Opioids are now a far-reaching epidemic and crisis, with rates of deaths from opioid overdoses almost doubling from 2019 to 2022. As someone in recovery who now works with others whom often suffer from opioid addiction, I can attest to the dramatic ways that this type of addiction has changed how we treat addiction.
Not only are opioids a lethal threat, but they pose unique challenges for those seeking recovery. From detox through the inpatient rehabilitation process to sober living and into outpatient treatment, now, more than ever, it’s vital for providers to tailor their approach to meet the specific needs of those suffering from opioid addiction.
Emphasizing a Continuum Of Care
Successful recovery requires so much more than abstinence. It requires lifestyle changes that can seem daunting at first. Addiction is a chronic disease deeply rooted in the brain and needs to be managed very closely over the early months and years of recovery. With this in mind, treatment providers need to offer a continuum of care that addresses all aspects of addiction and recovery.
What is a Continuum of Care?
Providing a continuum of care involves providing multiple levels of treatment and support as someone progresses through their recovery journey. For those living with opioid addiction, this might include stages such as:
- Medically assisted detox
- Inpatient rehabilitation
- Outpatient treatment
- Sober living programs
- Aftercare and ongoing support groups
Each stage of care addresses different aspects of recovery, from managing physical withdrawal symptoms in the early months and years to addressing underlying mental health issues and social reintegration during recovery.
Creating a Continuum that Works
With the high rates of relapse in opioid addiction, it’s clear that more needs to be done to prevent and address these potentially fatal relapses. A comprehensive continuum of care can help by providing long-term support and resources to those in recovery.
Some strategies for creating a successful continuum of care for opioid addiction may include:
- Regular check-ins with medical professionals during all stages of treatment.
- Access to therapy and support groups that address underlying mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, which are common comorbidities with opioid addiction.
- Incorporating holistic approaches such as mindfulness techniques and exercise routines into treatment plans.
- Providing ongoing education and resources on coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, and healthy lifestyle habits.
- Integrating sober living or transitional housing options for those who may not have a stable and supportive home environment.
Sober Living During Recovery for OUD
Obtaining sober living and transitional housing is a crucial component of a successful continuum of care for opioid addiction. Sober living environments offer a structured and supportive community for those in recovery to continue their journey toward sobriety.
With opioids being highly addictive and having higher relapse rates than other substances, a sober living community can foster a sense of support, offer 24/7 accountability, and provide access to ongoing treatment and resources. It can also serve as a bridge between inpatient or outpatient treatment programs and independent living.
Fortunately, sober living homes are now highly accessible, with many offering sliding scale payment options or donated funding for those in need. Sober living homes are a fantastic addiction to treatment, and in my experience, provide much-needed stability and support during the early stages of recovery.
Utilizing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Another major advancement in the treatment of opioid addiction is the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT combines behavioral therapy and medications to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. It has been shown to be an effective option for those struggling with opioid use disorder.
Some commonly used medications in MAT include:
- Buprenorphine (ie brand name Suboxone, Subutex, and Sublocade)
- Naltrexone (ie brand name Vivitrol)
These medications work by either reducing withdrawal symptoms or blocking the effects of opioids on the brain. They are not meant to be a long-term solution, but rather a tool to help individuals stabilize and focus on their recovery journey.
Why Use MAT?
It’s important to note that MAT should not be viewed as a replacement for comprehensive treatment but rather as a tool to aid in recovery. When combined with therapy and support, MAT can provide numerous benefits such as:
- Reducing cravings: By blocking the effects of opioids on the brain, MAT can help reduce the intense cravings that often drive relapse.
- Stabilizing mood and reducing withdrawal symptoms: Medications such as buprenorphine and methadone can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and stabilize a person’s mood, making it easier to engage in therapy and other recovery activities.
- Lowering risk of overdose: One of the biggest dangers for those struggling with opioid addiction is the risk of overdose. MAT has been shown to significantly reduce this risk by stabilizing a person’s opioid tolerance.
- Increasing retention in treatment: Studies have shown that individuals who use MAT are more likely to stay engaged in treatment for the recommended duration, increasing their chances of successful recovery.
For people with other types of addictions, medications aren’t necessarily a part of their recovery journey. However, for those struggling with opioid addiction, MAT can be a vital component in achieving and maintaining long-term abstinence. In addition, a 2023 Yale study examining opioid addiction and MAT found that not using MAT during recovery may be more harmful than no treatment at all! This finding highlights how different, and difficult, it is to treat opioid addiction compared to other types of substance abuse disorders.
Removing the Stigma Around Relapse
As I mentioned earlier, relapse is incredibly common in opioid addiction, and unfortunately, it often comes with a heavy burden of shame and guilt for the individual. This stigma surrounding relapse can create barriers to seeking help or returning to treatment after a relapse.
To combat this stigma, we need to change our perspective on relapse. Instead of seeing it as a personal failure, we should view it as part of the recovery process. Oftentimes, relapse is an opportunity for growth and learning. It allows individuals to identify triggers and challenges in their recovery journey and develop new strategies for coping with them.
In addition, we must also recognize that addiction is a chronic disease and like any other chronic illness, relapse can occur. Just as someone with diabetes may experience a flare-up of symptoms, someone in recovery from opioid addiction may experience a relapse. It does not mean they have failed or that their recovery is over.
By removing the stigma around relapse and viewing it as a normal part of the recovery process, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment for individuals seeking help for opioid addiction. Now, more than ever, it’s vital to understand that removing stigma from relapse can not only prevent individuals from feeling shame and guilt, but it can also save lives.
Medication Monitoring – Critical for 24/7 Care
According to SAMSHA, as many as 21.5 million people have a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental health condition. This means that individuals with opioid addiction may also be struggling with other mental health issues, making recovery even more complex.
This is where medication monitoring becomes a crucial aspect of recovery. Every day, there seems to be a new news story of someone dying of Fentanyl poisoning or overdosing on prescription opioids. Medication monitoring helps to prevent these tragic occurrences by closely tracking and managing an individual’s medication use.
Not only does it provide a safety net against accidental overdoses, but it also ensures that individuals are taking their medication as prescribed and not diverting it for non-medical use. This level of accountability can greatly aid in the recovery process and help individuals stay on track with their treatment plans.
Medications are truly life-saving and can make a world of difference for someone with a co-occurring mental health condition. However, it’s important to note that medication like anti-anxiety and antidepressants can also be misused by people with opioid addiction, so close monitoring and responsible prescribing is essential.
Providing Narcan
Lastly, Narcan can be a life-saving tool for individuals in recovery. Narcan, also known as naloxone, is an overdose reversal medication that can quickly restore normal breathing to someone who has overdosed on opioids.
In recent years, there has been a push to make Narcan more widely available and accessible in communities where opioid addiction is prevalent. This includes making it available over-the-counter at pharmacies without a prescription. For those residing in sober living homes or transitional housing, having Narcan readily available is crucial in case of an emergency.
Overall, medication monitoring and providing tools like Narcan can greatly aid in the recovery process and ultimately save lives. As we continue to combat the opioid epidemic, healthcare providers and loved ones of people in recovery must understand how critical the role of responsible prescribing, medication management, and access to Narcan is in helping individuals on the path to sobriety.
Conclusion
Addiction is a complex disease that requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. With opioid use rising, these changes will continue to impact addiction treatment practices. These changes can be exciting, like reducing stigma and increasing access to resources, but also challenging, as we navigate new treatment methods and hurdles. It’s important for healthcare providers, therapists, and loved ones of individuals in recovery to stay informed about these changes and continuously educate ourselves on the best practices for helping those struggling with opioid addiction.
About the Author:
Mark is a U.S. Veteran-in-recovery who has been serving the recovery community of San Diego for a decade as Founder and CEO of Present Moments Recovery, which is an addiction treatment program for adults in San Diego. We care for adults for up to 1 year in our residential program. Present Moments Recovery can be reached at (619) 367-4767.
Speaks from heart, always too passionate and driven by emotions. Spins the words with kindness & sharpness, intriguing your ever-inscrutable minds.
