What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a highly addictive type of chemical substance that includes prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and illicit opioids like heroin. This type of drug works by binding to opioid receptors within the brain, blocking pain signals and resulting in feelings of pleasure and euphoria when taken in high doses.
Severe withdrawal symptoms develop when a person stops taking opioid narcotics. These physical and psychological symptoms often prevent people from maintaining long-term sobriety without professional help. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to people of all ages struggling with opioid dependence. At Flatirons Recovery, we provide effective opioid addiction treatment in Boulder, CO.
What is an Opioid Use Disorder?
When a person struggles with an opioid use disorder, or OUD, it means they have a problematic pattern of opioid use. The National Library of Medicine states, “The pattern causes a lot of distress and impairment (meaning that it causes problems in and interferes with daily life). Instead of OUD, sometimes people use the terms ‘opioid dependence’ and ‘opioid addiction.’ Dependence means feeling withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug. Addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes a person to compulsively seek out drugs, even though they cause harm.”
Both opioid use disorder and opioid-related overdose are major problems throughout the county. In fact, opioid use disorder has reached epidemic levels in the U.S. An estimated 3 million American adults currently suffer from a diagnosable opioid use disorder. However, Colorado has been impacted more severely than many other states.
The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration reported “543 opioid overdose deaths in 2018 from both prescription opioids and illegal opioids such as heroin.” The number of opioid fatalities in Colorado has continued to climb. In 2021, nearly 1,900 Colorado residents lost their lives to opioid overdose. In response to increasing rates of opioid addiction and overdose, Flatirons Recovery has developed a program of clinical care that is both accessible and effective.
Signs & Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
The most common signs and symptoms associated with opioid addiction include:
- Attempting to cut back on opioid use but being unable to do so
- Spending an excessive amount of time obtaining and using opioids
- Developing a physical tolerance over time
- Experiencing intense cravings for opioids throughout the day
- Continuing to use opioids despite personal consequences directly related to opioid use
- An increase in risk-taking behaviors while under the influence of opioids
- A lack of interest in hobbies and activities that were previously enjoyed
- Difficulty keeping up with personal responsibilities and pre-existing obligations
- Continuing to use despite worsening or newly developing physical or psychological symptoms
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when opioid use is stopped suddenly
Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
When a person stops using opioid narcotics suddenly, their central nervous system essentially goes into shock. A range of physical and psychological symptoms develop. This is known as opioid withdrawal. When opioid withdrawal is professionally treated in a designated medical detox center, associated symptoms can be easily managed. However, when a person attempts to detox on their own, they are often driven back to opioid use before the withdrawal process is over.
Symptoms of opioid withdrawal mimic the symptoms of severe flu and include low-grade fever, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe stomach cramping, muscle aches and joint pain, cold sweats, and heightened anxiety. While Flatirons Recovery does not offer an on-site detoxification center, we work closely with several reputable detox centers in the Boulder area. Contact us directly to learn more.
How is Opioid Addiction Treated?
At Flatirons Recovery, we offer effective opioid addiction treatment in Boulder, Colorado. Because opioid addiction recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process, every treatment plan will look different. We pay close attention to the unique clinical needs of each client, crafting integrated plans of action that address physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing.
The services we offer at our Colorado opioid addiction treatment center include:
- The Recovery Ranch Program — Our inpatient opioid rehab in Boulder, Colorado, provides 24/7 care in a comfortable, supportive environment. Clients participate in intensive therapeutic and holistic programming, followed by participation in a range of recovery-friendly activities.
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment — We offer daytime and nighttime Intensive Outpatient treatment (IOP). Our IOP program includes individual and group therapy, relapse prevention training, vocational training, and other pertinent services.
- Day Treatment — Our Day Treatment program resembles a traditional Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Therapeutic groups meet Monday through Friday from the morning until the afternoon. PHP is a step above IOP and below inpatient rehab regarding program intensity and commitment level.
- Sober Living — Sober living facilities can be an excellent accompaniment to holistic opioid rehab during and after treatment. Our Colorado sober living home is comfortable and structured, providing residents with the accountability they need to thrive in their newfound lives of recovery.
