Recognizing Opioid Addiction
It’s estimated that some 2.1 million Americans are addicted to opioid prescription pain relievers, with another 467,000 in the throes of heroin addiction. While one of these substances is legal and the other is not, both affect the body in a similar fashion and are likely treated in a similar way under Value Options opioid detox coverage. Both drug types also come with similar signs and symptoms of abuse, including:
- Inability or lessened ability to feel pain
- Lethargy or sedation
- Feeling “high” (also called euphoria)
- Shallow or unusually slow breathing
- Small pupils
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rosy or flushed skin
- Itching
- Speech difficulties like slurring or stumbling over words
- Mental confusion
- Poor judgment/impulse control
How I Know if I’m Addicted?
If you are using your opioid medication in a manner other than how your doctor prescribed it, you may be suffering from:
- Dependency – When your body is so used to the medication it requires it in great dosage or frequency in order to have the same efficacy.
- Addiction – When you cannot stop taking the drug despite trying to; when the drug use is negatively impacting your life or responsibilities.
Either situation is cause for concern and treatment using your Value Options opioid detox coverage.
Treating Your Opioid Addiction
While treatment will ultimately depend on what your doctor feels is best for your particular situation, the following are all options under your comprehensive Value Options opioid detox coverage:
- Inpatient Rehab – As a patient at a residential facility, you’ll receive constant supervision away from the many temptations, distractions, and stressed of your real-life environment. You can safely detox here and concentrate 100 percent on your recovery.
- Outpatient Rehab – For patients for whom a residential facility just isn’t practical due to financial concerns or because of responsibilities at work, home, or school, an outpatient facility offers guided treatment and support with added flexibility.
- Support Groups and Therapy – A combination of group, family, and individual therapy sessions will help you get to the root causes of your addiction and identify triggers so that you can better manage your urges in the future.
- Transitional Housing – Going from inpatient care back to your previous lifestyle can be a jarring experience. Transitional housing allows you to gradual regain your real-world footing without completely forgoing professional support or having to go it on your own too quickly.