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Recognize several of these signs in yourself or someone you love? It may be time to ask for help.
Opioids are a group of drugs that includes heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine. These substances attach to opioid receptors in the brain and body, reducing pain while also producing effects that may include relaxation, euphoria, and drowsiness.
Repeated opioid use can lead to tolerance, meaning a person needs a larger amount to experience the same effects. It can also lead to physical dependence, which means withdrawal symptoms may occur when use is reduced or stopped.
Physical dependence is not always the same as addiction. Opioid use disorder involves a pattern of opioid use that becomes difficult to control and continues despite health, relationship, employment, legal, or other consequences.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used medically for severe pain. Illegally manufactured fentanyl may also be added to heroin, counterfeit pills, cocaine, or other substances without the person's knowledge, increasing the risk of overdose.
FentanylHeroin is an illegal opioid that can be injected, smoked, or snorted. Its strength and contents can vary, making it difficult to know the amount being used or whether fentanyl is present.
HeroinPrescription opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine. These medications can be used appropriately for pain, but misuse may involve taking more than prescribed, using someone else's medication, or taking the medication in another way.
Prescription OpioidsSomeone can develop opioid use disorder after using prescription medication, heroin, fentanyl, or a combination of opioids. Treatment should be based on the person's complete history rather than the specific opioid alone.
Opioid addiction can affect physical health, behavior, emotions, relationships, and daily responsibilities. The signs may develop gradually and are not always obvious to family members.
A person does not need to display every sign to benefit from an assessment. Any pattern of opioid use that is becoming difficult to control deserves attention.
Opioids slow activity in the central nervous system. Their effects depend on the opioid, amount used, tolerance, health, and whether alcohol or other drugs are also involved.
Combining opioids with alcohol, sedating prescription drugs, or other substances can further increase the risk of dangerous breathing problems.
Opioid withdrawal can begin after someone who has become physically dependent reduces or stops using. The timing and severity depend on the opioid, amount and frequency of use, health, and previous withdrawal experiences.
Although opioid withdrawal is not usually life-threatening by itself, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, other medical conditions, or the use of multiple substances can create additional risks.
The discomfort and cravings associated with withdrawal can also make it difficult to stop without support. If detoxification is recommended, Triad Recovery Center can help coordinate placement with an appropriate provider and plan continued treatment after stabilization.
Important: Tolerance can decrease after a period without opioids. Returning to an amount previously used can increase the risk of overdose.
An opioid overdose can slow or stop breathing. Treat a suspected overdose as a medical emergency.
Effective opioid addiction treatment addresses more than withdrawal. It helps clients manage cravings, understand patterns connected to opioid use, improve emotional health, repair stability, and prepare for situations that could lead to renewed use.
An evaluation of opioid use, withdrawal symptoms, overdose history, physical health, mental health, home environment, and previous treatment.
FDA-approved medications may reduce cravings, manage withdrawal-related concerns, block opioid effects, or help clients maintain stability.
Private sessions focused on personal triggers, emotional health, relationships, decision-making, and recovery goals.
Structured sessions that provide education, practical coping skills, accountability, and connection with others in recovery.
Planning that helps clients recognize warning signs, manage cravings, respond to triggers, and reduce overdose risk.
Integrated treatment for clients experiencing opioid addiction alongside depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, or other mental health concerns.
A plan for maintaining recovery as treatment becomes less intensive and the client takes on greater independence.
Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are FDA-approved medications used to treat opioid use disorder. Each works differently and has different requirements. A qualified provider must determine whether medication is appropriate. SAMHSA treatment guidance
Buprenorphine can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings by partially activating opioid receptors. It may be prescribed in an office-based setting by an appropriately licensed provider.
Methadone is a long-acting medication that can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. When used for opioid use disorder, it is generally dispensed through a certified opioid treatment program.
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors and prevents opioids from producing their usual effects. A person must complete an opioid-free period before beginning naltrexone to avoid triggering sudden withdrawal.
Medication is not simply replacing one uncontrolled substance with another. These medications are provided at clinically appropriate doses with ongoing monitoring as part of a structured treatment plan.
There is no universal timeline for medication. Some clients use medication for a shorter period, while others benefit from long-term treatment. Medication should not be stopped without guidance from the prescribing provider. NIDA medication overview
Opioid addiction may occur alongside depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, grief, sleep problems, or other substance use. Some people begin using opioids to cope with physical or emotional pain. Over time, continued opioid use and withdrawal may create additional emotional distress.
Mental health symptoms can also make recovery more difficult if they are not addressed. A clinical assessment helps determine which symptoms are present, how they relate to opioid use, and what services should be included in the treatment plan.
Dual diagnosis treatment allows opioid addiction and mental health concerns to be addressed through coordinated care.
Watching someone struggle with opioids can be frightening, especially when there is a risk of overdose. Family members cannot force another person to recover, but they can take steps to reduce immediate risks and encourage treatment.
You can call even if your loved one is not ready to seek treatment. Our team can explain available options and help you prepare for a productive conversation.
Many health insurance plans cover at least part of opioid addiction treatment. Coverage may include assessments, counseling, structured outpatient programs, medication management, and co-occurring mental health services.
Benefits depend on the insurance provider, plan, clinical needs, chosen services, medication coverage, and authorization requirements. Detoxification or residential providers may also have separate network participation and coverage requirements.
Triad Recovery Center can verify your insurance benefits and explain the outpatient treatment coverage available before care begins.
Finding opioid addiction treatment in North Carolina begins with understanding the type of opioid being used, current withdrawal symptoms, overdose history, physical and mental health, and the amount of structure needed. Treatment should be individualized rather than based on a single standard path.
Triad Recovery Center provides outpatient opioid addiction treatment in Winston-Salem for adults throughout the Piedmont Triad and surrounding North Carolina communities.
Beginning opioid treatment starts with a confidential conversation about current opioid use, withdrawal concerns, overdose history, previous treatment, and immediate safety needs. Our team can also review insurance benefits and explain the admissions process before care begins.
A clinical assessment then considers physical health, mental health, medications, recovery environment, and daily responsibilities. This information helps determine whether Triad’s outpatient services are appropriate or whether detoxification, residential care, or another service should come first.
Some people need supervised withdrawal support before entering outpatient treatment. An assessment can help determine whether detoxification is appropriate based on current use, symptoms, medical history, use of other substances, and previous attempts to stop.
When detox is the appropriate starting point, Triad can help coordinate placement with a suitable provider. Planning for continued treatment before detox is complete can reduce the gap between stabilization and ongoing recovery support.
Medication can play an important role in opioid recovery. Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are approved for opioid use disorder and may be incorporated into a broader treatment plan when clinically appropriate.
The choice and availability of medication depend on current opioid use, treatment goals, medical history, provider capabilities, and access requirements. Care may involve medication management at Triad or coordination with an outside opioid treatment provider when a service is not available onsite.
Someone who needs substantial daily structure may be appropriate for Day Treatment. Intensive Outpatient care provides multiple weekly therapy sessions with more flexibility, while standard Outpatient treatment offers continued counseling and recovery support with fewer hours.
Clients who require overnight supervision, withdrawal management, or separation from an unsafe recovery environment may need detoxification or residential care before beginning outpatient treatment.
Detoxification addresses withdrawal, while residential treatment provides an immersive recovery environment. Neither should be viewed as the end of the treatment process.
After completing a higher level of care, clients may transition into Day Treatment, Intensive Outpatient, or standard Outpatient treatment through Triad Recovery Center. Continued care helps clients apply recovery skills while managing work, relationships, stress, and everyday triggers.
Triad Recovery Center provides opioid addiction treatment at our Winston-Salem location for adults throughout the Piedmont Triad, including Greensboro, High Point, Kernersville, Clemmons, and Lexington.
Care may include counseling, relapse prevention, medication management, family involvement, and co-occurring mental health support. An assessment helps determine whether outpatient care is an appropriate starting point.
Physical dependence means the body has adapted to opioids and may experience withdrawal when use stops. Opioid addiction involves difficulty controlling use and continued use despite harmful consequences. Someone can be physically dependent without meeting the criteria for opioid use disorder.
Yes. Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder. The appropriate medication depends on individual needs and must be determined by a qualified provider.
Not everyone needs detoxification. The recommendation depends on current opioid use, withdrawal symptoms, medical health, other substances involved, and the treatment being considered.
The timeline varies based on the opioid, amount and frequency of use, health, and other factors. Symptoms from shorter-acting opioids may begin sooner, while longer-acting opioids may produce a later or more prolonged withdrawal period.
Many insurance plans cover substance use disorder treatment, but benefits vary. Triad Recovery can verify your insurance and explain the available outpatient coverage.
Call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available. Stay with the person and follow the dispatcher’s instructions until emergency help arrives.
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Learn More →Opioid addiction can become more difficult and dangerous over time, but effective treatment is available. Triad Recovery Center provides structured outpatient care in Winston-Salem and can help determine whether outpatient treatment, medication support, detoxification, residential care, or another level of support is the appropriate next step. Call today to discuss your needs and available options.
