OPIATE REHAB

These usually get grouped together as ‘opioids’ because the distinction between them is pretty fine. Opiates are produced or derived from an actual plant, the opium poppy plant. Some common opiates are:

• Opium
• Codeine
• Morphine
• Heroin

Opioids are generally not derived or produced from a plant source–they are created in a lab. These chemical compounds are synthesized by the pharmaceutical industry for the production of medicines, usually painkillers. Some common opioids with their brand name include:

• Dextropropoxyphene (Darvocet-N, Darvon)
• Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Methadone (Dolophine)
• Meperidine (Demerol)
• Fentanyl/fentanil (Ultiva, Sublimaze, Duragesic patch)

Methamphetamine, often shortened to meth, is a stimulant drug that is highly addictive. It is a powder that can be made into a pill or a hard rock (called a crystal). The powder can be eaten or snorted up the nose. It can also be mixed with liquid and injected into the veins with a needle. Crystal meth is smoked in a small glass pipe.

Meth at first causes a rush of good feelings, but then users feel edgy, overly excited, angry, or afraid. Meth use can quickly lead to dependency. Because it is so highly addictive, users can quickly move from recreational use to dependency and addiction. Meth can be found anywhere–from big cities to rural towns, among rich and poor, and has destroyed entire communities.

Alcohol is insidious because it is legal and socially acceptable. Many people who abuse alcohol are not even aware that they are putting themselves at risk for dependency or addiction because it has become so habitual in their daily lives. For example, alcohol is often expected at many holidays or social events–wedding receptions, after-work happy hour, Sunday football games, beers at the baseball game, etc.

Binge drinking, or consuming multiple drinks over a short period of time, is especially prevalent among young people. This abuse can easily develop into a dependency or addiction, especially if it starts a lifelong drinking habit.

While many people have heard of the unpleasant withdrawal effects of alcohol, such as the “DTs” or delirium tremens, medications are available to help ease withdrawal from alcohol and cravings for alcohol. The FDA has currently approved three drugs: disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate. 

Outside of these three very commonly abused substances, Southern Sky Recovery offers substance abuse treatment programs for all mood-altering substances, including:

• Benzos
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Prescription drugs
• Sleep medication
• Marijuana
• Spice
• Ghb
• Hallucinogens