By David Heitz Although it has been scientifically proven that medication-assisted therapies can greatly improve a person with opioid addiction’s chances of recovery,1 a study of more than 100,000 commercially insured patients showed less than half were being prescribed the medications.2 And the future looks even more bleak for those who don’t have commercial insurance and […]
Rehab & Treatment
The benefits of rehab and treatment for opiate addiction.
Beyond Buprenorphine: Studies Showing Promise for Even Better Treatments for Those Hooked on Heroin
A phase II clinical trial has shown that a new medication dubbed OMS405, when used in conjunction with buprenorphine and naloxone, reduces cravings and anxiety among people addicted to opiates. “Development of pharmacological strategies aimed at improving opioid-based treatments of heroin addiction is a major clinical need,” researcher Sandra Comer of Columbia University and New […]
Could Marijuana Be the Key to Curbing Opioid Use?
There are a number of ways to become chemically dependent. Believe it or not, it’s possible to develop an addiction without technically abusing or misusing a substance, such as using a prescribed controlled substance for chronic pain. Even when prescription painkillers are used correctly, it’s still possible for a person to become physiologically dependent, especially […]
Why Does My Therapist Ask Me About My Family?
No one person can be blamed for “creating” an addictive personality. Nevertheless, family members do exert powerful influences over factors that both maintain and accelerate the addiction cycle. How a family responds to a loved one with vulnerability to drug use, for example, can both prevent and stop addiction, according to a study published by […]
When to Leave Your Family to Seek Treatment
If you are a parent who struggles is addicted to opiate drugs, you may wonder if you should try to kick the habit on your own for the sake of your family. Because opiate drugs—whether heroin or opiate painkillers—change your brain chemistry, it is always best to get help as soon as possible. Quitting “cold […]
How You Can Overcome an Opiate Addiction
The most important step that starts the recovery process is acknowledging that you have a problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately two million people in the United States are addicted to prescription opiates. Many also suffer from shame believing that addiction is a sign of moral and mental weakness. Because of this, they think that […]
4 Advantages to Attending Out-of-State Treatment Facilities
Considering a treatment center far from home certainly may make the big decision to seek recovery from drug abuse or addiction a more difficult or complicated task. However, there may be some definite advantages to going out-of-state for this kind of help. (more…)
Why Patience Is Important in a Loved One’s Rehab
In today’s society everyone seems focused on results, but some things, such as rehab and addiction recovery, take time before you start seeing the payoff. When your loved one begins rehab, you may expect him to return home fully healed and drug-free, but recovery is a long process that does not end during or even […]
How Art Therapy is a Healthy Outlet
Art therapy focuses on the opportunity to share emotions or feelings often not easily identified or put into words through artistic expression. The process of creating art is very fulfilling to many people and allows each person to use their talents and dig deeper into their thoughts. Art therapy connects with each individual in a […]
How to Take Care of Yourself After Opiate Rehab
Many life changes take place in rehab, including learning how to take care of oneself in opiate addiction recovery. Maintaining recovery for the long haul is difficult, so it is crucial that people in recovery focus on whatever it takes to get to their best mental, emotional and physical health possible. (more…)