Opiate Addiction

Opiate addiction is believed to be a disorder of the central nervous system resulting from continuous use of opiates. Because of prolonged opiate use, natural pain killers, known as endorphins, no longer function normally. Endorphins are no longer produced by the body naturally because it is instead receiving opiates. When these nerve cells degenerate, a need for the drug or high physical tolerance is present, requiring that more and more of the drug be ingested in order to avoid the onset of painful withdrawal symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Opiate addiction is characterized by lack of control over drug use, compulsive craving and use of a drug, and continued use regardless of the physical, emotional and social consequences. Some of the signs and symptoms of opiate abuse, painkiller addiction, and narcotic addiction may include but are not limited to:

Restlessness
Hyperactive behavior
Poor physical coordination
Inability to concentrate
Poor judgment
Slurred speech
Bouts of euphoria followed by bouts of extreme depression
Accelerated heartbeat which can ultimately result in coma or death

An addict may display marked changes in attitude and behavior. Relationships with family members and friends deteriorate rapidly. Performance at work and/or school decreases. An addict will lie to cover his or her using habits and steal to finance it if necessary. It is difficult to hide opiate abuse for any length of time.

Opiate Treatment

The road to opiate treatment begins with a thorough opiate detox. Any detox can be extremely painful with severe physical symptoms that may be traumatic if attempted without medical treatment. Options for medical supervision include a day treatment program, methadone maintenance, inpatient drug rehabilitation and outpatient treatment. Meditox is an outpatient treatment facility that provides you with the support and guidance you need to detox safely in six weeks with only one appointment.

The Meditox Method

Rather than enrolling in a long inpatient treatment program and breaking ties with family and friends, Meditox allows you the freedom of opiate detoxification through an outpatient program. The Meditox Method was adapted specifically for high functioning, motivated people who need individual attention and guidance so they can free themselves from chemical addictions while continuing with their lives.

Meditox is successfully treating opiate addiction for patients across the United States and Canada. To ensure the confidentiality of your treatment, Meditox does not accept insurance. We are a concierge medical service, offering privacy, access and one on one treatment with support for every patient. Meditox is a clear alternative for individuals seeking comprehensive treatment, but who have neither the time nor inclination for hospitalization or inpatient rehabilitation.

Each patient is treated as an individual according to their bio-psycho-social needs. You will be assigned a Case Manager who will serve as a Detox Coach throughout the six weeks of outpatient treatment. Patients will find the Meditox support staff, their case managers and doctors available to them through the entire course of the program, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Meditox has no long waiting lists; we are ready when you are. Call 1-866-MEDITOX.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

Additional Resources

National Institute on Drug Abuse: The Science of Addiction
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Drug Abuse and Addiction
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Drugs and the Brain
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Addiction and Health
Heroin: Abuse and Addiction
La Heroína: Abuso y Adicción
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Heroin

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“Today is week #5! I have my life back, this morning my husband told me he hadn't seen me like this in three years! My daughter told me "your back Mom"! My Fybromyalgia is down to 2 to 3 percent of what it was, I am fully able to live with the Joy and Love and Laughter which has always been my way.”

Mother, Real Estate Agent, 49
August 11, 2006

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