Opioid Treatment

Understanding Opioids

Opioids are a class of substances that include both prescription medications—like hydrocodone and tramadol—and illegal narcotics such as heroin. While effective for treating moderate to severe pain, these drugs carry a significant risk of misuse, dependency, and addiction.

There are two primary types of opioids:

  • Prescription Opioids: Commonly prescribed for post-surgical or chronic pain, examples include hydrocodone and tramadol. When used as directed, they can be helpful—but they must be managed with care.

  • Illicit Opioids: These include street drugs like heroin. Because heroin is unregulated, its strength and contents can vary dramatically, making it especially dangerous and prone to causing overdose.

Some opioids are directly derived from the opium poppy—such as morphine, codeine, and heroin—while others are synthetic, like methadone and hydromorphone. In this article, the term “opioids” refers to both natural and synthetic forms.

How Opioids Affect the Body

Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain and nervous system, blocking pain signals and often producing a sense of euphoria. This euphoric feeling is one reason they can be so addictive. Over time, tolerance can develop, leading individuals to take higher doses to achieve the same effect—heightening the risk of addiction and overdose.

The Opioid Crisis in the U.S.: A Look at the Numbers

Opioid misuse has become a nationwide health crisis. From 1999 to 2019, approximately 450,000 people in the U.S. lost their lives to opioid overdoses. In Massachusetts alone, over 80% of drug-related deaths in 2018 involved opioids.

Although opioid prescriptions have declined in recent years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still reported nearly 58 prescriptions for every 100 Americans in 2017. The COVID-19 pandemic further escalated the crisis, with overdose deaths peaking at nearly 72,000 in 2019 and rising even more in 2020.

How to Reduce the Risk of Addiction

If you're prescribed opioids, there are steps you can take to lower your chances of becoming dependent:

  • Ask Questions: Talk with your provider about whether opioids are truly necessary, what side effects to expect, and how long the medication should be used.

  • Store and Dispose Properly: Keep your medication secure and away from others. Dispose of unused pills at approved take-back programs.

  • Be Transparent: Let your healthcare provider know if you or a family member has a history of substance abuse.

  • Consider Emergency Preparedness: Ask your doctor about naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.

Side Effects and Risks of Opioid Use

Even short-term opioid use can cause side effects like dizziness, nausea, constipation, and sleepiness. Prolonged use increases tolerance and dependence, and in serious cases, opioids can slow breathing to the point of causing brain injury or death.

Combining opioids with alcohol or other sedatives further increases the risk of overdose and serious health complications.

What Leads to Opioid Misuse?

Several personal and environmental factors can increase vulnerability to opioid addiction:

  • Economic hardship and unemployment

  • Mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression)

  • Prior legal issues or trauma

  • A personal or family history of substance misuse

Women are particularly at risk due to higher rates of chronic pain and more frequent prescriptions, as well as biological factors that affect how opioids are processed.

Common Signs of Opioid Addiction

Recognizing opioid addiction early can be critical. Watch for these signs:

  • Withdrawal from loved ones or social circles

  • Drastic shifts in mood or personality

  • Poor hygiene or noticeable weight loss

  • Irregular sleep and eating patterns

  • Legal or financial problems

Identifying an Opioid Overdose

An opioid overdose is a medical emergency. Look out for:

  • Shallow or stopped breathing

  • Blue-tinged lips or skin

  • No response to touch or noise

  • Unusual snoring or gurgling sounds

If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately. If naloxone is available, administer it. Provide rescue breaths or CPR if necessary until help arrives.

Opioid Withdrawal: What to Expect

Withdrawal symptoms can be physically and emotionally exhausting. They often include:

  • Early stages: Anxiety, muscle aches, restlessness, sweating

  • Later stages: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps

Detoxing without support can be risky, especially if relapse occurs. Professional monitoring is recommended to ensure safety and reduce discomfort.

How Boston Addiction Treats Opioid Dependence

At Boston Addiction, we offer two primary levels of care to support recovery:

1. Residential Treatment

This immersive program is designed for individuals with severe addiction or those entering treatment for the first time. Clients receive round-the-clock care, structured therapy, and a safe space to focus on recovery.

2. Outpatient Treatment

Ideal for those needing flexibility, our outpatient program allows clients to continue work or school while attending scheduled therapy sessions. It’s a balanced approach for those transitioning back into everyday life or managing milder substance use disorders.

Therapeutic Support at Boston Addiction

Our approach to treatment combines multiple forms of evidence-based counseling, including:

  • Individual Therapy: Using methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), clients develop new ways of thinking and coping with challenges.

  • Group Counseling: Peer sessions foster understanding, reduce isolation, and create accountability among those navigating similar struggles.

  • Family Involvement: Family therapy helps heal damaged relationships, rebuild trust, and strengthen the client’s support system.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medications can help make recovery more manageable, especially in the early stages:

  • Methadone & Buprenorphine: These medications target the same brain receptors as opioids but without the euphoric effects. They reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms.

  • Naltrexone: Blocks the effects of opioids, acting as a safeguard against relapse.

All medications are administered under clinical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The Broader Fight Against Opioid Misuse

Reducing opioid addiction requires a united effort:

  • Doctors: Must evaluate risks carefully, educate patients, and use tools like Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) to prevent overprescribing.

  • Pharmacists: Have a key role in educating patients and identifying potential misuse.

  • Public Health Programs: Agencies like the CDC offer guidelines to improve opioid prescribing and minimize addiction risks.

Recovery Is Possible

Opioid addiction is a complex challenge, but with the right care, individuals can rebuild their lives. At Boston Addiction, we offer more than just treatment—we provide a path toward healing, stability, and renewed purpose.

If you or someone you love is battling opioid dependence, our compassionate team is here to help. With personalized treatment plans, a supportive community, and proven methods, recovery isn’t just a possibility—it’s a promise.

Reach out today to take your first step toward a life free from opioid addiction. Boston Addiction is here for you, every step of the way.