5 Common Myths About Treatment for Opiate Abuse

There are many myths about treatment for opiate abuse. The media perpetuates many of these myths. It is important to clear up these myths about opiate addiction treatment so you feel comfortable getting the help that you need.

opiate addiction

1.Treatment is Expensive

One of the most common myths is that treatment is overly expensive. This is only true of ultra high end luxury treatment facilities. There are many moderately and low priced facilities that will work with you. Many treatment centers also offer sliding scale fees and payment plans to help defray the cost. Talk to your insurance company they might also help cover the costs.

2.Treatment is Easy

Some commercials and other media bring up images of lying on beaches and receiving massages. While this might be true of part of your treatment, you do have to work to get better. Although treatment is possible, it is not easy.

3.Treatment Centers are Religious

Although some treatment centers are religious based, many of them are not. If you want a religious treatment center you can choose one but you do not have to.

4.There is Only One From of Treatment

There are many forms of treatment for opiate abuse. Some of these treatments are:

  • Medication assisted therapy
  • Medication maintenance therapy
  • 12 step programs
  • Community supported programs
  • Alternative medicine programs
  • Lifestyle couching programs

Although there are more, these are the main types of treatment programs. Most treatment centers offer a variety of treatment options within the treatment facility. Some treatment centers even combine programs in order to form a more complete treatment option.

5.If you Fail at One Form of Treatment you are Finished

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, failure at one form of treatment does not mean that you are beyond hope. It simply means that you need to try another form. If something like outpatient treatment does not work, you might need inpatient treatment.

Unexpected Things You Might Find in Inpatient Treatment for Opiate Abuse

While considering inpatient treatment for opiate abuse, you might want to take a close look at the facility you choose. There are a number of unexpected things you might find in an inpatient opiate addiction treatment center.

Pools and Aquatics

Many treatment facilities recognize the benefits of water in therapy. Some of these benefits include both exercise and relaxation. The benefits of water therapy have long been recognized in the relief of pain associated with opiate withdrawal.

Exercise and Personal Trainers

Exercise is extremely important in recovery. Exercises like yoga and qigong were used for centuries to strengthen the body and relax the mind. Most inpatient centers now offer both passive exercise and personal trainers as options for therapy.

A Variety of Counselors

Inpatient treatment centers offer a variety of counselors so you can find one that matches your personality and needs. Not all addiction treatment specialists are the same and personality is important in a counseling relationship.

A Variety of Counseling Types

Just like they offer different counselors, they offer different counseling types. Some of these types are:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Contingency management
  • 12 step facilitation therapy
  • Multidimensional family therapy

Many of these therapies are combined to form a more complete therapy program. These more complete programs often include medication assisted therapy and medication maintenance therapy.

Medical Staff

Almost all inpatient centers offer medical staffing. Due to the nature of opiate addiction treatment, medical care is often necessary for a complete recovery. Medications for both withdrawal and the treatment of other underlying conditions are often available.

Pets

One of the most surprising things that inpatient opiate treatment centers offer is pets and pet therapy.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are many effective types of treatment for opiate abuse. Some of these types might surprise you. Check with your rehab to see what they offer.

Why Choose Long Term Treatment for Opiate Abuse?

Long term treatment for opiate abuse is not an unusual treatment option. Many people need long term treatment and do it at a combination of inpatient and outpatient facilities. There is long term inpatient treatment, long term opiate addiction treatment, and a combination of the two.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, long term treatment for opiate abuse is an alternative to many other treatments under certain circumstances. Regardless of which treatment facility type you choose, there are some reasons why you might need long term treatment.

You have Environmental Triggers that Cause you to Use Opiates

Since the desire to use opiates is so strong, you may find yourself with a number of them to deal with. If you have environmental triggers, you will need to learn to deal with or avoid them. One way to avoid them is through long term continuing outpatient treatment and counseling. This method is very common.

addiction help

You are Unsafe in your Home Environment

If you are using and unsafe in your home, long term inpatient treatment for opiate use may be an option for you. During long term inpatient care you will receive a combination of therapy and medication to treat both the abuse in your home and the addictions.

Physical and mental abuse often go hand in hand with opiate addiction and abuse. Sometimes long term care can help you get away from your abuser and break the cycle of abuse.

You have Tried Short Term Treatment and Failed

The biggest reason to try any of the forms of long term opiate addiction treatment is that short term treatment has failed. Long term treatment gives you more support than other forms. You can begin to treat both your opiate abuse and any underlying conditions that can cause you to remain addicted to opiates. It is your best option when all other treatments have failed.