Northbound Treatment Services is committed to helping those struggling with an addiction to opiates get a new start on a healthier, sober life.
What are Opiates?
Technically speaking, opiates are drugs derived from the poppy plant, known for their ability to dull pain. These naturally-derived drugs include morphine, codeine and opium. Colloquially, the term “opiate” is often used to describe similar man-made medications known scientifically as “opioids”. Powerful pain-relievers (and also powerfully addictive), these synthesized narcotics include Demerol, Vicodin, Methadone, Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Darvon and Dilaudid.
The Road to (and Effects of) Addiction
There is a good reason that medical use of opiates takes place under the careful supervision of a doctor. Because the body can develop a tolerance for opiates, it is easy to fall into the trap of taking larger or more frequent doses in search of the same level of relief. From there, it is a short trip to opiate addiction, and users may find themselves with a chemical dependency on the prescription before they even realize what has happened. Once this level of dependency has been reached, getting more of the drug becomes a fixation for the addict, who may even engage in “doctor shopping,” or going to multiple health professionals complaining of pain, in order to fuel the opiate addiction.
Though the effects of the opiate abuse can vary based on the particular drug, users usually vary between periods of drowsiness and alertness, even “nodding off” on occasion. Because opiates depress breathing, interactions with other substances and overdoses can have fatal consequences, and may shut down breathing altogether. Opiate abuse can cause lung and heart problems as well as skin abscesses.
Treatment for Opiate Addiction
The first step for those who come to Northbound with an opiate addiction is often detoxification and stabilization. Withdrawal from opiates can be difficult, and our oneEighty detox program offers a safe and comfortable environment where clients receive round-the-clock medical supervision. We understand that every client who enters Northbound is different, and so we provide a customized treatment plan that takes into account his or her individual needs, adjusting as necessary as the program progresses.
Our holistic approach to treatment ensures that clients have access to the full continuum of care. A variety of programs, from single-gender CORE programs to our Christian LINKS program, attend to the client’s physical, mental and spiritual needs. At Northbound, we want to be there with you to celebrate your first year of sobriety, and provide the transitional support and aftercare program that will help ensure an effective reintegration into everyday life. From teaching life skills and coping mechanisms to providing special counseling for family and loved ones, Northbound’s opiate addiction rehab program in Orange County is committed to helping those struggling with an opiate addiction get a new start on a healthier, sober life.
Get Opiate Addiction Treatment at Northbound
Northbound provides the fully integrated treatment that clients need to overcome opiate addiction and co-occurring disorders. A team of providers works with clients one-on-one and in group settings to address substance use and mental health challenges that impact recovery. Clients receive the personalized care and treatment they need to make positive changes in their lives, reduce risk for relapse, and learn how to truly thrive in recovery.
