For Opiates

For Opiates

Breaking a pattern of opiate abuse combined with a mood disorder can be challenging. New classes of drugs prescribed in a dual diagnosis treatment program present the addict with new hope.

Mood disorders heroin/opiate abuse

Mood Disorders Associated with Heroin/Opiate Use

According to a Melbourne, Australia study, suicide and heroin overdose are closely associated with mental health disorders. Individuals participating in this study reported high rates of hopelessness, depression, antisocial behavior and self-harm. Mood disorders associated with opiate addiction are depression and anxiety.

Heroin is a highly addictive opiate. While the rate of heroin use dropped for several decades, it is now on the rise once again. This is because it can easily be substituted for OxyContin, which is becoming less readily available as prescription drug laws become more strict.

There are several modes of heroin and opiate ingestion. Government reports indicate that the purity of heroin on the streets has greatly improved while cost has decreased. The higher purity of the drug allows it to be more easily smoked and snorted.

Medication Treatment for Opiate Addiction & Opiate Detox Medications

Medication options are available for dealing with mental health disorders and heroin or other opiate addictions. The appropriate dual diagnosis treatment program in a drug rehab facility can help break the addiction and manage the mental health disorder without placing you on methadone.

Common opiate detox medications and opiate addiction medications:

  • Subutex (buprenorphine)
    Subutex is buprenorphine that is delivered sublingually. The active ingredient reduces opiate withdrawal symptoms, cravings and is much easier to stop using because of its long half-life.
  • Naltrexone
    Naltrexone takes the reward of getting high away from an opiate dependent individual. It blocks the opioids from acting on the brain so the user feels no effect from the drug. It is alsoused to help stop opiate cravings.
  • Levo-alpha acetyl methadol (LAAM)
    Levo-alpha acetyl methadol, also called LAAM, is an opiate agonist that helps reduce the cravings for opioids.
  • Naloxone
    Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and it does not have the morphine-like properties characteristic of other opioid antagonists.

Looking For Treatment?

The feelings of euphoria you had when you began using opiates have long been gone. You now find yourself desperately in need of your next fix. Your life is unraveling. You can arrest this addiction and regain control of your life. Call Recovery Connection, 866.812.8231, to speak with a trained staff member about opiate addiction, withdrawal and recovery. Make the best call of your life and get the help you need.

24/7 all conversations are confidential

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