Many individuals are prescribed prescription medications to relieve pain that stems from a chronic condition or terminal illness. Although these medications can help, if mismanaged, one may be at an increased risk of developing opioid use disorder (OUD). OUD is a worldwide prevalent problem in the U.S. today. Although this may be true, learning to recognize the warning signs of OUD can help. Understanding the risks of misusing the drug, managing withdrawal symptoms, and attending cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) at South Shore Recovery Center can be highly beneficial to one’s path to recovery. To further enhance an individual’s treatment process, sometimes practicing self-help strategies in combination with psychotherapy can significantly improve one’s quality of life.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), opioids are a class of drugs that mimic natural substances. The substance produces unique effects that are highly addictive. Individuals who misuse opioids may experience euphoria, sedation, and overall relaxation. The prescription medication is typically taken orally, but those who abuse the drug tend to snort, smoke, or take several pills to achieve the peak desired effect. Opioids are either sold alone or in combination with other harmful substances. The most commonly prescribed opioids include but are not limited to:
Opioids derive from an opium plant but are synthetically made to treat individuals facing challenges with chronic or severe pain. It can be difficult for individuals in intense pain to mentally or physically cope. Acute or severe pain can be very distracting, making it challenging to focus on life’s major priorities. Fortunately, physicians legally prescribe painkillers to patients after undergoing a serious surgical procedure. Individuals who have cancer, a chronic condition, or other terminal illness may also benefit from taking opioids for pain management.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals who use opioids for a prolonged period are at an increased risk of developing opioid use disorder. OUD is a type of substance use disorder. The condition can also be referred to as “opioid dependence, addiction, or abuse.” OUD is a problematic pattern of opioid use. As a result, the disorder causes intense distress and significant impairment in various aspects of one’s life if left unmanaged.
Although taking prescription medication can treat certain symptoms, misusing prescription drugs can often result in an overdose. For example, those who abuse opioids over time build up an increased tolerance to the substance. When this occurs, the individual may take more medication than advised. This may not be done intentionally for recreational purposes but in hopes of relieving their pain. However, if one does not report their symptoms to their chosen provider, one may be at an increased risk of having an overdose. This can put one in a much worse state, such as a coma, disability, or even death.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), roughly 25 years ago, the pharmaceutical industry reassured the medical community that those who were prescribed opioids would not become addicted. Therefore, healthcare providers later began to prescribe them at elevated rates. Consequently, increased prescription opioids led to widespread opioid abuse.
The HHS later declared an opioid crisis in 2017 as a public health emergency. Statistically speaking, women are prescribed opioids for analgesia more often than men. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is dedicated to improving the overall well-being of each American as they study the epidemic. Additional statistics include:
Many individuals who are prescribed opioids who tend to take more than advised may be aware of the side effects but do not know the warning signs of OUD. It is also common for those who take prescription medications to lack overdose awareness. Research indicates that those who consistently take opioids within a 12-month time frame may experience complications such as:
In 2019, approximately 70,630 individuals passed away due to an opioid overdose. A tragic overdose can be devastating for loved ones. Learning to recognize the warning signs of an overdose can potentially save a family member or friend’s life. Understanding the fatality of opioid misuse and recognizing the life-threatening symptoms associated with a fatal overdose can prevent unwanted pain and heartbreak. Opioid overdose symptoms include:
When an individual goes too long without their next dosage or attempts to discontinue using opioids, they may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, opioid withdrawal can be life-threatening. This can especially be true for those who take increased amounts in higher doses. Withdrawal symptoms can vary according to the severity of dependence. The withdrawal symptoms can be frightening, leading one to surrender to substance use for comfort or relief. Withdrawal symptoms can be different for everyone, but common opioid withdrawal symptoms typically include:
It can be challenging for some individuals with severe OUD to cope with uncomfortable triggers. A trigger is a stimulus that causes a reaction often linked to trauma. For example, substance exposure, intrusive peer pressure, or intense distress can lead one to engage in substance use. If one lacks proper knowledge or the right tools to respond to triggers, they may undergo the three stages of relapse: emotional, mental, and physical.
As this occurs, an individual may think about using substances again but have no desire to reengage in substance use. However, their behaviors may lead them to a mental relapse. When a mental relapse happens, an individual may fight a war in their mind to use again. The urge to get ahold of or use the desired substance increases. If left unmanaged, one may experience worsened cravings and gradually surrender to harmful substances to cope. A physical relapse can feel defeating, but treatment can aid in relapse prevention and help one cope after undergoing what may have seemed like a major setback.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for OUD. Knowing that OUD is a mental health condition, recovery is a lifelong process. A physical relapse can feel defeating but is a natural occurrence. Nonetheless, treatment can aid in relapse prevention and help one cope after enduring a relapse.
Respectfully, a wide body of research has reported that CBT is one of the best-studied and most common types of psychotherapy. This form of therapy involves a combination of two therapeutic approaches to care. The unique combination includes cognitive and behavioral therapy. CBT works to address an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior as a whole to promote a healthier lifestyle.
One-on-one or individual CBT can help identify the underlying factors associated with one’s addiction. For example, CBT can help target one’s traumatic experiences in their life and help them safely work through them. A therapist at South Shore Recovery Center can kindly redirect the patient by putting their focus on the present rather than the past. By doing this, the individual can develop new goals and effectively work towards them without fixating on the problems that led to their addictive behavior.
It can be easy for one with OUD to dwell on their past. As this occurs, one may develop cognitive distortions and spiral down a road of negativity. For example, an individual facing challenges with their current physical state or past addiction may tend to blame themselves, disqualify the positive, or assume there is no bright future ahead of them. CBT at South Shore Recovery Center works to help our patients become more aware of their thoughts and emotions linked with their past to achieve a better outcome.
Learning to identify negative thought patterns can serve as a tell-tale sign to optimistically change one’s negative mindset. CBT can foster good mental health through cognitive restructuring. For example, a therapist works to help their patient identify and change inaccurate thought patterns. This can help the patient discover and understand specific problems to address the deeper causes and effectively move forward from their past.
Reassessing one’s mindset can encourage more positivity, preventing the three stages of relapse. A therapist can ask the patient how they are feeling to help structure one’s way of thinking. Doing so can promote proper behaviors for lasting sobriety and ongoing mental stability. Cognitive rehearsal, practicing positive coping processes or appropriate interactions in specific conditions can also help reframe an individual’s mindset.
Individuals who develop depressive thoughts commonly withdraw from activities that were once enjoyable and avoid interacting with family and friends. Cognitive-behavioral techniques at South Shore Recovery Center can help one recognize the problem and find alternative ways to stay more positive. By equipping our patients with a robust toolkit of coping skills, stress management techniques, and relapse prevention strategies, CBT empowers them to navigate the challenges of recovery with resilience and self-assurance. Psychotherapy techniques can be specifically tailored to address the unique needs of individuals battling opioid use disorder. CBT techniques include:
CBT at South Shore Recovery Center is an evidence-based treatment option to holistically manage substance use disorder. CBT facilitates holistic healing by recognizing the intricate interplay between the patient’s mind and body. Knowing that trauma, anxiety, and depression either lead up to OUD or result from a chronic or terminal illness, CBT can assist one in working through the obstacles associated with their condition. CBT with South Shore Recovery Center’s clinical team presents unwavering dedication to helping our patients focus on preventing opioid relapse and encapsulating the core values with compassion for empowerment and ongoing healing.
Understanding that prescription medication is beneficial but often comes with serious risks to one’s mental and physical health, taking preventative measures is essential for establishing a healthy lifestyle. Combining CBT with helpful strategies can further enhance one’s path to recovery. Doing so can help one prevent addiction, aid in relapse prevention, and help one gain empowerment to overcome OUD altogether. Effective self-help strategies that can assist one in overcoming prescription medication cravings and triggers include:
When a chronic or terminal illness causes significant pain, the last problem one would suspect is co-occurring addiction. A dual diagnosis can seem overwhelming. Having two or more conditions can make one feel as if their life is spiraling out of control. Chronic or severe pain that comes to the surface from one’s physical condition can make it even more difficult for one to discontinue using their prescription medication.
However, proceeding with care at South Shore Recovery Center can ensure a safer outcome. A specialist may recommend medication management or a safer alternative to painkillers for relief. Everyone deserves to heal. Individuals who take time to develop an individualized treatment plan find hope during their healing process and overcome cravings and triggers associated with their condition.
It can be tough to adjust or maintain a new treatment plan. Some individuals may feel hesitant to move forward with professional support. Fear of failure, hurtful stigma, or worsened relationships are just a few waiting factors. South Shore Recovery Center compassionately understands the ups and downs involved in the recovery process. Our expert team of professionals has the patience needed to readjust one’s treatment plan when necessary to ensure a safe recovery for our patients.
At South Shore Recovery Center in Plymouth, MA, our unwavering commitment to fostering transformative healing for individuals battling substance use disorder (SUD) is demonstrated through our use of evidence-based treatment modalities. Among these, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) stands as a cornerstone in our comprehensive approach to addressing SUD in an outpatient setting. CBT’s flexible nature allows our experienced clinicians to tailor treatment plans that align with each client’s specific needs, goals, and circumstances. Through personalized one-on-one sessions or group therapy, patients engage in a collaborative process that addresses their distinct cravings and underlying emotional factors driving substance use. Call South Shore Recovery Center at (774) 515-2878 to get more information about CBT for opioid use disorder.
DISCLAIMER: South Shore Recovery Center is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services to provide Outpatient Counseling and Day Treatment Services.
