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Opioid Addiction: How to Get Help
Mar 31, 2022

Opioid Addiction: How to Get Help

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “In 2019, an estimated 10.1 million people aged 12 or older misused opioids in the past year. Specifically, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers and 745,000 people used heroin.”[1]

It is clear to see that opioid misuse and addiction have become an epidemic in the United States. Keeping that in mind, it is likely that you or someone you know has dealt with an opioid use disorder. Because opioid addiction can severely impact your ability to function on a day-to-day basis, finding professional help is of the utmost importance.

While finding the right opioid treatment program for you or your loved one can be difficult, hiring a recovery guide can help lessen your stress. Let’s take a look at how to choose an opioid addiction treatment program and how Michael Herbert, The Recovery Guide, can help.

Signs of Opioid Addiction

If you are concerned about your opioid use, it is important to understand what opioid addiction looks like. On the other hand, if you are worried that your loved one is suffering from opioid use disorder, understanding the signs of opioid addiction can help you decide your next steps.

The signs of opioid addiction include:

  • Changes in eating and sleeping habits
  • Running out of opioid prescriptions early
  • Going to multiple doctors to get additional prescriptions (doctor shopping)
  • Issues completing responsibilities due to opioid abuse
  • Isolating or changing friend groups
  • Experiencing frequent and sudden mood swings
  • Signs of intoxication like constricted pupils, nodding off or slurring your words
  • Stealing from friends and family
  • Being unable to stop using opioids despite having a desire to m
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings when you cannot take opioids

Opioid addiction can result in life-threatening effects or fatal consequences if left untreated. Due to this, if you or a loved one exhibit the symptoms of opioid addiction, professional treatment is necessary.

How to Choose The Right Opioid Treatment Program

Choosing an opioid treatment program for yourself or a loved one can be extremely difficult. Especially when there are so many different types of programs to choose from, like residential rehab, addiction counseling, and outpatient group therapy.

Things to consider when choosing an opioid rehab treatment program:

  • Do you need long-term treatment and constant supervision?
  • Would you benefit more from an outpatient program that allows you to work and attend to familial responsibilities?
  • Do you need medication-assisted treatment and medical detox?
  • How severe is your opioid use disorder? Do you require specialized treatments for comorbid physical or mental health conditions?
  • Do you need a 30, 60, or 90-day treatment program?
  • Is addiction counseling enough to help you recover? Do you need a continuum of care?

Understanding which type of opioid addiction treatment program you need can be hard, especially when you have never attended treatment before. Thankfully, addiction experts like Michael Herbert, The Recovery Guide can help you make this decision based on their expert opinion.

An addiction specialist can help provide you with an in-depth assessment of your history of substance abuse, physical health, mental health, and family history. Once they have a “full-picture” understanding of your addiction treatment needs, they can make an informed recommendation on what type of program you would benefit from.

Navigating Your Insurance for Opioid Addiction Treatment

Addiction treatment can become expensive, especially if you need specialized services like medication-assisted treatment or treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders. As a result, you need to ensure that the addiction treatment program you choose accepts your health insurance.

Navigating your health insurance coverage in regard to opioid rehab can be difficult. However, with the help of a drug and alcohol interventionist or addiction specialist, finding out how much your insurance will pay for treatment can be easy and painless.

How can The Recovery Guide assist you with navigating insurance and addiction treatment?

  • Helping you locate eligible treatment providers and obtaining in-network treatment lists
  • Providing you with questions to ask your insurance provider about coverage and out-of-pocket costs
  • Helping you file internal or external appeals after a denial of coverage
  • Translating insurance terminology in cases of confusion or misunderstandings

Qualities to Look for in an Opioid Addiction Counselor

Finding an addiction counselor to help you recover from opioid use disorder is an important step in your recovery. Opioid addiction counselors can help you navigate your addiction treatment program and life outside of treatment once you graduate.

But what makes a good addiction counselor?

If you are in the market for a substance abuse counselor, look for the following qualities:

  • Strong sense of empathy and kindness
  • Good listening skills and ability to provide insightful feedback
  • Cultural humility and an overall open-minded approach
  • Strong code of ethics and ability to move forward after setbacks
  • Educational degrees and certifications in addiction counseling
  • Experience in opioid addiction counseling
  • Specialties specific to your needs

If you or your loved one are having a hard time finding an addiction counselor that suits your needs, The Recovery Guide is here to assist.

Find Help for Opioid Addiction Today

Michael Herbert, The Recovery Guide, has more than 30 years of experience working closely with individuals and families dealing with addiction and recovery issues. He is a seasoned Coach and can help you and your family establish long-term goals and access the tools you need for continued abstinence and recovery for the entire family. Get in touch with Michael today at 561-221-7677 to schedule an appointment.

References:

  1. https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/opioid-crisis-statistics/index.html