The role of heroin addiction treatment in the fight against the opioid crisis is being questioned more frequently every day. The use of opioid drugs, especially heroin, has risen dramatically in the past few decades as America has witnessed an increase in the number of opioid addicts. About 64 Americans die every day from a prescription opioid overdose. This article will discuss the different types of opioid addiction treatment, including outpatient, residential, and medication-assisted treatment. It will also outline the pros and cons of each option.
1. Exercise
Did you know that physical exercise can actually keep your opioid receptors from becoming fully saturated? This means that you can exercise longer hours without becoming physically exhausted, and you can still achieve the same level of fitness as before. This is great news for people who are struggling with an opioid addiction.
Exercising does not require a great deal of time, only 15-45 minutes three times a week. You can choose from running, walking, swimming, elliptical machines, and more. Exercising does not have to be strenuous; it can be as simple as practicing some relaxing yoga or going for a stroll around your neighborhood. It is important to seek out physical activity that is low in stress so you can unwind and relax while having fun.
2. Learn a New Skill
The Internet is a great place to learn new skills that can help in overcoming a drug addiction. Just being on the Internet has the ability to help you improve your typing speed, increase your vocabulary, or even help you relearn a lost skill. Learning new skills can make you more likely to break free of your addiction. Search the Internet for learning resources and find things that interest you.
You may be surprised at how much is out there to help you. You may want to look up how to create crossword puzzles, learn how to cook a new meal, or learn how to use a power drill. These are all skills that will help you out once you’re clean. However, learning a new skill does not mean that you have to sit down and study for several hours. It can be as simple as going online and looking up how to do something. You don’t have to be an expert in order to benefit from learning new skills.
3. Take Up a New Hobby
Hobbies are one of the best ways to relax and de-stress after a long day at work. But what if you have a drug addiction and you’re looking for an outlet other than work? How about a new hobby? You can find an outlet for your new hobby by seeking out a group that is interested in the same thing as you. You can join a shooting club, take up a new sport, or maybe knitting.
Whatever you choose, make sure you’re socializing with others who are also in recovery. Having human interaction and bonding are important for staying clean. You may also want to consider taking up a new hobby that you’ve always wanted to try but never have before. You may have always wanted to try a sport you’ve always seen on TV, or you might want to try a new hobby to add to your bucket list. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re having fun.
4. Find a Loved One to Help You Through
When you’re struggling with an opioid addiction, your family can become major stressors in your life. It is important to remember that family members who are also struggling with an opioid addiction can be helped by the same treatment as you. You can call your family and friends who you trust to talk to them about the risks of overdose. Let them know about your addiction and what treatment you’re seeking.
The key is to let them know you aren’t trying to hide anything from them. Be open, honest, and upfront with them. Let them know where you’ve been, who you’ve talked to, and what you’ve done. Be as transparent as possible. There are many ways to support your loved ones through an opioid addiction. You can drug-check everyone in your family, set up a support group for your loved ones, or take part in a 12-step program together.
5. Attend Counseling
Counseling can be a valuable tool when it comes to addressing your opioid addiction. There are many types of counseling available, including chemical dependency treatment, counseling for heroin addiction, and counseling aimed to treat both addictions. Depending on your situation, you may want to speak to a health care provider or a counselor. Many centers offer individual or group counseling, as well as on-site recovery services. In some areas, you can also seek out group therapy led by qualified, trained personnel.
6. Join a Club or Activity that You Enjoy
Looking for a boost of energy? Look no further. Social activities are a great way to spend your down time, as well as an opportunity to meet new people, take care of old friends, and relax. You can join a sports team, start a kid’s club, or choose from a list of other clubs and organizations. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you truly enjoy.
7. Get Enough Sleep
Do you feel like you’re not getting enough sleep? You’re not the only one. About 75 percent of people report that they feel sleep-deprived when they don’t get enough sleep, and more than half of people say that sleeping less than they should makes them feel worse than when they do get enough sleep. How much you need to sleep is up to you. Some people need seven to nine hours of sleep while others need only six hours.
It’s also important to note that not all sleep is as beneficial as others. Poor sleep quality is a common feature of opioid addiction, and it can lead to anxiety and other negative side effects. Benzodiazepines, the most commonly prescribed sleep medication, is known to be harmful when used daily with no sleep. It is also important to note that alcohol and other drugs that cause sleepiness can interact with benzodiazepines, making them even more dangerous.
8. Find a Therapist You Trust
Many people find therapy extremely helpful when dealing with an opioid addiction. Therapy is not a replacement for heroin treatment, but it can be a helpful tool in helping you overcome your addiction. You can find a therapist in any field, such as nursing, mental health, or social work. It doesn’t matter where you find your therapist—as long as you choose one you trust.
You can also look up therapists online. Find a therapist who specializes in treating addiction. Although many addiction specialists have experience treating other types of patients, they may be better suited to helping you overcome an opioid addiction.
Asheville Recovery Is Here For You
And still there are those who believe that the opioid crisis is a myth created by government statistics and self-serving doctors. They are wrong. The opioid crisis is real and it is deadly. It is a national security issue and a health issue. It is a moral issue. It is a public health issue. It is a civil rights issue. The US must do everything in its power to end the opioid epidemic. Only then will the country be safe.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent substance abuse and help those who are already struggling. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or a mental disorder, it is important to get treatment. At Asheville Recovery Center treatment specialists utilize a 12-step program and practice holistic rehabilitation.
Services at the center include:
Partial Hospitalization Program – At Asheville Recovery Center we offer a partial hospitalization program for clients who need post-residential treatment as well as for clients who need primary treatment but are unable to enroll in inpatient programs. Our PHP track offers a variety of therapeutic services and benefits to individuals in early recovery from substance addiction.
Outpatient Rehabilitation – During intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), clients live at home or in a sober living residence while completing an addiction treatment program. IOP is a place where clients can process their experiences in twelve-step fellowships and support one another in those individual journeys.
Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental illness, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call and speak with an addiction expert today.
