The Steps to Recover After an Opioid Addiction

It’s no secret that an opioid epidemic has flooded the United States in recent decades, with an average of 90 Americans dying by opioid overdose every day. This number is actually suspected to be much higher, considering how many opioid cases go unreported.

Now more than ever, the education surrounding the dangers of opioid use (illicit and prescription) is crucial to be shared, with adolescents and adults alike. It’s incredibly easy to develop a dependence or addiction to opioids, and addiction never discriminates.

Recovering from any type of substance use disorder is going to be challenging, but opioid addiction is known as one of the hardest addictions to recover from due to its potency.

The good news is, recovery is always possible. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at what the steps to recovery look like after an opioid addiction, and how you can get started today.

What are the steps to recovery?

The steps to addiction recovery are, quite simply, the different phases of the recovery process.

Depending on the type of opioid being used, how long the addiction has been active and how severe it is, as well as personal components like modality preferences (e.g., using medication versus going a more holistic route), the steps to recovery can look a little different per person.

Generally, the steps to recovery include an evaluation and a detoxification process, and then depending on the personal and situational factors, the individual will typically enroll in some sort of rehabilitation programs like a residential program or a partial hospitalization program (PHP).

The steps to recovery

The first step of recovery is going to be scheduling an evaluation. This is where you’ll speak with one or several medical experts to help them better understand your situation, and help you better understand what your options are moving forwards. This is often where you’ll discuss the integration of potential medications, or alternative options to medication-assisted treatment.

Next is the detoxification process. We won’t sugarcoat it, this can be intense; depending on how long or how severely a person has been addicted to opioids, their withdrawal symptoms can be mild at best, and life-threatening at worst. 

This is because a body that has become dependent on a substance often can sometimes react extremely when the substance is removed; this is why it’s always best to undergo detoxification in a professional medical environment, and not simply at home.

The kind of rehabilitation program you actually enroll in will vary based on what was revealed and determined in your initial evaluation. Some people may be struggling with a more mild substance use disorder that doesn’t require them to be in a 24/7-care facility, while others will need that level of supervision, care and support. 

Inpatient rehabilitation, also sometimes referred to as residential programs, provides the most structured and immersive treatment, as clients remain in the residency for anywhere from a few weeks to several months. They receive 24/7 support, additional detoxification services if needed, multiple forms of counseling and access to an abundance of recovery resources.

Outpatient rehabilitation is a non-residential form of treatment, which means individuals are able to remain in their personal place and often maintain their work, education and family responsibilities as they recover. With an outpatient program, you return home every evening.

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are the “middle program” between inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation. PHPs offer more structure and support than an outpatient rehabilitation program but are not quite on the level as an inpatient rehabilitation program.

What do you do now?

Now, you reach out for help.

Wherever you’re at in your journey, we’ll meet you there; addiction doesn’t discriminate, and neither do we. Speaking with a professional might feel a little uncomfortable (men especially tend to be reluctant with seeking professional support), but remember we’re here for you.

If you’re struggling with a substance use disorder, know that life doesn’t have to stay like this and recovery is always possible. Today can be the first day you start rebuilding your life.

Receive guidance today

Freedom Detox is a premier detox treatment facility located just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. At Freedom, we offer a variety of addiction treatment programs, including opioids.

Following your initial step in the recovery journey with detox, we offer assistance in the next steps to help maintain your sobriety. Aftercare is an important part of every recovery, and our extensive network allows for ease of treatment from one facility and brand to the next.

Reaching out for help for the very first time can feel a little overwhelming at times, but it’s not something you’re expected to go through alone. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Send us a message or call us today to get started.