If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid dependence, seeking professional help is vital to making a long-lasting recovery from it. However, choosing the right opioid treatment program can be quite a challenge, given the myriad of options out there.
Not all opioid treatment programs are created equal, so they can vary tremendously in terms of safety, quality, and effectiveness. For this reason, it’s crucial to make an informed decision when choosing a treatment.
To help you make the right choice, we discuss different approaches to treating opioid dependency, as well as their duration, effectiveness, risks, and more in this article.
Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a complex yet treatable medical condition characterized by chronic, problematic opioid use. In other words, people with OUD have trouble discontinuing opioid use, even though it negatively impacts their lives.
Anyone who takes opioids risks becoming addicted, as these drugs impact brain chemistry.
Over time, they cause the body to produce increasingly more opioid receptors while also preventing the production of endorphins. This chemical imbalance leads to tolerance and dependence, which can eventually develop into an opioid addiction.
Opioid abuse is one of the most significant risk factors for developing an OUD. Because of this, it is paramount to take prescription opioids strictly as instructed by a doctor.
Risks and Dangers of Opioid Usage
Opioids—be they prescription or illicit—expose users to numerous risks and dangers, the greatest of which is opioid overdose, which can be deadly if not treated promptly.
Opioids can also cause various side effects, including, but not limited to:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Sedation
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Lightheadedness
- Itchy skin
- Slowed breathing
Furthermore, long-term opioid use increases the risk of:
- Opioid abuse
- Tolerance, opioid dependence, and addiction
- Breathing problems
- Organ (liver, kidney, etc.) damage
- Overdose
- Coma
- Death
Opioid Treatment Programs
If you’re struggling with an addiction to opioids, there are several different opioid treatment programs you can choose from to aid your recovery.
So, let’s explore and compare the most popular opioid dependency treatment programs available today, including ANR, medication-assisted treatment, detoxification, and more.
#1. ANR Opioid Dependency Treatment
Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) is an ultra-modern opioid dependency treatment developed by Dr. Andre Waismann. By tackling the root cause of opioid dependence, it offers a unique, scientifically-based approach to treating opioid dependence.
The ANR treatment works by re-regulating the endorphin-receptor system to its normal levels while the patient is under heavy sedation, which makes it highly effective.
Since the treatment addresses the underlying cause of the problem, patients no longer experience cravings or other withdrawal symptoms after undergoing the treatment. Therefore, the ANR opioid treatment program negates the risk of relapse.
Moreover, the hospital stay for ANR patients only lasts 36 hours on average, meaning this treatment can help you overcome opioid dependence within days.
#2. Detoxification
Detoxification is the process of eliminating opioids or other substances from the body. While it is often marketed as an effective opioid dependency treatment program, detoxification doesn’t cure opioid addiction since it fails to address its root cause.
One of the most popular forms of detoxification is rapid detox, a medical procedure conducted under anesthesia that uses opioid blockers like naloxone to swiftly flush opioids out of the system.
While the ultra-rapid detox process takes around 44 hours, many patients continue to suffer from withdrawal symptoms afterward, increasing the risk of relapse.
One study found that a staggering 75% of patients relapsed within six months.
Importantly, rapid detox can also lead to potentially life-threatening side effects, such as pulmonary edema, suicidal ideation, and cardiac arrhythmia.
#3. Medication-Assisted Treatment – MAT
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an opioid dependence treatment that combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapy. The goal of the treatment is to replace stronger opioids with safer alternatives while the patient receives psychosocial support to overcome addiction.
The three FDA-approved medications that may be used in MAT are:
- Buprenorphine or buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone®)
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
All these medications belong to the opioid family, which means they have addictive properties despite being used to treat OUD. This puts patients at risk of developing an addiction to opioid-replacement medications.
There is no specific timeline for MAT, meaning the length of the treatment varies from one patient to another. Many patients may stay in MAT for years.
#4. Residential (Inpatient) Rehabilitation Programs
Residential (inpatient) rehabilitation programs require the patient to stay in rehab facilities throughout the treatment, which may last anywhere between a week and several months or even longer. During the treatment, patients receive medical and psychological support around the clock.
While inpatient rehabilitation programs enable the patient to focus entirely on their recovery, not all people can afford to stay at a rehab facility for an extended period of time. Due to this, such opioid dependency treatment programs may not be sustainable for everyone.
#5. Outpatient Rehabilitation Treatment
Outpatient rehabilitation treatment is similar to inpatient rehabilitation, except patients are required to attend scheduled treatment sessions rather than stay in the facility 24/7. Consequently, this treatment is more flexible and often more convenient for patients.
However, its success relies heavily on the patient’s commitment and ability to follow through with the treatment, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
There are two main types of outpatient rehabilitation treatment:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP), where patients come to the treatment center 5–7 days a week and receive around 5–6 hours of treatment daily
- Intensive outpatient programming (IOP), where patients receive 3 hours of treatment daily, 3–5 times per week
However, neither outpatient nor inpatient treatment programs address the deep-seated cause of the issue. Patients may continue to struggle with psychological withdrawal symptoms after completing the program, which could lead to relapse.
How to Choose an Opioid Treatment Program
To choose the best opioid treatment program, pay special attention to:
- Accreditation and licensing. This helps ensure you’ll receive high-quality treatment that adheres to safety standards and regulations.
- Individualized treatment options. While most treatments for opioid dependence and addiction offer a one-size-fits-all approach, the best ones will tailor the treatment to your unique medical history and needs to maximize the outcome and ensure your safety.
- Staff qualifications. Ideally, the treatment for opioid dependence should be carried out by experienced medical professionals (rather than psychologists, for example).
Most importantly, you should look for a treatment that addresses the root cause of opioid dependency rather than treating its symptoms. This makes the ANR opioid dependency treatment your best option, as it is specifically designed to restore your brain to its pre-dependence state.
ANR as the Most Effective Opioid Treatment Program
Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) surpasses traditional opioid treatment programs in terms of effectiveness by reversing the damage opioids cause to the brain. In doing so, it negates the risk of persistent withdrawal symptoms and relapse.
The ANR treatment has helped more than 24,000 people worldwide break free from opioid dependence. However, a high success rate isn’t the only advantage this treatment has over other options.
Here are some other benefits you can reap by opting for ANR:
- Safety. The ANR treatment is scientifically proven to be safe and effective. Moreover, ANR is performed in an ICU setting of accredited hospitals by trained medical professionals and doesn’t involve any potentially addictive opioid-replacement drugs.
- Professional medical staff. The ANR team includes the best healthcare professionals in the industry, including critical care physicians and nurses, board-certified anesthesiologists, and specialized experts such as cardiologists.
- Personalized approach. The ANR treatment is tailored to each patient’s medical history, which helps prevent side effects and makes the procedure suitable even for those with complex medical issues.
- Speed. The ANR procedure takes only 4–6 hours, and most patients return home within three days following the treatment.
Ready to take back control of your life? Contact us now for a free, 100% confidential consultation!
Key Takeaways
The bottom line is that ANR is the most effective opioid addiction treatment because it attacks opioid dependence at its very core rather than just treating its symptoms.
Lastly, let’s summarize what we covered today:
- Opioid use disorder is a medical condition caused by the chemical imbalance that occurs in the brain due to opioid use.
- The most popular opioid treatment programs are ANR, detoxification, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation.
- Licensing and accreditation, staff qualifications, and an individualized approach are some of the key factors you should consider when choosing a treatment for opioid dependence.
Opioid Treatment Programs FAQ
Anyone who takes opioids for an extended period of time is at risk of developing opioid dependence. Keep in mind that opioids alter the way your central nervous system functions; therefore, everyone is susceptible to opioid dependence regardless of social background, family history, etc. Individuals who abuse opioids are at a higher risk of opioid dependence.
Whether or not opioid treatment programs are covered by insurance depends on the specific program and your insurance policy. Although the ANR treatment is currently considered an elective procedure and thus not covered by insurance, we offer several financing options.
The safety of opioid treatment programs varies based on the specific treatment and the facility providing the treatment. Keep in mind that programs that involve opioid-replacement drugs (e.g., methadone or buprenorphine) put you at risk of swapping one opioid addiction for another.
Your doctor can help you find an opioid treatment program near you. Alternatively, consider contacting us at ANR Clinic—our treatment differs from others in that it treats the root of opioid dependence, which makes it highly effective.
According to the 2020 National Survey Of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, there are 1,754 opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in the United States.
Also Read:
Opioids and Veterans: The Effects of Opioid Use on Veterans
