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Opioid Addiction · What We Treat
Opioid Addiction, Effects & Treatment.
Opioid use disorder is a treatable medical condition — not a moral failing. Learn the signs, overdose risks, and evidence-based treatment available at Faith Recovery Center.
- Physician-led detox
- MAT available
- Dual-diagnosis care
- Most PPO insurance accepted
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(844) 598-5573Understanding opioid addiction
What is opioid addiction?
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic medical condition in which someone cannot stop using opioids despite harmful effects on health, relationships, or daily life. It includes misuse of prescription painkillers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl.
Opioids relieve pain but also produce euphoria, which makes them highly reinforcing. Tolerance builds quickly, doses escalate, and withdrawal can become overwhelming without professional support.
Opioid-involved overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. in a recent year, according to CDC data — making evidence-based treatment urgently important.
Are opioids addictive?
Yes. Opioids bind to receptors in the brain and body that regulate pain and reward, producing powerful physical dependence and cravings. Genetic vulnerability, chronic pain, trauma, and mental health conditions increase risk. Medication-assisted treatment combined with therapy is highly effective for long-term recovery.
Recognizing the signs
Signs of opioid misuse.
Opioid misuse can begin with legitimate prescriptions or recreational use. These signs may appear gradually and worsen over time.
Behavioral Signs
- Taking opioids in larger amounts or longer than prescribed
- Doctor shopping or obtaining pills from multiple sources
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
- Social withdrawal and secrecy around use
- Continued use despite relationship or legal problems
Physical Signs
- Extreme drowsiness or nodding off
- Pinpoint pupils and slowed breathing
- Constipation, nausea, or unexplained weight loss
- Track marks or wearing long sleeves in warm weather
- Withdrawal symptoms — muscle aches, sweating, yawning — between doses
Psychological Signs
- Intense cravings and preoccupation with obtaining opioids
- Anxiety or irritability when unable to use
- Mood swings, depression, or emotional numbness
- Using opioids to cope with stress or emotional pain
- Failed attempts to cut back despite wanting to stop
What it does
How opioids affect the body.
Opioids depress the central nervous system. Short-term relief can give way to organ damage, overdose, and lasting brain changes.
Short-Term Effects
Minutes to hours
- Pain relief and feelings of euphoria
- Sedation and mental clouding
- Slowed breathing and heart rate
- Nausea and constipation
- Itching and flushed skin
- Risk of overdose — especially with fentanyl
Long-Term Effects
Months to years
- Physical dependence and severe withdrawal
- Hormonal disruption and low testosterone
- Weakened immune function
- Heart, liver, and kidney complications
- Co-occurring depression and anxiety
- Increased overdose risk with continued use
Withdrawal timeline
How long does opioid withdrawal last?
Opioid withdrawal is intensely uncomfortable but rarely fatal on its own. Medical detox significantly improves comfort and safety while preparing you for ongoing treatment.
Early symptoms
Hours 8–24
Anxiety, yawning, runny nose, sweating, and muscle aches begin as opioids leave the system.
Peak intensity
Days 2–4
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, insomnia, and intense cravings peak — this is when medical support matters most.
Stabilization
Days 5–7
Physical symptoms ease with proper care. Sleep and appetite begin returning as the body stabilizes.
Extended recovery
Weeks 2+
Lingering fatigue, sleep disruption, and cravings are managed through MAT, therapy, and structured aftercare.
Never attempt unsupervised withdrawal. While opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening alone, dehydration and co-occurring conditions can complicate it. Medical detox also reduces relapse risk during the most vulnerable early days. Call our admissions team 24/7 at (844) 598-5573.
Inside the process
What the opioid detox process looks like.
Opioid withdrawal has a predictable clinical arc — and modern protocols can make it far more tolerable than quitting alone.
Clinical note 01 / 05
COWS withdrawal scoring
The Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) is used regularly to score symptom severity and guide medication dosing in real time.
Levels of care
A clear path to treatment.
Faith Recovery Center integrates medical detox, MAT, and comprehensive therapy for opioid use disorder.
Medical Detox
Physician-supervised opioid withdrawal with comfort medications and MAT options.
Residential Treatment
Full-time therapy addressing trauma, triggers, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Buprenorphine, naltrexone, and other FDA-approved medications combined with counseling.
Outpatient & Aftercare
Flexible step-down care and long-term relapse prevention planning.
When to get help
Signs it's time to reach out.
If opioid use is affecting your health, safety, or ability to function, professional support can help — regardless of how the addiction began.
Call now — (844) 598-5573You need higher doses to avoid withdrawal
You've tried to quit and relapsed quickly
Opioid use is affecting work, parenting, or relationships
You've overdosed or come close to overdosing
You're obtaining opioids from illicit or unsafe sources
You feel unable to function without opioids
FAQ
Common questions about opioid addiction.
What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?
MAT combines FDA-approved medications — such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone — with counseling and behavioral therapies. Research shows MAT significantly reduces overdose risk and supports long-term recovery.
Is opioid withdrawal dangerous?
Opioid withdrawal is intensely uncomfortable but rarely fatal on its own. Medical detox improves safety, comfort, and the likelihood of completing treatment without immediate relapse.
Can I get help if I only use prescription painkillers?
Absolutely. Opioid use disorder includes prescription misuse. Faith Recovery Center treats all forms of opioid dependence with the same evidence-based, non-judgmental approach.
Does insurance cover opioid addiction treatment?
Yes — opioid use disorder treatment is an essential health benefit under federal law. We verify your PPO benefits before admission at no cost.
How is fentanyl-related risk addressed?
Our clinical team assesses fentanyl exposure, educates on overdose prevention, and builds treatment plans that account for high-potency opioid dependence and polysubstance use.
What happens after detox?
Detox is the first step. Most clients transition to residential or outpatient treatment where therapy, MAT, and aftercare planning address the full scope of recovery.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Jason Giles, M.D.
Board-Certified Addiction Medicine Physician, Faith Recovery Center
Last updated June 2026
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Benefits and outcomes vary by individual.
Related
Other substances we treat.
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