Opioid abuse, whether in the form of out-of-control prescription medicine misuse or the abuse of illegal narcotics such as heroin or fentanyl, represents a serious challenge within the context of substance abuse rehab. Widely regarded as one of the most addictive substances in the world, opioids and their derivatives alter our brain chemistry to form strong physical dependencies after as little as a single exposure. While medically prescribed opioids have legitimate uses when other analgesics have failed, unfortunately, the overuse and abuse of prescription opioids have significantly contributed to a national opioid crisis.
From a rehab clinic perspective, opioid abuse also brings significant challenges. Opioid withdrawal symptoms are some of the most severe (rivalled only by acute alcohol dependency) and frequently require medical intervention to stabilise the patient through detox. Compounding these difficulties, rehab patients often experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), causing withdrawal-like symptoms and cravings well beyond the acute withdrawal symptom phase.
Understanding these challenges and being able to provide safe and effective opioid addiction treatment is critical to long-term, successful opioid rehab. Gladstones Clinic’s individually tailored, holistic, and integrative approach to opioid rehab has helped hundreds of people break free from an otherwise crippling and devastating addiction to opioids.
If you or a loved one are in the clutches of opioid addiction, Gladstones Clinic cannot recommend getting professional rehab treatment enough. Opioids are highly destructive, and early intervention and treatment can prevent irreversible cognitive and physical health damage.
Gladstones Clinic’s opioid addiction treatment programme has been helping people recover from opioids’ devastating effects and start a new chapter in their lives for more than 20 years.
