Substance Abuse Help in Sacramento – Sept. 28, 2020
If you’ve made a decision to stop using opioids, we are here for you. At One Community Health, we understand that withdrawal is overwhelming—and we can help. We offer what is known as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which is the use of certain medications that can help you get through withdrawal. If you live in Sacramento and are looking for compassionate, effective substance abuse help, give us a call today.
What are opioids?
Opioids are drugs that bind to opioid receptors in the body, producing pain relief. They include both prescription pain medicines and illegal drugs, such as heroin. Though opioids can be safely prescribed by a doctor, misusing them can lead to an addiction. The most commonly used opioids are:
- Prescription pain relievers (like Oxycontin and Vicodin)
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
For a full list of opioids, refer to this page.
What is Opioid Use Disorder?
Opioid use disorder is a medical condition characterized by the inability to refrain from taking opioids. It leads to behaviors that interfere with relationships and daily life. Opioid use disorder is something that is diagnosed by a doctor based on specific criteria. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use disorder, it may not be obvious initially, but over time certain signs may indicate that help is necessary.
Addiction vs. Dependence
Drug tolerance and dependence occur normally when taking any opioid over a period of time. You can be tolerant to, or dependent on, a drug and not be addicted to it. Tolerance occurs when your body gets used to the effects of a drug and needs higher doses to produce the same effect. Physical dependence means that your body will experience symptoms of withdrawal if you stop taking the drug. Some common physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal include:
- Sweating
- Chills
- Shaking
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Tremors or twitching
- Pain
- Depression
However, you are addicted to a drug when you can’t function normally without it and you compulsively seek it—even when it causes problems in your relationships, behavior, or daily life.
Common signs of opioid addiction:
- Uncontrollable cravings
- Drowsiness
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Weight loss
- Recurrent flu-like symptoms
- Lowered libido
- Decreased personal hygiene
- Changes in exercise habits
- Isolation
- New financial difficulties
- Stealing from family, friends or businesses
It is important to note that addiction is a disease. It is not due to a lack of willpower, it does not indicate a moral failure, and it is not something that one does on purpose. We provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to get help for your opioid addiction.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Opioid use disorder is a chronic disease of the brain. MAT can help to heal your brain. Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat opioid use disorder. And for some people struggling with addiction, MAT can help sustain recovery. Your doctor can prescribe certain medicines to help relieve cravings and the symptoms of withdrawal that occur when you stop using opioids. These medicines include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
Substance Abuse Help in Sacramento
We understand what you’re going through. We don’t judge you. Instead, we will welcome you and support you—it’s what we do. Call us at 916-443-3299 to learn more about our opioid use disorder treatment services at One Community Health.
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