When discussing opioids vs opiates, most people use the terms interchangeably. Although there are plenty of similarities, what stands out is the almost identical addiction potential. It’s interesting to note that treatment for addiction also follows similar protocols. Here’s what you need to know.
Opioids vs Opiates
Both types of substances relieve pain. They’re nervous system depressants. Opiates trace their origins back to the opium poppy. Examples include morphine, codeine, and heroin.
Morphine and codeine are medications. Heroin is an illicit street drug. On the other side of the equation are opioids. These full or partial synthetics function as prescription pain pills.
Examples include fentanyl, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Both types of substances drastically change the way that your body communicates with the brain. And, in the right dosing, they can create a euphoric high.
How Addiction Happens
You don’t plan to develop an addiction. In fact, it probably happened slowly. First, your body developed a tolerance. You increased the dose. Next, the drug changed the way that your brain releases dopamine.
Being high is now the new normal just for functioning throughout the day. If you try to stop using, you suffer debilitating withdrawal symptoms. The high is now a secondary motivation. You like the euphoria, but you’re just as scared of the withdrawal.
Stopping the Habit
Opioid dependence treatment can take place during a partial hospitalization. Therapists customize a treatment protocol that considers your individual needs. Modalities might include:
- One-on-one talk therapy sessions for goal-setting and behavioral therapy
- Dual diagnosis assessment and treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions
- Family counseling that emphasizes support of and by your loved ones
- Group therapy that focuses on peer support and alcohol drug education
- Access to 12 Step groups that introduce accountability for relapse prevention
Why is Family Therapy Important?
Opiate or opioid addiction isolates you. At this time, you may not recognize the rift that opened up between you and loved ones. Addiction recovery isn’t something that happens in a vacuum. Therefore, you need the support of friends or family members to heal.
Family therapy enables your loved ones to heal, too. During sessions, you address communication breakdowns and find healthy ways to interact. Moreover, you have the opportunity to reevaluate family dynamics and roles. This is also an opportunity to take responsibility for the damage that the addiction did.
In situations where there’s co-dependency, there’s an additional need for therapeutic intervention. Trained counselors will help you to find a way out of the trap that codependency creates. It also emphasizes the need to do so for your partner or spouse. Doing so makes real recovery possible.
Don’t Wait to Get Help from Steps to Recovery
One thing that’s lost in the opioids vs opiates debate is the fact that addiction doesn’t get better by itself. You don’t wake up one morning without cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Finding a way out of substance abuse calls for professional intervention. The therapists at Steps to Recovery want to be by your side every step of the way; call 267.719.8528 today.
