Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic condition that can be effectively treated with a combination of medications and behavioral therapies.

 

Signs of an Opioid Addiction 

  • Increased usage: Taking larger amounts or using for longer periods than intended.
  • Unsuccessful attempts to quit: Repeated efforts to stop using opioids without success.
  • Excessive time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from opioids.
  • Neglecting responsibilities: Ignoring work, school, or family obligations.
  • Changes in mood: Unusual mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
  • Social withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions and activities.

 

Here are some key points about treatment options:

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

  1. Buprenorphine: This medication helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It can be prescribed by any clinician with the appropriate DEA registration.
  2. Vivitrol: Vivitrol is an extended-release injectable formulation of naltrexone, which is an opioid receptor antagonist.
  3. Narcan: a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses rapidly. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, effectively blocking the effects of opioids and restoring normal breathing in someone who has overdosed.
  4. Naltrexone: This medication blocks the effects of opioids and is used to prevent relapse. It requires a period of opioid abstinence before starting.

Behavioral Therapies

Combining medications with behavioral therapies can enhance the effectiveness of treatment. These therapies help individuals modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use and increase healthy life skills.

  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely used approach that helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It focuses on developing coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and managing stress and triggers.

  • Problem-focused and action-oriented: Pinpoints specific issues and devises actionable strategies.
  • Addresses negative thought patterns: Helps individuals understand and challenge their harmful beliefs.
  • Encourages self-awareness: Builds understanding and control over behaviors leading to addiction.
  • Role-playing: Encourages reflection on feelings, behaviors, and triggers, providing insights and reinforcing new patterns.
  • Relapse Prevention: Teaches strategies to recognize early signs of relapse and take preventative action.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT combines CBT with mindfulness practices. It helps individuals manage emotions, improve relationships, and reduce self-destructive behaviors. DBT is particularly effective for those with co-occurring mental health disorders.

  •  Balances acceptance and change: encouraging individuals to accept their experiences and work towards changing harmful behaviors.
  • Skills training: Empowers with tools like emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
  • Mindfulness: Cultivates awareness of the present moment, reducing impulsive behaviors and improving decision-making.
  • Target-oriented approach focuses on addressing the most severe and impactful issues first to create a safer environment for individuals.
  • Group and individual therapy: Provides a comprehensive support system.

Family Therapy

Family therapy involves the individual’s family members in the treatment process. It aims to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen the support system, vital for long-term recovery.

Goals of Family Therapy

  1. Improve Communication: Enhancing communication skills among family members to reduce misunderstandings and conflicts.
  2. Strengthen Support Systems: This involves building a supportive environment that encourages the individual in recovery.
  3. Address Family Dynamics: Identifying and addressing dysfunctional family patterns that may contribute to substance use.
  4. Educate Family Members: Provide information about OUD and its impact on the family and practical ways to support a loved one.

Types of Family Therapy

  1. Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT): Focuses on improving relationship dynamics and communication between partners. Studies show that couples who participate in BCT experience higher levels of abstinence and better relationship satisfaction.
  2. Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT): Designed for adolescents with substance use disorders, MDFT involves the entire family and addresses various aspects of the adolescent’s life, including school, peers, and family relationships.
  3. Functional Family Therapy (FFT): A short-term intervention that focuses on improving family functioning and reducing problematic behaviors. It is particularly effective for families with high levels of conflict.

Benefits of Family Therapy

  • Enhanced Treatment Retention: Individuals are more likely to stay in treatment when their family is involved.
  • Reduced Relapse Rates: Family support can significantly reduce the risk of relapse.
  • Improved Mental Health: Family therapy can help address co-occurring mental health issues within the family.
  • Better Family Relationships: Strengthening family bonds and improving overall family functioning.

How Family Therapy Works

Family therapy sessions typically involve the entire family meeting with a therapist. Sessions may vary in format, including:

  • Joint Sessions: All family members meet together with the therapist.
  • Individual Sessions: Some sessions may involve family members meeting with the therapist without the client.
  • Combination: A mix of joint and individual sessions based on the family’s needs.

The goal is to create a more supportive home environment conducive to a lasting recovery.

Family therapy can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each family, making it a flexible and practical approach to supporting recovery from OUD.

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences, learn from others, and build community. It helps reduce feelings of isolation and provides peer support.

Combining these behavioral therapies with medication-assisted treatment(MAT) can significantly enhance treatment outcomes. Each therapy offers unique benefits and can be tailored to meet the individual’s needs.

Common group therapy activities include icebreakers, expressive writing, and goal visualization.

Benefits of Group Therapy

  1. Peer Support: Group therapy offers a platform for individuals to connect with others facing similar challenges. This can reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional support.
  2. Shared Experiences: Participants can share their stories and coping strategies, which can be incredibly validating and inspiring for others in the group.
  3. Skill Development: Group therapy sessions often focus on developing practical skills, such as managing cravings, handling stress, and improving communication.
  4. Accountability: Being part of a group can create a sense of responsibility as members encourage each other to stay committed to their recovery goals.

Types of Group Therapy

  1. Psychoeducational Groups (Pyscho-Ed) are a form of group therapy that provides education and information about specific conditions or challenges and teaches coping skills rather than primarily focusing on developing relationships between participants.
  2. Didactic Groups: a structured, educational group therapy format, often used in substance abuse treatment, where a therapist or counselor provides information and instruction on a specific topic, aiming to empower individuals with knowledge and skills for recovery.
  3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Groups: These groups focus on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. They help participants develop coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
  4. Contingency Management (CM) Groups: CM groups use positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence. Participants receive rewards for meeting specific treatment goals, such as harmful drug tests.
  5. Relapse Prevention Groups: These groups identify triggers and develop strategies to prevent relapse. They often include role-playing and other interactive activities.
  6. Support Groups: These groups provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and receive emotional support. Examples include 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR is used for treating substance addiction and co-occurring disorders caused by past traumas. In this therapy, patients talk about their memories of past traumatic events while rapidly moving their eyes from side to side. The goal is to facilitate the processing of resolved traumas to address the root cause of addiction.

At Overcome Wellness & Recovery in Lakewood, NJ, we guide you through this transformative journey, bridging the gap between addiction and mental well-being.Overcome provides outpatient treatment for substance use disorders, including individual therapy, group therapy, EMDR, and holistic care. We proudly serve Toms River, Freehold, Howell, Brick Township, Manchester Township, and Wall Township.

 If you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn more about Lakewood opioid addiction treatment programs, contact Overcome online or call 732-505-7261.