Is there an addictive substance controlling your existence? Would you like a second chance at life? There is an addiction treatment in Lexington ready to help you get that second chance.
Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is a chronic medical condition that causes long-term changes to the brain.
Do you have an addiction to one of these commonly abused substances?
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Heroine
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Percocet
It takes more than willpower to free yourself from prescription drug abuse. But it is possible to break the cycle of detox and relapse. It is a long process, but medications and counseling can improve the chance of success. Heroin is an opioid, and the addiction treatment is the same as prescription drugs.
Opioid addiction causes changes in some regions of the brain. It alters the circuits that control behavior and mood. Long-term prescription drug abuse affects almost the entire body, and when the supply is cut off, withdrawal symptoms result, such as:
- Belly pain
- Body aches
- Chills and goosebumps (cold turkey)
- Diarrhea
- Drug cravings
- Large pupils
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe agitation and bad moods
- Yawning
If you are a victim of opioid (narcotic) addiction, you know how extremely unpleasant it is. You find yourself willing to do almost anything to avoid it.
Withdrawl can last hours to days, and sometimes weeks. It depends on which drug was taken, how long it was taken, and how much. When the initial, intense symptoms subside, mental and physical discomfort can persist for weeks.
Symptoms of withdrawal are the primary reason for relapse and continuing drug abuse. But some medications can help you with withdrawal and control symptoms. After the initial detox, there is a risk for relapse. Medical professionals say social and psychological factors are the main reasons for relapse. Stress and the brain’s remembrance of the pleasure the drug brings are common triggers for relapse.
Lifelong freedom from opioids is possible but usually involves medication, counseling, or talk therapy programs. Medicines that can help are:
- Buprenorphine
- Clonidine
- Lucemyra
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
Breaking the cycle of prescription drug addiction is a significant accomplishment. Detox is the beginning of a long process in which you will learn to manage your drug cravings and avoid relapse.
Alcohol Addiction
Is alcohol your vice? Alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) is a pattern of alcohol use that prohibits you from controlling your intake. You become preoccupied with alcohol and continue to drink even when it causes difficulties in your life.
Unhealthy use of alcohol is any use that puts your health or safety at risk or the health and safety of others at risk. It involves drinking in binges, abuse where a male drinks five or more drinks within two hours, or a female four drinks within two hours.
If your drinking results in repeated distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have an alcohol disorder, which can range from mild to severe. Early treatment is essential, as even a mild condition can lead to a serious illness.
Treatment for alcohol abuse depends on your needs. It may involve a brief intervention, group or individual counseling, a residential inpatient stay, or an outpatient program.
The primary goal of alcohol treatment is to improve the quality of your life. Treatment for the disorder can include:
- Detox and withdrawal
- Psychological counseling
- Learning skills and developing a treatment plan
- Injected medication
- Oral medication
- Treatment for psychological problems
- Medical treatment for health conditions
- Continuing support
- Spiritual beliefs
Many people with an alcohol disorder hesitate to get treatment because they are in denial. Intervention from loved ones can help some people accept that they need professional help.
If you are concerned about yourself or someone you care about that may drink too much, get the professional help required. Everyone deserves another chance.
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