In the face of the ongoing opioid epidemic gripping Tennessee, finding an effective and compassionate rehabilitation center is vital for lasting recovery. Opioid addiction affects thousands of individuals and families, but help is available for those who are struggling. Brooks Healing Center, a leading opioid rehab facility serving Tennessee and the surrounding areas, offers personalized care and a range of therapeutic services to help people overcome addiction and regain control of their lives.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Opioids are a class of drugs that interact with brain receptors to relieve pain and induce euphoria, but their addictive nature can lead to dependence, tolerance, and overdose.
- Opioid addiction starts with repeated use, leading to tolerance, physical dependence, and eventually, a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking despite harmful consequences.
- Common prescription opioids include codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone, and methadone, while illicit opioids include heroin and fentanyl.
- Opioid overdoses can cause life-threatening symptoms such as severe respiratory depression, unresponsiveness, and cyanosis, requiring immediate intervention with naloxone and emergency medical services.
- Brooks Healing Center in Tennessee offers comprehensive opioid addiction treatment, including detoxification and residential programs, with therapeutic modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, Brainspotting, and 12-Step Programs.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that interact with opioid receptors in the brain to produce various effects, such as pain relief and feelings of euphoria.[1] They can be naturally derived from the opium poppy plant or synthesized in a laboratory. However, the addictive nature of opioids can lead to dependence, tolerance, and, in some cases, overdose. There are several types of prescription and illicit opioids, including:
- Prescription Opioids:
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Morphine
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Methadone
- Illicit Opioids:
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
The effects of opioids, whether prescription or illicit, can vary depending on factors such as dosage, the person’s health, and their history of drug use. Common side effects of opioid use include drowsiness, constipation, nausea, and slowed breathing.[2] Over time, the body can develop a tolerance to opioids, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. As a result, users may become physically dependent on the drug, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit or reduce usage. Opioid addiction can severely impact one’s quality of life and lead to various physical, mental, and social consequences, making professional treatment essential for recovery.
Opioid Addiction and Abuse
Opioid addiction is a serious public health concern with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Addiction typically begins with the repeated use of opioids, leading to tolerance, physical dependence, and, ultimately, addiction. Tolerance occurs when the body becomes accustomed to the effects of opioids, requiring higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief or euphoria. Physical dependence is characterized by withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, and flu-like symptoms, when opioid use is stopped or reduced.[3] Addiction, on the other hand, is a complex brain disorder involving compulsive drug seeking and use despite the harmful consequences. Opioid abuse refers to any non-medical or recreational use of opioids, including taking higher doses than prescribed, using someone else’s prescription, or using opioids to achieve a euphoric high. Abuse can lead to addiction, overdose, and other dangerous consequences, such as impaired cognition, mood disorders, and an increased risk of infections like HIV and hepatitis C.[4] Identifying and addressing opioid addiction and abuse is crucial for promoting recovery and preventing further harm. Warning signs may include increasing tolerance, withdrawal symptoms when use stops, strong cravings, loss of interest in activities, and continued use despite negative consequences. Seeking professional help from a qualified treatment center is essential for addressing opioid addiction and abuse and regaining control of your life.
Opioid Quick Reference Chart
| Drug Category | Commercial & Street Names | DEA Schedule | Administration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opioids | Apache, biscuits, blue heaven, brown sugar, China white, dope, hillbilly heroin, Jackpot, junk monkey, oxy, percs, smack | Several | Snorting, ingestion, injection, smoking |
What Happens When Someone Overdoses on Opioids?
An opioid overdose occurs when someone takes an excessive amount of opioids or a combination of opioids and other drugs, leading to life-threatening symptoms and complications. Overdosing on opioids can result in severe respiratory depression, causing breathing to slow down or stop altogether. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, brain damage, coma, or death can occur. Signs of an opioid overdose include:[5]
- Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
- Shallow or absent breathing
- Extreme drowsiness or sedation
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Cold, clammy skin
- Bluish-colored lips or fingernails
- Gurgling or choking sounds
Immediate action is crucial when an opioid overdose is suspected. Call emergency medical services (911) and, if available, administer naloxone (Narcan), a medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdose.[6] While waiting for help to arrive, follow these steps:
- Check for breathing and provide rescue breaths if the person is not breathing.
- Place the person in a recovery position, laying them on their side with their knee bent to prevent choking.
- Stay with the person and monitor their condition until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Remember, opioid overdose can be fatal, and timely intervention can make a significant difference. Educating yourself on the signs of overdose and having naloxone readily available is crucial for preventing tragic consequences and a crucial first step toward having a plan for opioid detox when you’re ready to begin the recovery process.
What Are My Options for Opioid Treatment in Tennessee?
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction in Tennessee, various treatment options are available to support your recovery journey. Brooks Healing Center offers comprehensive, personalized care, including detoxification and residential programs to address opioid addiction and help clients achieve long-lasting sobriety.
Detoxification
Detoxification is often the first step in the opiate addiction treatment process, allowing individuals to safely manage withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision. Brooks Healing Center provides a comfortable, supportive environment to help clients navigate this critical phase of recovery, helping them to safely withdraw from ongoing usage.
Residential Treatment
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A goal-oriented approach focusing on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction.
- Experiential Therapy: Hands-on therapeutic activities, such as art therapy or outdoor therapy, to help patients process emotions and develop healthy coping skills.
- Trauma-Informed Care: An approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on addiction and offers specialized interventions to address trauma-related issues.
- Brainspotting (BSP): A cutting-edge therapeutic technique that uses the field of vision to access and process unresolved emotions and trauma contributing to addiction.
- 12-Step Programs: Support groups based on the 12-Step recovery model, providing a sense of community and shared experiences to help clients maintain sobriety.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Opiate Rehab Centers
Can I receive treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders along with opioid addiction?
What is brain spotting, and how does it work in treating opioid addiction?
Brainspotting (BSP) is an advanced therapeutic technique that combines brain-body awareness with focused mindfulness to help people access and process unresolved emotions and trauma contributing to their addiction. By using the field of vision to locate and stimulate specific eye positions, known as “brain spots,” therapists guide clients to release negative experiences and emotions, ultimately helping them overcome psychological pain and strengthen their recovery from opioid addiction.
What is a typical daily schedule like in an opioid addiction treatment program?
How do I transition from inpatient opioid rehab to daily life?
How do I deal with the stigma surrounding opioid addiction and recovery?
Sources
[1] Opioids. (2022, October 19). Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/opioids on August 27, 2024
[2] Cleveland Clinic. (2022, May 27). Opioids: What they are, side effects & disorders. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21127-opioids on August 27, 2024
[3] Shah, M., & Huecker, M. R. (2019, June 4). Opioid Withdrawal. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012/ on August 27, 2024
[4] Dydyk, A. M., Jain, N. K., & Gupta, M. (2024, January 17). Opioid use disorder. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553166/ on August 27, 2024
[5] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Opioid Overdose. Www.samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/opioid-overdose on August 27, 2024
[6] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022, January 11). Naloxone drug facts. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/naloxone on August 27, 2024