospitalization to intensive outpatient to once-weekly outpatient groups.

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