Treatment for Opioid Addiction in New Jersey
New Jersey Behavioral Health offers comprehensive opioid addiction treatment programs. These are designed to support individuals on their recovery journey. Our approach combines evidence-based therapies with compassionate care. Each person receives the personalized treatment needed to overcome opioid addiction.
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you love, our programs are tailored to address the unique challenges of addiction and also mental health disorders.
Opioids: What Are the Effects?
This class of drugs includes prescription pain medicines and illegal substances.
They can be prescribed to manage pain in medical settings, like after an injury or surgery. They can also be given to patients for chronic pain. Opioids bind to brain receptor sites and work to reduce how pain is perceived. They can also produce euphoric feelings because they trigger the release of dopamine[1].
The euphoric or pleasurable feelings that come from the release of dopamine can be addictive.
Ongoing opioid use can change brain chemistry, reducing its ability to naturally produce dopamine. It can also lead to physical dependence.
Opioid addiction can start with recreational use or legitimate medical use. As tolerance builds, the person needs larger doses to get the same pain relief or euphoria. Tolerance greatly increases the risk of addiction and dependence.
Addiction itself is a chronic disease. Compulsive opioid seeking and use characterize addiction. When an addiction develops, a person will keep using opioids despite the negative consequences they’re causing for their health and well-being.
Over 6.1 million people in the U.S. have an opioid use disorder (OUD).[2]
Prescription Opioids vs. Heroin
Prescription opioids include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine and fentanyl. They come in various forms, including pills, liquids and patches.[1]
Heroin is an illegal opioid that’s derived from morphine. It’s often injected but can be smoked or snorted.
Heroin is highly addictive and carries with it a high overdose risk. The dangers are amplified because other substances are also mixed in.
Both prescription and illegal opioids are powerful and incredibly addictive, but heroin’s illegal status and lack of regulation can make it more dangerous.
Opioid overdose occurs because these drugs slow down breathing and activity of the central nervous system. If the function gets too low, overdose and death can occur.
The Opioid Epidemic
Widespread availability and opioid misuse in the United States have led to a public health crisis known as the opioid epidemic. The epidemic includes a dramatic increase in overdoses and deaths related to opioid use. Factors contributing include the over-prescribing of painkillers as well as the availability of strong synthetic opioids like fentanyl. More than 80,000 people died as a result from opioid overdoses in 2021-2022.[3]
Opioid Addiction Treatment at New Jersey Behavioral Health
Opioid addiction is also known as opioid use disorder (OUD).
Treatment for opioid addiction requires a comprehensive, individualized approach. At New Jersey Behavioral Health, we combine different strategies and therapies to ensure we address all aspects of the disorder, including physical, psychological and social. The goal is to help individuals achieve and maintain recovery. We also work to improve their quality of life and help prevent relapse.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT can be a cornerstone of opioid addiction treatment. It includes the use of FDA-approved medicines paired with behavioral therapies and counseling.[4]
MAT can help normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of opioids and reduce cravings. It can also be used to stabilize body functions but without some of the negative effects of the abused drug.
Examples of medicines used in MAT for opioid addiction treatment include:
- Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist. It reduces withdrawal symptoms. Methadone can also help with cravings. It has to be given in a controlled clinical setting.
- Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. The medicine blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids. It’s not addictive and has to be used after someone has detoxed from opioids.
Detoxification (Detox)
Detox can be a needed initial step in the treatment process. It involves the safe removal of opioids from the body. Medical supervision can help with managing withdrawal symptoms. Detox alone isn’t a cure for opioid addiction, but it’s an important first step toward treatment.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies are integrated into treatment for opioid addiction to deal with the psychological effects. These approaches can help modify attitudes and behaviors related to drug use. Behavioral therapies can also increase healthy life and coping skills.
Examples of behavioral therapies include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that are negative and related to drug use.
- Contingency management (CM) uses positive reinforcement as well as rewards to stay drug-free or participate actively in treatment.
- Motivational interviewing (MI) enhances motivation to change behavior and commit to treatment.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with practices inspired by mindfulness. It can be especially helpful to treat co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
Support Groups and 12-Step Programs
Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) facilitate a community-based setting. Individuals can share mutual support and experiences and work through recovery steps. These groups encourage peer support and accountability.
Holistic Therapies
Different types of holistic therapies can be included in opioid addiction treatment to address the whole person. These can include mindfulness and meditation, yoga and exercise and nutritional counseling.
Family Therapy
Family members can, when appropriate, be involved in the treatment process. This helps them understand the nature of addiction. Families can also learn how to most effectively support the recovery of their loved one.
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
Aftercare programs provide ongoing support once the initial phase of treatment ends. These include continued therapy, support groups and medication management.
The Benefits of Professional Opioid Addiction Treatment
Professional opioid addiction treatment is crucial because it addresses the complexity of this disease.
Opioid addiction leads to physical dependence, so withdrawal symptoms can be severe if not properly managed. A professional treatment program can ensure the comfort and safety of patients during this time.
Other benefits of a professional addiction treatment program include:
- Access to evidence-based therapies has proven effective in treating addiction to opioids.
- Addiction affects a lot of aspects of a person’s life, and professional treatment can address all of these. Comprehensive care is necessary to address addiction’s root causes and promote long-term recovery.
- The environment is structured and supportive, helping build healthy routines overall.
- Many people with addiction disorders also have other mental disorders. Professional treatment at New Jersey Behavioral Health is a dual diagnosis so that these conditions can be treated simultaneously for the best outcomes.
- Professional treatment connects individuals with resources and support systems vital for long-term recovery.
Start Opioid Addiction Treatment in New Jersey Today
New Jersey Behavioral Health is a leading choice for opioid addiction treatment. We offer specialized programs to meet the diverse needs of anyone seeking recovery. Contact us to learn more.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Opioids
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA): Information about Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): U.S. Overdose Deaths Decrease in 2023, First Time Since 2018
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Medications for Substance Use Disorders