Opioids are powerful pain-relieving medications and drugs that can be life-changing when used correctly— but highly dangerous when misused. Prescription opioids and illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl are a major driver of overdose deaths, physical dependence, and addiction. The good news is that opioid addiction is treatable, and recovery is possible with the right support.

At Every 1 Center, we help individuals and families understand opioids, recognize the signs of opioid addiction, and access safe opioid detox, comprehensive addiction treatment, and ongoing therapy services.

Call (518) 714-0355 Now for Opioid Treatment Help

Opioids are a class of drugs that act on the brain’s opioid receptors to reduce pain and produce feelings of relaxation or euphoria. They include:

Prescription pain medications such as hydrocodone, codeine, and medications similar to Roxicodone (roxy)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) medications like Suboxone and methadone (see methadone detox)
Illicit opioids such as heroin (see heroin detox) and potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl (see fentanyl detox)

Opioids may be prescribed after surgery or for serious injuries, but even short-term use can carry risks. Misuse—such as taking higher doses than prescribed, using without a prescription, or combining opioids with alcohol or sedatives—significantly increases the risk of addiction and overdose.

How Opioids Work In The Brain

Opioids attach to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, changing how you experience pain and often producing a wave of well-being or euphoria. Over time, repeated use can lead to:

Tolerance – needing more opioids to feel the same effect
Dependence – feeling sick or in withdrawal when opioids wear off
Opioid addiction – continuing to use despite serious physical, emotional, or social consequences

These changes are part of the broader addiction process. Addiction is not about weakness—it is about brain changes that can be treated with appropriate care and support.

Types Of Opioids

Different opioids vary in strength, how quickly they take effect, and how long they last, but all can be addictive and dangerous when misused. Common categories include:

Prescription Opioids

Hydrocodone and similar pain medications
Codeine, found in some pain and cough medicines
Oxycodone products, including those discussed on our roxy addiction page
Combination medications like Percocet (see Percocet detox)

Illicit Opioids

Heroin, often injected, snorted, or smoked (see heroin detox)
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl and fentanyl-laced substances (see fentanyl detox)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Opioids

Suboxone – a medication used in treatment that can also be misused
Methadone – used in specialized programs, with guidance for safe tapering on our methadone detox page

Whether opioids are prescribed or illicit, misuse can quickly escalate. Our addiction overview explains how various substances fit within the larger picture of substance use disorders.

Signs And Symptoms Of Opioid Misuse

Opioid misuse can be subtle at first, then grow more obvious as dependence develops. Common signs include:

Physical Signs

Pinpoint pupils
Drowsiness, “nodding off,” or frequent sedation
Constipation, nausea, or itching
Slowed breathing or shallow breaths
Track marks or skin infections (with injection use)

Behavioral And Emotional Signs

Using opioids longer or in higher amounts than prescribed
Doctor-shopping or frequently “losing” prescriptions
Borrowing, buying, or stealing pills
Withdrawing from family, friends, or responsibilities
Changes in mood, irritability, or anxiety when not using

If these symptoms feel familiar, a chemical dependency evaluation or substance abuse evaluation near you can help clarify whether an opioid use disorder is present and what level of care is appropriate.

Opioid Overdose: A Medical Emergency

Because opioids slow breathing, high doses—especially when combined with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines—can cause overdose and death. Warning signs of an opioid overdose include:

Very slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
Blue or gray lips and fingertips
Extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up
Gurgling, choking, or snoring sounds
Cool, clammy skin

Opioid overdose is a life-threatening emergency. Call emergency services immediately if you suspect an overdose. If naloxone (Narcan) is available, it may temporarily reverse the effects, but professional medical care is still essential.

After an overdose, it is critical to consider ongoing treatment—not just crisis care. Our pages on opioid detox and treatment programs explain what long-term support can look like.

Opioid Withdrawal And Detox

When the body has become dependent on opioids, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as:

Muscle aches, restlessness, and chills
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Watery eyes, runny nose, and yawning
Anxiety, irritability, and sleep problems
Intense cravings for opioids

While opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening by itself, it can be extremely uncomfortable and can trigger relapse. Supervised opioid detox or opiate detox provides:

Medical monitoring to manage symptoms and complications
Medications when appropriate to reduce discomfort and cravings
A structured environment that supports transition into ongoing care

You can also explore substance-specific detox pages such as heroin detox, fentanyl detox, and Percocet detox.

Treatment For Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is treatable. Effective care often combines medication, counseling, and support. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT uses medications to stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and support long-term recovery. Options may include:

Suboxone-based treatment plans
Methadone through specialized programs, often followed by structured methadone detox if tapering is needed

MAT is usually combined with therapy and support groups for best results.

Levels Of Care

At Every 1 Center, opioid treatment options may include:

Residential treatment for 24/7 structure and safety
Partial hospitalization (PHP)
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and evening IOP
Outpatient programs for flexible, ongoing care
Long-term programs when extended support is needed

A thorough evaluation will help determine which level of care is most appropriate for you.

Therapies That Support Opioid Recovery

Therapy helps address the emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of opioid addiction. Evidence-based approaches include:

Individual addiction counseling
Group therapy with peers in recovery
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Holistic addiction therapy
Teletherapy for more flexible access to care

Some individuals also benefit from specialized or experiential options, such as wilderness therapy programs, when available.

Opioids, Mental Health, And Co-Occurring Conditions

Many people who use opioids are also coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health concerns. Effective treatment addresses both at once. This may include:

Psychiatric evaluation and medication management as needed
Therapies like CBT and DBT focused on mood, trauma, and coping skills
Support for related conditions such as antidepressant misuse or benzodiazepine misuse

Treating mental health and opioid use together lowers relapse risk and supports more stable, lasting recovery.

Support For Families Affected By Opioids

Opioid addiction affects the entire family. Loved ones may feel scared, angry, or exhausted. Helpful supports include:

Family-focused counseling through our therapy services
Education about addiction, boundaries, and enabling
Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Nar-Anon for families
Exploring intervention services if a loved one resists treatment

Families do not cause opioid addiction, but they can play a powerful role in encouraging treatment and supporting long-term recovery.

Specialized Care For Men And Women

Gender-responsive treatment can be especially helpful for those recovering from opioids. Options may include:

Men’s addiction treatment
Women’s drug rehab with attention to trauma, parenting, and relationships

Choosing the right environment can make early recovery more comfortable and effective.

Paying For Opioid Addiction Treatment

Concerns about cost should not be a barrier to getting help. Our insurance resources explain coverage for drug and alcohol rehab, including plans like:

You can also request a confidential call to discuss your specific coverage and options.

Taking The First Step Toward Help For Opioids

If opioids are taking over more of your life than you ever intended, you are not alone—and you are not beyond help. You do not have to wait for another overdose, arrest, or crisis to reach out.

To explore your options, you can:

Learn more about opioid detox and general detox services
Review treatment programs and rehab centers
Read our addiction and addiction process resources
Explore insurance options for coverage
Request a confidential call or contact us directly with questions

With evidence-based treatment, compassionate support, and a personalized plan, many people move from active opioid use into stable, long-term recovery. Reaching out is the first—and most important—step.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about any questions you have regarding opioids, overdose risk, or a possible substance use disorder.

Opioids: Risks, Addiction, And Treatment Options

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