Opioid Treatment Programs | Detox, MAT, & Treatment Options

Opioids/opiates are some of the most dangerous, addictive drugs available. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioids are responsible for approximately 128 overdose deaths every day. 

Although these deaths occur at an alarming rate, they’re preventable and can be reversed with a drug called naloxone (Narcan).

If you or a loved one struggle with opioid addiction, a variety of treatment options are available to help you overcome substance use disorder. 

Opioid Treatment Options 

The best way to overcome an opioid addiction is through a professional treatment program with a trusted healthcare provider. 

Before beginning a treatment program, it’s always important to undergo a thorough assessment to determine which type of treatment plan would be best for you. 

Opioid rehab programs should always be customized to meet the needs of the individual patient, which may include addiction medicines to curb cravings and physical dependence. 

Some of the treatment options available to patients with opioid use disorders include:

• Detox
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Behavioral therapy 
• Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Support groups
• Aftercare

Most patients in opioid treatment programs will benefit from a combination of these treatment services. 

Opioid Detox Programs

The purpose of an opioid detoxification program is to provide you with support as you experience opioid withdrawal symptoms and prepare for the next phase of treatment. 

During a detox program, you may receive medications to help with symptoms, and you may also be under medical supervision. Opioid detox programs may be completed in an inpatient facility or on an outpatient basis. These programs tend to last only a few days. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is ideal for patients with opioid addiction. If you choose a MAT program, you will be prescribed a specific medication, like Suboxone or Vivitrol, that’s designed to reduce your cravings and lower opioid dependence. 

Medications that are approved by FDA for opioid addiction maintenance treatment include:

• buprenorphine
• methadone
• naltrexone

In most cases, you will receive other forms of treatment as well, such as behavioral therapy, to maximize your chances of success in the program. MAT programs are available from both inpatient and outpatient facilities.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy is an evidence-based approach to opioid use disorder treatment. This type of therapy focuses on helping you recognize the unhealthy thought and behavior patterns that lead to drug addiction. 

Once you have recognized these patterns, your therapist will help you address and change them. Behavioral therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments. 

Support Groups

Support groups are designed to connect people who are struggling with opioid addiction to others who are dealing with the same problem. These groups may be used during opioid use disorder treatment, or they may be used as a form of aftercare. 

Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous allow those in recovery to share their experiences and receive support from one another. These groups also provide accountability for maintaining sobriety and abstaining from drug use. 

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment programs are intensive, highly-structured programs that require patients to remain at the treatment facility continuously during the program. 

In most cases, patients in an inpatient opioid treatment program will follow a specific schedule each day. This schedule may include individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, medical care, educational activities and other services designed to facilitate a lasting recovery. 

For patients with a severe opioid use disorder and/or a lack of support at home, inpatient treatment is usually the best option available. 

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs provide treatment sessions based on a set schedule during the week. The number of sessions required each week, as well as the length of each session, will depend on the intensity of the treatment program. 

Outpatient therapy may be used as the first line of treatment for some patients, or it may be used as a form of step-down following the completion of an inpatient treatment program. 

Aftercare

After you have completed your addiction treatment program, you may receive aftercare services to help you maintain your sobriety and get support when you need it. 

Examples of common aftercare services include support group meetings, peer recovery coaching, and sober-living housing. Aftercare may also involve more practical services, such as career coaching or parenting classes. 

Tips For Finding Opioid Addiction Treatment

Not all opioid treatment programs are the same. To give yourself the best chance of making a full recovery, you need to select an effective treatment provider that offers quality services. 

Some of the factors to consider as you compare the options available include:

• Accreditation—Receiving accreditation shows that a treatment program has met specific standards for quality. Choose an accredited treatment program if possible. 
• Evidence-based treatment—The best treatment programs will offer services based on the results of scientific research studies, which include MAT and behavioral therapy. 
• Licensure of staff—If possible, select a treatment program that employs only licensed alcohol and drug counselors. 
• Treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders—Many people who have opioid use disorders have a co-occurring disorder, such as depression. Some treatment programs offer dual diagnosis treatment designed to address both conditions at once. 
• Family involvement—If you have family members who want to support you during treatment, look for a program that encourages family involvement. 

What To Expect At Ark Behavioral Health

Ark Behavioral Health offers several different treatment options for patients with opioid use disorders, including detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, and medication-assisted treatment. 

When you choose to receive care at one of our treatment centers, our staff will assess your needs carefully in order to create customized substance abuse treatment that gives you the support you need to recover fully. 

If you or a loved one need help for opioid use disorder, please contact us to learn more.