Opioid & Opiate Addiction Rehab in Kennesaw, GA

A New Beginning is Waiting

The term “opiate” describes a class of drug that includes heroin, opium, morphine, and codeine. Although some of these drugs have a medical use, they are all extremely addictive and can be damaging if not used properly. Prescription painkillers that were once seen as a medically-sound solution to treating chronic pain are now viewed as the source of an epidemic of addiction throughout the United States. Recovering from opiate addiction can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. North Georgia Recovery Center is here to help.

Our team of licensed therapists can provide the treatment you need to conquer this debilitating disease. We offer a positive community experience in our top-notch facilities, blended with proven rehabilitation methods that can guide you toward the next chapter of your life.

Dial (678) 940-7873 or complete an online form today to learn more about our opiate addiction treatment program in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Commonly Abused Opioids

• Codeine

• Fentanyl (Actiq®, Duragesic®)

• Morphine (MS Contin®)

• Oxycodone (Percocet®, Percodan®, Oxycontin® and Roxicodone®)

• Hydrocodone (Lorcet®, Norco® and Vicodin®)

Opiates vs. Opioids

The words “opiate” and “opioid” are often used interchangeably to describe drugs that produce similar feelings of euphoria and painlessness. Although they are a lot alike, opiates and opioids are actually two different types of drugs.

Opiates are any drugs that are created with opium, which is a substance derived from poppy plants. Drugs that are made with this natural substance are the only “true” opiates. Opium and heroin are examples of illicit recreational drugs that qualify as opiates, and morphine and codeine are examples of opiate drugs that are used for medical purposes.

Opioids are similar to opiates, but are created synthetically. Examples of opioid drugs include oxycodone, vicodin, percocet, and methadone. All of these drugs can serve medical needs but are frequently abused recreationally as well.

The Dangers of Opiate Use

The most significant risk of opiate use is the addictive properties of the drugs. Even with an initial prescription ordered to treat pain, users are highly likely to become dependent on the use of opiates. In fact, this is how many opiate addictions start.

When a person is addicted to opiates, they may experience symptoms of withdrawal when they are not using. The symptoms of opiate withdrawal may include cravings, dilated pupils, trouble breathing, slurred speech, sweating, pain sensitivity, and nausea.

As with any addictive drug, opiate use can contribute to an increased tolerance, resulting in a heightened need for the drug. As tolerance rises, the effects of withdrawal can become more severe and the possibility of an overdose can climb.

Signs of Opioid Addiction

• Uncontrollable cravings
• Drowsiness
• Changes in sleep habits
• Weight loss
• Frequent flu-like symptoms

Diagnosing Opioid Addiction

To determine if someone is being negatively impacted by opioids, mental health and addiction professionals will work with the person to evaluate if they have an opioid use disorder, the clinical term for an opioid addiction. As a recognized psychological condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), opioid use disorder involves ongoing substance use that results in:

• Using opioids in large doses for long periods of time
• Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to reduce or end opioid use
• Excessive time, energy, effort and money spent using and recovering from use
• Strong, persistent cravings to use opioids
• Difficulty meeting expectations and responsibilities at home, work or school
• Continuing to use opioids despite the negative impact on personal relationships
• Choosing to use opioids instead of participating in fun activities
• Using opioids in dangerous situations, like driving
• Gradually needing to take more of the opioid to produce the same effects
• Feeling ill or uncomfortable when the drug is not present in the person's body

A person needs only show two of the above symptoms to be clinically diagnosed with opioid use disorder. Having more than two of these symptoms is an indicator of a more severe disorder.

Long-Term Effects of Opioid Addiction

• Bowel obstruction
• Breathing issues
• Hormonal imbalance
• Increase risk of heart attack or heart failure
• Immunosuppression

Helping Someone Struggling with Opiate Abuse

There are few things as painful as witnessing someone you love struggle with an addiction to an opiates. Recovering from opiate addiction is often a lifelong journey with many ups and downs, but having a strong support system can help keep a person on the straight and narrow path to sobriety. Below are some ways you can help someone with an opiate use disorder.

• Remember, opiate addiction is a disease, not just a moral choice or failing.
• Learn as much as you can about opiate addiction before you approach your loved one so you can better empathize with their situation.
• Voice your concerns, but be sure to use a kind and respectful tone. They will be more receptive to you if they feel supported, not judged.
• Understand that you may need to approach your loved one multiple times before they eventually agree to seek help. You cannot force someone to get sober. While you can guide them towards the help they need, ultimately, they must make this decision for themselves.
• If they agree to get help, stay involved throughout all stages of their recovery. This is the time they will need your support the most!

Recovering from Opiate Addiction

The highly-addictive nature of opiates makes rehabilitation difficult, and withdrawal intense. A guided care program is the best way to recover from opiate addiction and ensure sobriety following treatment.

At North Georgia Recovery Center, our opiate addiction rehab programs include partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient care, and therapy for patients and their families. We also provide outpatient group aftercare and routinely check in with our former patients, continuing to help them navigate the path to recovery. We have created a community atmosphere at our facility in Kennesaw and established a family consisting of people with the same goal in mind: To work toward recovery and support other current and former patients in their own progress.

Our free consultations are your first step to recovery. Call (678) 940-7873 or send us a message to get started.