Opioid addiction is a chronic condition that can result in severe consequences. Overcoming opioid addiction can require professional treatment and long-term support. Although it may take time and several relapses, recovery is possible, and many go on to have meaningful and fulfilling lives without the ongoing impact of addiction.
- Opioid addiction can lead to overdose, mental and physical health issues, and impairments in social and professional functioning.
- Recovery from opioid addiction is possible and may require a range of treatments to manage physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects.
- Treatments can include supported withdrawal, maintenance medications, therapies, holistic approaches, rehabilitation, and support groups.
Understanding opioid addiction recovery
Opioid addiction, clinically referred to as opioid use disorder (OUD), affects millions of Americans. OUD can include illicit opioids, such as heroin, and prescription opioids, such as oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin).Â
Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that 3.7% of US adults (9,367,000 people) required OUD treatment in 2022, although only around half of these people received treatment, and only a quarter received necessary medications. [1]
Recovering from OUD is possible, although it can be a lengthy process and typically requires comprehensive treatment and support. Opioid addiction can have significant impacts on all areas of life, including relationships, physical and mental health, housing, safety, and employment.Â
The goal of OUD treatment is to help the individual improve their functioning and well-being, with support for long-term and maintained recovery. [2]
Getting help for opioid use disorder
There are several options available for people requiring help with opioid use disorder. Appropriate treatment can vary depending on the individual, their specific needs, and the severity of their dependence and addiction.
A primary care physician can provide guidance on available options and make a referral to the appropriate services.
Treatment options
Some of the available treatment options for people with opioid use disorder include: [2][3][4][5]
- Supported detox and discontinuation: Opioid withdrawal can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening symptoms. Replacement medications such as methadone or buprenorphine are often utilized during withdrawal. These opioids carry a lower risk of harm and misuse and help reduce withdrawal symptoms. Other medications might also be used to help manage specific symptoms, such as loperamide, promethazine, and non-opioid pain relief.
- Maintenance medications: Following detox, ongoing treatment will likely involve maintenance medication. Methadone and buprenorphine can be continued after detox as a maintenance treatment, or naltrexone, which can only be commenced after 7-10 days of opioid abstinence. These medications help prevent relapse and improve recovery success.
- Therapy: Different types of therapy can be utilized in OUD treatment, which can help the individual overcome emotional distress and trauma that has contributed to their substance use, recognize and adapt addictive behaviors, and support long-term recovery goals. Most commonly, behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are utilized in substance use disorder treatment.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation can be provided through outpatient or inpatient services, and will involve a range of treatment approaches to help the individual overcome their addiction and the associated thoughts and behaviors. These services can be provided for several weeks, months, or years to help support the individual during their recovery. Often, these services will include aftercare options and relapse planning to help maintain abstinence and recovery.
Achieving long-term recovery
Professional treatments can help reduce the physical and psychological effects of addiction and teach positive coping strategies, providing a good basis for long-term recovery. However, it is often necessary for individuals to continue utilizing treatments and support options long-term to have the best chances of sustained abstinence. [6]
- Continuing treatment: Medications and therapeutic interventions that were implemented during initial treatment can be continued long-term. These treatments can continue the development of positive behaviors and coping strategies, prevent relapse, and provide emotional support to manage past trauma and any challenges or emotional distress that occur throughout recovery.
- Social support: Social support can be crucial to positive recovery outcomes. This can include a good support network of family and friends who can help keep the individual accountable, support their recovery, and provide emotional support. Many also find attending support groups to be a significant positive factor in their recovery process.Â
- Aftercare options: Aftercare options might include sober living facilities, recovery programs, and peer recovery coaching, which can help maintain and build upon the skills learned during treatment.
- Lifestyle changes: Implementing healthy habits and lifestyle changes can be necessary to support personal recovery. This might mean changing diet, exercise, and sleep patterns, recognizing and cutting out harmful relationships and behavior patterns, and setting positive future goals to work toward.Â
Support groups for opioid addiction
Support groups can have a significant impact on recovery, offering a sense of community, shared understanding, and ongoing support to those in recovery. Available support groups for people with OUD include Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, and Women for Sobriety. Groups like these provide in-person meetings all over the US as well as online meetings. [4]
Overcoming opioid use relapse
Unfortunately, relapse is often an inevitable part of the recovery process. However, it can be an important aspect of growth and learning, allowing people the opportunity to evaluate the positive and negative approaches they have taken during their recovery so far and make changes to improve their recovery process. [8]
It can help to have a relapse prevention plan and contingency plan, which can be developed during treatment with a professional. This can include strategies to utilize when experiencing triggers or lapses, such as reaching out to support networks, distraction and mindfulness strategies, and who to contact for professional support.
Starting the road to recovery
Recovered provides information about the various treatment options available and a directory of rehab services for people to explore.
Speaking with a primary care provider can also help gain a deeper understanding of the process and available pathways to recovery.
Recovery can be a long process, and relapse is common. However, with comprehensive professional support, people can learn how to develop healthy and positive lifestyle habits and overcome opioid addiction.
