Covington Opioid Addiction Treatment Center

Opioid Addiction Treatment Center in Covington, LA

An opiate, or opioids as a plural, is a class of drugs including prescription pain relievers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine, as well as the illegal drug heroin and more. All opiates are derived from opium, which is a chemical that naturally occurs within poppy seeds and similar plants.

Opiates are typically prescribed for treating mild to severe pain in patients and may also be referred to as “opioid painkillers.” Due to their intensely calming nature, opiate abuse is common among individuals prescribed these drugs. Those that are addicted to opiates often require detox and treatment.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to opioids, Longbranch Recovery and Wellness Center can help. We offer personalized, evidence-based recovery plans for those who are ready to begin the journey to recovery.

How Do People Develop an Opiate Addiction?

Opiate addiction is one of the most common substance addictions in the United States. This is due to the fact that many adults have opiates in their homes. Anyone who has chronic pain or has undergone surgery probably received prescription opiates, also known as painkillers. These substances, although legal, can be highly addictive.

This is especially true for people with chronic pain. Long-term opiate use often leads to dependency, which leads to addiction. The only way for people to combat the effects of opiate addiction is with the help of an opiate addiction treatment center. Otherwise, they run the risk of relying on opiates and moving onto illicit substances that produce similar effects, such as heroin.

Why Are Opiates So Addictive?

Opiates cause changes to the brain that lead to a surge of euphoria, followed by extreme relaxation. They do this by occupying opioid receptors in your brain. When you use these drugs, they also cause your body to release dopamine, which is a “feel good” hormone. People who use them long-term eventually stop releasing dopamine naturally. This is why people who suddenly stop using opiates experience uncomfortable and sometimes painful withdrawal symptoms.

Signs of Opiate Abuse

If someone in your life has an opiate addiction, the following signs may appear:

  • Needing more of the substance to get the same effects (tolerance)
  • Increases sensitivity to sights and sounds
  • Erratic mood shifts and personality changes
  • Withdrawal from family, friends, and activities
  • Neglecting responsibilities at work and home
  • More time spent using and recovering from the effects of the substance
  • Doctor “shopping” to get more prescriptions
  • Extreme weight loss and signs of malnutrition
  • Withdrawal symptoms and cravings when substance use ends

The Risks of Opioid Use Disorder

Opioids are designed to reduce pain. In most cases, they are prescribed to patients after surgery, a painful injury, or an accident. Those that have experienced a traumatic injury that led to chronic pain are the most at risk of becoming addicted to opiates. 

While the pain-relieving aspects of opiates can be viewed as a modern miracle, they come with several additional side effects that can be harmful to users after long-term use, such as:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Slower respiratory rate
  • Drowsiness and confusion
  • Lower body temperature
  • Memory lapses

Long-Term Side Effects of Opioid Abuse

Over the long term, the effects of opiate use can be devastating on both the mind and body. Because drugs tend to suppress appetite, they can lead to weight loss and even malnutrition. Chronic opioid use has been linked to the development of depression and other mood disorders. Some studies also suggest street opiates, like heroin, may damage the white matter in the brain, which may be a permanent effect even after the drug use ends. This is particularly concerning considering the fact that many people that start out abusing prescribed medication containing opioids may turn to heroin later on because the street drug is cheaper and easier to get.

These uncomfortable effects of opioid abuse are just the beginning. One of the most dangerous aspects of opiate use is that it leads to heroin use, which is incredibly dangerous and addictive. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid abuse, contact Longbranch Recovery and Wellness Center in St. Tammany Parish right away. We’ve helped countless individuals recover from opiate addiction at our quaint facility in Covington, LA.

Benefits of an Opiate Rehab Program

Our opiate rehab program offers several benefits for those seeking treatment for addiction. One of the main benefits is that it provides a safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss their struggles and experiences with addiction without fear of judgment or discrimination. 

Additionally, our treatment program offers a sense of camaraderie and support from others who are going through similar experiences, which can be particularly helpful during the recovery process. Treatment can also focus on traditional gender roles and expectations, as well as tailored treatment approaches and therapies designed specifically for those with opiate addiction. 

Get Help for Opioid Addiction at Our Covington, Louisiana Opiate Recovery Center

At Longbranch Recovery and Wellness Center, we specialize in opioid and opiate addiction treatment programs. Our team creates custom substance abuse treatment options based on the substances being used, the physical and mental health issues that may have resulted from addiction, and other personal contexts. 

Our goal is to help you achieve long-term sobriety and rebuild your life in a healthy way. We offer a range of evidence-based therapies, support groups, and other resources to treat and support people in their recovery journey.

Call us today to discuss starting your journey of recovery.