Opioids

Medically Reviewed by: Marjorie Gies, M.D., Psychiatrist & Medical Director

Casa Serena Addiction Treatment Program

Opioids Addiction Treatment

Opioids are a powerful group of prescription medications used to relieve the pain from surgical procedures and from chronic diseases such as cancer. When administered by experienced medical personnel, opioids provide a profound sense of calm and relaxation in users and help them deal with discomfort. When used as part of a comprehensive pain management treatment plan, opioids are an effective tool in allowing patients to heal and become healthy. While opioids are effective, they also have a high addiction potential. These powerful medications are easily misused, and people can easily slide into dependence and addiction. Chronic opioid use can lead to a host of medical and mental health issues and can even become life-threatening.

If you are struggling with opioid addiction, this article will explain when to get help for your addiction. You will also learn why you should choose a women’s only rehab opioid program like the one found at Casa Serena. Call us today and learn more about our evidence-based women’s opioid treatment program.

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The Statistics of Women and Opioid Addiction

The connection between women and opioids is both shocking and disturbing. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 5 women are prescribed opioid medications. The prescription rate increases for those women who are on Medicaid. Women are more likely to become dependent on opioid medications because they are more likely to experience chronic pain. Also, women are more likely to use more potent opioids for more extended periods and will become dependent in a shorter period. Women are also more apt to misuse opioids due to trauma and have co-occurring disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Women who have a past history of physical and sexual abuse are likely to develop an opioid disorder. If women seek medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, they run into roadblocks. Some treatments are not approved for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, women may avoid seeking treatment because they fear their children will be taken from them while in treatment.

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When to Get Help for Opioid Addiction

If you are taking opioid medications and fear you may be dependent, there are several warning signs that your use requires immediate professional help. These signs are as follows:

You are Prescribed an Opioid Medication

The first sign that you may be addicted to opioids is the fact that you become increasingly obsessed with when you can take your next dose. If you are taking opioids for an extended period, you may be addicted to opioid medication.

You Are Taking More than Prescribed

Opioid medications are potent and must be taken under the close supervision of experienced medical personnel. If you are taking more than the prescribed amount or are stretching out your doses to make your medications last longer, you may be addicted. If you are not telling your doctor that the current prescription isn’t helping your pain and you try to play “doctor,” you may be dependent on opioid medications.

Doctor Shopping

Another warning sign of opioid addiction is if you are engaging in the practice of doctor shopping. This occurs when you seek the same prescription from more than one doctor. When you become addicted to your medication, your primary doctor may not prescribe more medications. If your primary doctor refuses to give you what you need, you may seek out other doctors to write you a prescription or seek out a doctor known to overprescribe the medications you are currently using.

You Use Other Sources to Get Your Medications

You may be addicted to prescription painkillers if you are ordering medications online or are procuring or stealing medications. If you are injuring yourself to get more medications, you are addicted to opioids.

You Get Defensive About Your Usage

If you are abusing prescription medications, your family and friends have noticed. Suppose your loved ones have talked to you about your drug use, and you become irritated and defensive. In that case, it is a sign that you may be addicted to opioids and need professional help from a women’s opioid addiction treatment program.

Drastic Changes in Appearance

If you are addicted to opioids, you will experience drastic changes in your personal appearance and hygiene. You may look ragged from not getting enough sleep, and your eating habits have drastically changed. You may look pale and unkempt, and you may be moodier or on edge. If you or others are shocked at how you have transformed for the worse, you are in the grips of addiction.

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Why Choose a Women’s Opioid Addiction Treatment Center?

If you have made the commitment to address your opioid addiction, there are many treatment options to consider. While there are many opioid treatment programs that feature effective programs, they may not be right for you. To give you the best chance at recovery, a women’s opioid treatment center may be your best option. There are several reasons why women’s opioid rehab programs give you the necessary tools you need to get and stay sober. These benefits include the following:

Added Safety and Security

Women who are addicted to opioids often have histories of sexual and physical abuse. A traditional treatment program may not provide an environment where women can open up and speak freely about their experiences. A women-only opioid treatment program provides a safe and non-judgmental space for women to feel comfortable in sharing their feelings. Once these issues are addressed, women will respond better to their individualized treatment program.

Nurturing Environment

Women’s opioid treatment programs provide a nurturing environment for clients to address their addiction issues. The nurturing environment in a women’s only addiction treatment program creates security, and clients are more likely to support each other during treatment. This environment creates a strong sense of community which motivates and inspires women to make the changes needed to support a recovery lifestyle.

Personalized Treatment Focusing on the Unique Issues Women Face

Women face considerable stigma when entering treatment. They fear being perceived as weak, and they have real fears of losing their families and jobs. A women’s only rehab is specifically designed to address issues such as self-esteem, self-worth, eating disorders, and other issues. Additionally, these facilities offer health care and childcare.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Women’s opioid rehabs such as Casa Serena employ a multidisciplinary treatment approach that helps clients heal in mind, body, and spirit. These include services such as individual, group, and family therapy, CBT, dual diagnosis treatment, holistic therapies, and aftercare programs, and transitional living. Also of note, these specialized rehabs can be more welcoming to those in the LGBTQA+ movement.

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Casa Serena’s Compassionate Staff Is Here For You

When you are struggling with opioid addiction, it can feel that you are alone in your battles. Fortunately, the compassionate team at Casa Serena is by your side as you address the underlying roots of your addiction. We are a premier women’s opioid treatment facility with 60 years of experience understanding women’s unique treatment needs. Our evidence-based and holistic approach will thoroughly address your issues and needs, and we foster a strong sense of community and togetherness. You don’t have to suffer in silence; call Casa Serena today and find the power to heal yourself—starting right now.

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