Opioid Rehab and Addiction Treatment Programs Near Me

What is Opioid Addiction?

Opioid addiction—also known as opioid use disorder—is characterized by the compulsive use of opioids despite it causing clinically significant impairment to one’s life.¹

Opioids are a class of drugs that cause powerful physiological dependency over time, which means people that misuse them chronically often suffer withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit or reduce their use.²

In addition, opioids hijack the brain’s dopamine reward system, taking over the control of dopamine, which is the brain chemical responsible for pleasure, reward, and reinforcement. Researchers believe the dopamine pathway is what reinforces the desire to repeat drug use.³

While an OUD is a chronic and relapsing condition, it can be treated effectively with evidence-based methods.¹

Commonly Misused Opioids

Different types of opioids can include:²

• Prescription opioids, including codeine, hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), morphine, and oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin).
• Heroin, which is an illicit opioid.
• Fentanyl, which is a prescription opioid that may also be manufactured and distributed illicitly.

Signs of Opioid Addiction

In order to be diagnosed with an opioid use disorder by a medical professional, one must exhibit at least 2 of the following diagnostic criteria within a year:¹

1. Opioids are taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful effort to cut down or control opioid use.
3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the opioid, use the opioid, or recover from its effects.
4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use opioids.
5. Recurrent opioid use causes failure to meet obligations at school or work.
6. Recurrent opioid use despite interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of opioids.
7. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of opioid use.
8. Recurrent opioid use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
9. Recurrent opioid use despite persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems caused by opioid use.
10. Tolerance, meaning markedly increased amounts of opioids are used to achieve intoxication or desired effect or the individual experiences a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of an opioid. This criterion does not apply to those taking opioids solely under appropriate medical supervision.
11. Withdrawal, meaning the person experiences specific symptoms due to the reduction or cessation of their opioid use, or they continue taking opioids to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. This criterion does not apply to those taking opioids solely under appropriate medical supervision.

Opioid Addiction Treatment and Rehab Options

Since opioid addiction can leave a lasting impact on the brain and alter brain functioning, opioid treatment programs need to not only help patients get past withdrawal, but also teach them coping skills and strategies to avoid relapse. In addition, treatment must address any other issues that may be present, including other mental health disorders.⁴

Opioid addiction treatment can be conducted in a variety of settings as discussed below.

Opioid Detoxification

Medical detox is often the first step in treatment for people with an opioid addiction. Detox involves 3 phases: evaluation, stabilization, and fostering entry into continued treatment.⁵

Upon entering detox, patients are evaluated to ascertain their substance use history, living situation, general physical and mental health, and more. This information is used throughout detox and other phases of treatment to ensure their needs are being met.⁵

After the evaluation, patients are medically supervised and stabilized during acute opioid withdrawal. This typically involves the use of medications that reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.⁵

Detox alone is seldom effective in helping someone stay sober for long periods. Most patients need to address more than just physical dependency on opioids to achieve lasting recovery.⁵

Inpatient Treatment

In inpatient or residential treatment, patients stay at the facility for the duration of treatment and benefit from around-the-clock supervision and a structured routine.⁴

Daily treatment may consist of behavioral therapy conducted in individual or group settings, self-help group participation, and more.⁴

Outpatient Treatment

Like inpatient care, outpatient treatment largely consists of behavioral therapy and peer support. However, in outpatient treatment, patients live at home and participate in regular home, school, and work responsibilities while attending scheduled appointments that can take place at addiction treatment facilities, clinics, or a doctor’s offices.⁴ Treatment frequency and intensity varies. There are several levels of outpatient treatment, including:

• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). Also known as “day treatment,” these programs typically consist of roughly 5 days of treatment per week (20 hours a week or more).⁶
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). IOPs are usually conducted 3 to 5 days per week for a weekly total of at least 9 hours.⁷
• Standard outpatient care. Compared to the aforementioned programs, traditional outpatient care is less intensive and more flexible, and it’s a suitable option for people with occupational responsibilities and substantial social support.⁴

Aftercare Services

Many patients benefit from continued care after formal addiction treatment to maintain focus on their sobriety and build a supportive sober network. Aftercare can take many different forms, ranging from attending 12-step meetings to staying in a sober living facility. The ability to conduct therapy sessions online via telehealth services has further broadened the scope of aftercare services.⁸

Studies show that enrolling in a continuing care program can effectively sustain the positive effects of initial treatment. In addition, longer planned durations of aftercare were associated with greater success.⁸

What Happens During Opioid Addiction Treatment?

OUD treatment typically involves:^4,5,8

• Counseling, which can be provided in individual and group sessions. Behavioral therapy techniques (e.g., motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step facilitation therapy, family therapy) may be used to increase motivation toward treatment and sobriety, develop relapse prevention skills, incorporate healthy activities to replace substance use, and build peer support.
• Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) help ease withdrawal effects in the short-term and can be used in the long-term to help alleviate urges and cravings in hopes of preventing relapse. Buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone are common medications used in the treatment of OUD. MOUD is often combined with behavioral therapy to further treatment goals and maintain sobriety.
• Peer support. Participating in 12-step meetings and other peer-support programs can be vital in helping someone maintain long-term sobriety. Forming a strong sober network provides many patients in recovery with the help they need during and after formal treatment.

How Long Does Opioid Rehab Last?

The time spent in opioid rehab may vary; however, studies have shown that most people benefit from spending at least 90 days in treatment.⁴

However, treatment length is tailored to meet patient’s needs, and treatment can be spread over various levels of care.⁴ For example, a patient may begin with detox and then transfer to inpatient treatment before entering outpatient care.

Opioid Addiction Medications

There are multiple medications approved for treating opioid use disorder. Opioid addiction treatment centers take multiple factors into account when choosing which medication best suits your individual needs. These factors include the patient’s:⁸

• Physical health, mental health, and substance use history.
• Employment.
• Medication interactions.
• Treatment compliance.
• Personal preferences.

Methadone (Methadose)

Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid agonist, meaning that it attaches to and activates the same (opioid receptors) in the brain as other opioids do. When methadone occupies and activates opioid receptors in the brain, it does so more slowly than other opioids such as heroin and fentanyl in an opioid-dependent person. As a result, treatment doses of methadone ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings but does not produce the same level of the euphoric high associated with common opioids of abuse.⁸

Buprenorphine (Suboxone with naloxone, Subutex discontinued, Buprenex, Zubsolv, Sublocade, Butrans)

Buprenorphine is a synthetic partial opioid agonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors the same way methadone does, but it activates them more slowly.⁸

Like methadone, buprenorphine also reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier to detox from opioids without causing a high. It also blocks the rewarding effects of any other opioids used, making it a safe and effective maintenance medicine that can help support long-term recovery.⁸

Naltrexone (ReVia, Depade, Vivitrol)

Naltrexone, the brand name for naloxone, is an opioid antagonist that is given as a long-acting medication used to prevent cravings and urges in long-term opioid treatment in hopes of preventing relapse.⁹

Opioid Rehab Cost and Insurance Coverage

The cost of opioid rehab depends on your insurance carrier, healthcare provider, and various other factors. However, insurers are required by law to provide at least some coverage for treatment.^11,12

Most opioid rehab centers (including American Addiction Centers’ various nationwide treatment facilities) accept health insurance for the treatment of opioid use disorders. Find out below whether your insurance may cover the total or partial cost of rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Opioid & Opioid Rehab