Read on to learn more about how drug dependence impacts relationships, codependency, enabling behaviors, and how counseling and treatment can help strengthen relationships once again.

The Impact of Addiction on Relationships

When someone has a substance use disorder (SUD), their day-to-day routines, decisions, and responsibilities change. They may miss appointments with friends and family. They may start avoiding tough conversations and spend more time obtaining substances and using them.

Friends and family often feel hurt, confused, angry, or unsure how to react. These are natural feelings to experience. Most healthy relationships rely on honesty and consistency: two things that are often threatened when substance misuse is present.

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Codependency and Substance Use in Romantic Relationships

Codependency is an excessive focus on someone else’s needs at the cost of your own well-being. In romantic relationships impacted by SUD, codependency can cause one partner to fall into a caretaker role.

Playing the caretaker may look like covering up problems, avoiding conflict, or trying to prevent symptoms of withdrawal. The intentions might be loving and supportive, but these patterns can enable substance use and create more stress for everyone involved (Gillette, 2023).

Codependency Signs

Here are some signs of codependency: 

• Low self-esteem 
• Fear of abandonment 
• Inability to say “no” 
• Feeling responsible for your partner’s emotions 
• Feeling guilty when you say no 
• Seeking approval from others 
• Doing more than you should have to 
• Confusing love with rescue 

A study found women who were married to men with substance use disorder had higher codependency scores than those married to men without SUD (Panaghi et al., 2016). Because many partners feel frightened or overwhelmed by drug use, codependency can grow from trying to stabilize the relationship.

Enabling Substance Use in Relationships

Enabling substance use means that someone is supporting a loved one’s substance use, whether intentionally or not. Enablers can start as caregivers. 

It can feel natural to make excuses, pay bills, cover shifts at work, or avoid confrontation to keep the peace. However, this allows the misuse to continue and prevents a loved one from experiencing consequences.

Examples of Enabling Behaviors

• Making excuses for a person’s behavior or use
• Denying that substance misuse is a problem 
• Trying to protect your loved one from consequences
• Helping with bills or missing shifts at work
• Using substances with your loved one 
• Doing your loved one’s responsibilities for them 
• Giving them money that could be used to obtain substances
• Trying to control your loved one’s behavior 
• Waiting for the person to ask for help

Recognizing that you might be enabling someone you love can be difficult. Setting clear boundaries and having courage to establish consequences can help you support your loved one (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). From there, you can work with them to find detox and treatment options.

Drug Misuse’s Effects on Romantic Partners

Drug misuse can cause a shift in focus for romantic relationships. One partner may feel unheard, blamed, or unsafe. Another partner may feel ashamed of their substance use, scared of conflict, or pressured into enabling.

There may be less honesty and vulnerability between partners. If the use continues and these tensions go unresolved, partners may stop communicating about important needs like finances, children, safety, and even future plans.

Loss of Intimacy

Intimacy may decline when substance use is present in a relationship. Spending quality time together may become less common. Routines and habits may no longer feel shared.

If one partner is using substances, they may spend less time at home. They may avoid conversations about their substance use altogether. The other partner may feel rejected or anxious because they don’t know what is happening in the relationship.

Secrecy/Lying

Substance use disorder usually involves some level of secrecy, which can breach trust. A partner might lie about using substances, where they were, who they were with, or how they spent money.

The other partner may become controlling, angry, or start checking up on their partner. They may even begin enabling just to avoid conflict. When this happens, distance grows between partners.

Financial Strain

Drug misuse often causes financial strain on relationships (DrugAbuse.com Editorial Staff, 2025). Paying for rent, food, childcare, transportation becomes difficult to manage when priorities shift to obtaining drugs.

Eventually, arguments about money will happen. Some spouses enable it by paying bills for their partner or giving them money to prevent withdrawal symptoms. But this creates another cycle of dependence and enables.

Trust and Honest Communication

Trust is difficult to maintain when substance misuse enters the relationship. Promises may be broken, leading to yelling or violence. Secrecy about drug use or financial problems can cause stress on partnerships.

The way to rebuild confidence is to slowly prove that you can be trusted. This starts with open, honest communication about your drug use and intentions. Counseling can help you talk through the damage substance use has caused in your relationships.

Safety Concerns

When substance misuse occurs, arguments can turn violent. Domestic violence does not just mean physical abuse. Emotional, verbal, sexual, and financial abuse can also happen in relationships impacted by substance use problems.

If you do not feel safe at home with your partner, reach out to a medical professional, therapist, local crisis center, or emergency services. You deserve to feel safe while you get help. Recovery looks different for everyone, but nobody can recover in danger.

How Counseling Helps Substance Misuse

Counseling can help partners understand unhealthy patterns, establish boundaries, and learn healthy coping skills. Therapy can also assist with communication, relapse prevention, trigger management, and rebuilding trust.

If you have an opioid use disorder, counseling can be paired with medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Methadone and buprenorphine help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while you learn life-long recovery skills in therapy.

Substance Use Counseling at HCRC

At HCRC, we support people with opioid use disorder through counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and case management. Our goal is to get you the resources you need to live a safe, stable life with your family.

HCRC provides methadone and buprenorphine in an outpatient setting. We focus on providing a structured, respectful environment for our participants. You and your family’s health and safety are our top priority.

Our case management team can also help with transportation to and from our clinic, housing, applying for benefits, employment readiness, legal documents, and more. Contact HCRC today to start treatment, strengthen your recovery, and build healthier relationships.

Additional Sources

1. Panaghi, Leili et al. (2016) ‘Living with Addicted Men and Codependency: The Moderating Effect of Personality Traits’, Addiction & Health, April. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5115643/ (Accessed 1 July 2026).
2. Gillette, Hope. (2023) ‘5 Common Causes of Codependency’, Psych Central, 23 August. Available at: https://psychcentral.com/health/what-causes-codependency (Accessed 1 July 2026).
3. Cleveland Clinic. (2023) ‘4 Signs of Enabling and How To Stop’, Cleveland Clinic, 25 September. Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/enabling (Accessed 1 July 2026).
4. DrugAbuse.com Editorial Staff. (2025) ‘The Financial Toll of Addiction’, DrugAbuse.com, 4 August. Available at: https://drugabuse.com/blog/financial-toll-addiction/ (Accessed 1 July 2026).

The post How Drug Addiction Affects Relationships appeared first on HCRC.

If you’ve struggled with recognizing your sense of personal value during substance use or recovery, you’re not alone. Low self-worth and addiction can affect your ability to stay in recovery and rebuild your life. Counseling can help you challenge negative self-talk, build coping skills, and strengthen your self-worth.

Factors of Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem can take a toll on people in many ways, especially when it comes to their health. When someone doesn’t recognize their worth, they may prioritize other people and things before themselves. Sometimes those people and things can be harmful, like unsafe relationships or substance use.

On a regular day, you may present yourself as self-assured and functioning, but on the inside, you feel hopeless and hollow due to persistent substance use. Mixing substances with low self-worth is dangerous because it can make it harder to see situations clearly or recognize when you are being mistreated by others.

How Low Self-Worth and Addiction Can Connect

One of the reasons people with low self-esteem may be at higher risk of substance use, is that substances can give temporary relief from negative feelings. The numbing of self-loathing feelings doesn’t last long, however, and after prolonged substance use, worse feelings can come about.

The vicious cycle of poor self-esteem and substance use can continue, leaving you where you started. Since low self-esteem is centered on emotional and psychological beliefs that you will always fail, you’ll never be good enough, or you’re not worthy of trying, you may feel discouraged from seeking treatment to better yourself and your health.

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Signs and Causes of Low Self-Worth

Experiences that can cause low self-esteem include:

• Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
• Combative household in childhood
• Bullying or traumatic experiences
• Being ignored
• Expectations of perfection

Experiences that build healthy self-esteem include:

• Being treated with respect
• Receiving attention and being listened to
• Being accepted without expectations
• Supportive peers and family
• Having achievements recognized

Rebuilding Your Self-Esteem

If you’ve chosen to take the first step to break out of the cycle of addiction by entering treatment, there are several steps you can take to help build your self-worth, making the road to long-lasting recovery much smoother.

For people recovering from opioid use disorder, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone or buprenorphine may be combined with counseling and support services to reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and support long-term recovery.

At Health Care Resource Centers, treatment is designed to provide structure, dignity, and judgment-free support while patients build healthier routines and coping skills.

Forgive Yourself

Substance use disorder can fill you with self-blame and shame. You’ve probably been punishing yourself for longer than you realize. It’s time to forgive yourself for your past mistakes so you can move forward and make positive changes.

Living in the past is only fuel for potential relapse. You are taking steps to get better and grow as a person, so let go of the person you were in the past.

Make Changes

Do some life housekeeping. Clean up your list of friends and family that are around you. If someone is not supportive of your recovery or makes you doubt your worth and ability to succeed in treatment, it’s time to lessen your contact with them.

This can be difficult, especially with a sibling or parent, but this is important for you to build yourself up without people who may sabotage your efforts surrounding you.

Use Positive Language

You probably don’t realize how much your language affects the way you think about yourself. Start eliminating “I can’t” from your vocabulary, and replace it with “I will” or “I’ll try.”

Negative self-talk will only hinder your progress and is not encouraging for personal growth. Using more balanced, supportive language can help when you are learning how to deal with low self-worth in recovery.

Take a Compliment

Your previous self-deprecating nature has probably blinded you to your good qualities. Next time someone compliments you, don’t refuse it.

Acknowledging other people’s kind words can do wonders for building your self-esteem, especially when you start believing them.

Accept Challenges

Recovery won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it. Some days will be great and some not so much. Take the bad with the good, especially when you are faced with a challenging situation.

Don’t back down to the challenge of recovery just because you think there’s no way you can handle it. Take things head-on with a can-do attitude.

Pace Yourself

A black-and-white, all-or-nothing attitude is something that is closely related to relapse. Even if you don’t fully achieve all the goals you set for yourself in a day, week, or year, you have to take your time.

Don’t focus on what you didn’t accomplish. It can be destructive to your self-esteem. Instead, look at all the things you’ve done and feel proud of yourself.

Why Self-Esteem Matters in Recovery

Healthy self-esteem will also be a crucial tool in avoiding relapse. When you are feeling good about yourself, you will want to do better. The better you are doing, the less you will want to throw away all of your hard work by returning to substance use again.

During the first few months of recovery, you may notice how important it is to have healthy self-esteem to overcome some of the emotional low points that come with making these important changes.

Finding Balance as You Rebuild Self-Worth

When working on rebuilding your self-esteem in recovery, it’s important to find a sense of balance. For so long, you may have lived in a state of constant self-doubt and a false sense of self. Building up your confidence to make the changes needed to better your life is the first step to increasing your self-worth.

Keep in mind that this journey will be slow and steady, and nothing can be done overnight. You will have to commit to these changes and work on them with daily affirmations. You will no longer allow yourself to fall short of your potential or tolerate people who do not treat you respectfully, including yourself.

Reach Out for Help Today

If opioid use disorder is impacting your life or the life of someone you care about, reach out to Health Care Resource Centers. HCRC provides medication-assisted treatment with methadone and buprenorphine, along with counseling and case management, in a respectful and judgment-free setting.

Contact HCRC today to get treatment, find a location, or start your recovery.

Additional Resources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024) ‘Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder’, CDC, 12 August. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/treatment/opioid-use-disorder.html (Accessed 24 June 2026).
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025) ‘Medications for Opioid Use Disorder’, National Institute on Drug Abuse, March. Available at: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/medications-opioid-use-disorder (Accessed 24 June 2026).
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024) ‘Federal Guidelines for Opioid Treatment Programs (2024)’, SAMHSA Library, December. Available at: https://library.samhsa.gov/product/federal-guidelines-opioid-treatment-programs-2024/pep24-02-011 (Accessed 24 June 2026).
4. GoodTherapy. (2018) ‘Self-Esteem Issues’, GoodTherapy, 1 May. Available at: https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/self-esteem (Accessed 24 June 2026).
5. Bennett, Carole. (2013) ‘Low self-esteem; a disposition that can lead to addiction’, Psychology Today, 25 June. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/heartache-hope/201306/low-self-esteema-disposition-can-lead-addiction (Accessed 24 June 2026).

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The holidays are a time for togetherness and festivities. Many people look forward to seeing their loved ones while partaking in joyous activities. If you are in recovery, however, holiday stress can cause discomfort and uncertainty.  

That does not mean you cannot enjoy the celebrations! With some preparation and holiday coping tips, you can enjoy the lights and comforts without jeopardizing your goals. Keep reading to learn more about common holiday stressors and managing them without missing out on the fun! 

How to Manage Family Holiday Stress and Mental Health 

If you feel uneasy about the upcoming holidays, you are not alone. Nearly 90% of adults in the United States feel stressed out about the festive season. More than 40% of those people feel more tense than usual despite the approaching wave of yuletide joy. Have no fear, with some strategic planning, you can enter the winter months with a positive outlook.  

In recovery, it is essential to protect your emotional health while dealing with family stress. One of the best approaches is to break down the elements of holiday stress so you can minimize the impact. When managing holiday stress, consider the following aspects that may affect you:  

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Seasonal depression is a common depressive disorder that often starts in the fall, persists through winter and dissipates in spring. It is more common in people in the northern US, affecting younger individuals and women most. If you suffer from SAD, it may take a lot more energy for you to socialize, even with people you love. Speak with your medical provider about ways to combat seasonal affective disorder through supplements and counseling.  
• Family dynamics: You cannot choose your family, but you can change your reactions and communication strategies with them. Family and recovery will always be a minefield of managing expectations for yourself and the people you love. Speak to your substance use counselor about ways to approach the upcoming holiday season with tact. It will make the festivities much more enjoyable and drama-free.  
• Scheduling commitments: You may find yourself with more holiday party invites than you can handle. The key is to prioritize the people who mean most to you and who support your recovery. Managing a busy schedule is a blessing and something to feel proud of, lest it stresses you out too much to enjoy the moments. Learn to politely and quickly decline events you cannot attend to get them off your plate.  
• Financial strain: You may feel pressure to spend extravagant amounts of money on your friends and family during the holidays. Some people think it is a way to “make up” for the things they did amidst their addiction. Do not fall into this trap of thinking. For your loved ones, your healthy presence while in recovery is the greatest gift of all. Do not worry about carrying a Santa sack of goodies with you to gatherings.  

Holiday stress in recovery is not always caused by obvious reasons. That is why it is important to prepare and plan for the months ahead. With a positive and strong mindset, you can enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.  

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Coping Tips for Stress During the Holidays 

To manage holiday stress and mental health in recovery, you will need to take some vital steps to prioritize yourself. Practicing self-care, setting healthy boundaries and planning exit strategies for uncomfortable situations is a must. Use your emotional support network by attending counseling and calling friends. Practice mindfulness, gratitude and create joyful traditions of your own along the way.  

Here are some of the best coping tips for stress during the holidays:  

1. Avoid isolation: It is easy to become a hermit in the winter, when days are short and cold. However, isolation is very detrimental to your recovery goals and can incite relapse triggers. 
2. Create holiday goals: You can make a list of personal goals you want to accomplish, especially during the winter months. Do not limit yourself only to recovery; get creative.  
3. Prioritize self-care: Make time for self-pampering. Do not let yourself get stressed out during a time for happiness and celebration.   
4. Keep a calendar: Write everything down! That way, you will not miss an event or forget important dates.  
5. Select plans carefully: You do not have to attend every party. Prepare to politely decline invitations that make you feel uncomfortable or clash with your schedule.  
6. Set a budget: You do not have to spend a ton of money to enjoy the holiday. Set a reasonable budget and stick to it! 
7. Maintain your routine: Recovery work can fall to the wayside when you are super busy. However, during the holidays, it is especially crucial to continue doing your usual routine.  
8. Prepare an exit strategy: Create a plan for exiting a party if you begin to feel uneasy. Designate a friend to call and transportation to get home if needed.  
9. Stay in touch with your support system: Remember to check in with your recovery friends and counselors.  
10. Be grateful: Keep in mind that it is a privilege to be celebrating the holidays with loved ones. Because of your hard work in recovery, you can enjoy the festivities and feel proud of yourself.  

Create a holiday survival plan this year with recovery-friendly activities and your support network. Set boundaries, say “no” to stress and have an exit strategy when you want to leave an event. Do not forget to prioritize self-care with sleep, exercise and healthy eating. Be aware of triggers so you can plan your response and prioritize recovery over perfection. Most of all, practice gratitude! The holidays are the perfect time to reflect and be thankful for the positive things in your life.  

Medication-Assisted Treatment with HCRC for the Holiday Season 

There is never a wrong time to address your addiction and seek help. The knowledgeable and compassionate staff at HCRC recognize that substance use disorder is a chronic illness that requires professional help. With personalized treatment plans, HCRC patients begin to feel better in just weeks after enrolling. Recovery is possible for everyone. To learn more about the recovery programs at HCRC, reach out today.  

The post Family Holiday Stress and Mental Health: Coping Tips That Work appeared first on HCRC.

Starting the journey of opioid recovery demands courage and resilience. It involves challenges that require determination and a strong support network. A crucial aspect of this journey is creating a structured opioid recovery management plan. While it may sound overly general, consider it the basic framework that upholds your future.

Especially during National Recovery Month, now is a good time to check in or restart your progress. Keep reading to gain deeper insight into building a strong opioid recovery management plan and creating a successful recovery strategy.

Why You Need an Opioid Recovery Management Plan

Establishing new habits for long-term recovery is essential for sustainable progress. A recovery plan provides direction and structure, helping you stay focused and resilient. With a clear plan in place, you can:

• Recognize personal triggers and how to manage them
• Set wellness goals and outline actions to achieve them
• Monitor daily habits and long-term aspirations
• Track your progress and adjust as needed

This foundation supports self-discipline, boosts mental health, and helps you build a balanced, healthy lifestyle.th treatment planning to ensure you do not miss something vital to your recovery.

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How to Create an Opioid Recovery Management Plan

Creating a recovery plan is a personal process. It should reflect your values, needs, and long-term goals. Start by asking yourself:

• What’s motivating me to make this change?
• What obstacles might challenge my progress?
• Am I ready to commit to meaningful changes?

Once you’ve reflected, follow these five key steps:

Step 1: Identify your primary triggers and relapse warning signs.

One of the first steps in building a successful recovery plan is understanding what might cause setbacks. Triggers—such as certain people, places, or emotions—can spark cravings. They may be physical, mental, or emotional. While you can’t control every situation, you can prepare by:

• Learning your triggers
• Recognizing relapse warning signs
• Exploring relapse prevention strategies and tools

Step 2: Develop Healthy Coping Strategies

To stay on track in recovery, it’s essential to build emotional and behavioral resilience. Effective coping strategies can help you navigate stress and manage cravings without turning to substance use. Try incorporating these into your plan:

• Practice breathing exercises, journaling, or meditation
• Use behavioral techniques like calling a supportive person or stepping away from a situation
• Stay engaged in healthy outlets like exercise, creative hobbies, or volunteering

Step 3: Set Realistic Short- and Long-Term Goals

Recovery isn’t just about what you avoid—it’s also about what you want to achieve. Setting meaningful goals helps keep you motivated and provides a sense of direction. With the support of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), you’ll have the clarity to focus on personal growth. Work with a counselor to:

• Identify milestones that matter to you
• Track your progress with goal-setting tools
• Celebrate achievements to build confidence

Step 4: Build a Supportive Network

Having the right people around you can make a significant difference. Your support network can include professionals, peers, and loved ones who understand and encourage your recovery journey. Consider the value of:

• Peer support groups
• Group counseling sessions
• Friends and family who support your goals

Connecting with others who share your experiences can provide encouragement and accountability when you need it most.

Step 5: Prioritize Self-Care and Daily Structure

Long-term recovery depends on your ability to stay grounded in healthy routines. Prioritizing self-care ensures that you’re nourishing both your mind and body. A structured daily routine supports stability and reduces stress. Focus on:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep and meal schedule
• Attending regular counseling or treatment appointments
• Practicing daily reflection and mindfulness

Personalized Addiction Treatment Plans with HCRC

At Health Care Resource Centers (HCRC), we’re here to help you build a recovery plan that fits your life. We offer:

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Substance use counseling
• Support services tailored to your needs

Our experienced team is ready to guide you every step of the way. Reach out today or fill out our contact form to learn more about how we can support your recovery goals.

The post How to Build a Personalized Opioid Recovery Management Plan appeared first on HCRC.

Substance use disorder is a disease that affects families including spouses and children within a household. Although divorce and separation are difficult, couples understand that their focus must shift to providing stability for their children. While family dynamics in addiction recovery may shift and change, with time and hard work, everyone can heal together.

Supporting your children while in recovery is a necessary and worthwhile endeavor for all involved. They should not face the lingering consequences of parental addiction. Understanding how to navigate co-parenting in recovery may be tricky, but it can work with compassion and strategic planning.

You can learn  How to Navigate Co-Parenting in Recovery

Overcoming addiction and moving forward in recovery is a monumental life change and something to be proud of. It takes a lot of perseverance and determination to reach the phase where you are back to being a parent. For perspective, some people lose access to their children throughout their addiction experience. This is just one of the many painful consequences of untreated substance use disorder.

Raising kids in recovery is a hard-earned achievement for parents who have experienced divorce and other hardships due to addiction. Although you have the many tools you gained through substance use counseling, there is more to learn. Parenting in addiction recovery entails a bit of a learning curve.

Take your time and approach co-parenting after addiction with positive and productive goals in mind. Some substance-free parenting strategies include:

• Join support groups for parents in recovery: There are many recovery groups for single and divorced parents. People share their experiences and advise those struggling to cope with their situations.
• Enroll in parental counseling: Having your kids to yourself without another adult can initially seem overwhelming. Speaking with a parenting counselor can help prepare you for the days you have your kids full-time.
• Establish your role as a parent: Children seek certain things from each parent. Although you want to build a balance between both parties, your kids may turn to you for specific things. Recognize and build on that special relationship.
• Create a healthy environment: When your kids are with you at home, you want them to feel like they belong. Work to create a space where they feel like they belong and can thrive.

There are so many things you will learn as you begin co-parenting with an ex in recovery. Your greatest assets will be preparation and research to make things work for everyone.

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How to Navigate Co-Parenting in Recovery with Ease

Healthy parenting after substance use is attainable for those in recovery. It can be an enriching journey for you as a parent and your children. However, you will want to keep some factors in mind.

Here are some of our favorite recovery-friendly co-parenting tips:

• Continue to show dedication. Remain committed to the recovery process and self-improvement. It will help with rebuilding trust with children after addiction.
• Define the terms on paper. Legal considerations for co-parenting in recovery are essential to success. Designated people should be involved to aid drop-offs and communication, if necessary.
• Communicate clearly. Communication in co-parenting recovery is a crucial component in making your kids happy. Without misunderstandings, there will be fewer disagreements and abrupt changes.
• See this as a business partnership. Once a marriage ends, feelings may be complicated. Still, parents should maintain a cordial relationship and work together to do what is best for the kids.
• Attend counseling together. Emotional support for kids in recovery is essential to make this work. Consider therapy with children who witnessed substance use around the age of 8 and older. This can help children speak freely in a safe space with productive advice from a trained professional.
• Children are not pawns. They should not be used as  messengers or emotional outlets for issues between parents. They deserve a space to heal and grow without being burdened by adult problems. Carrying their parents’ issues can severely affect them as they grow into adults.
• Maintain self–care. Managing parenting stress in recovery will ensure your children do not experience unnecessary negativity. Be sure to take care of yourself when you have time away from them and parental obligations.
• Stick to the plan. Holidays and special events can be stressful, so stick to the agreement unless reasonable extraneous circumstances occur. If things go wrong, allow for flexibility without inflaming the situation.
• Create boundaries.Healthy boundaries in co-parenting are essential. Children are strongly affected by their surroundings. Keep things civil and light when interacting without exposing them to a combative situation. Do not bad mouth or complain about your former spouse in front of the children.
• Discuss the rules. Do not allow co-parenting to become a “good cop, bad cop” scenario. This can strain the natural relationship between parent and child and cause further trauma.
• Stay consistent. Depending on the age of the children, keep bedtimes consistent and general house rules the same. Discipline and scheduling should be as complementary as possible to maintain balance.
• Speak respectfully. Think about tone when interacting. Requests sound better as ideas or questions rather than demands. These conversations are done best in private or through text or phone calls.

Co-parenting challenges in recovery are inevitable, but they do not have to be barriers. With the right mindset and preparation, you can tackle these obstacles without negatively impacting your kids. The mutual unconditional love you share for your children will help resolve difficult circumstances addiction once posed to the relationship.

Addiction Recovery with Health Care Recovery Centers

Co-parenting can be successful for people in recovery and for people whose ex-spouse is in recovery. HCRC has helped many people regain their ability to parent their kids and maintain family relationships. It is not too late to reach out for help.

HCRC offers  medication-assisted treatment to individuals living with substance use disorder. Our outpatient treatment centers are conveniently located and accommodate busy schedules. If you want to take the first step towards recovery today, contact us to learn more about our treatment programs.sful for people in recovery and for people whose ex-spouse is in recovery. With a mutual unconditional love for the children that are a result of the bond that once existed, parents can overcome the challenging circumstances addiction once posed to the relationship.

The post Tips for Co-Parenting in Recovery appeared first on HCRC.

Discussing someone’s drug misuse does not come naturally to most people. It is an awkward and uncomfortable situation, as much as it is dire and vital to address. Even if it is someone you love, broaching this sensitive topic will undoubtedly feel challenging or even scary.  

You may worry that bringing up the problem will make them push you away. Maybe you worry that your concern will hurt your relationship. It is possible you think you may be overstepping some boundaries to bring it up. Yet, illicit or even prescription opioid addiction can be a life-and-death situation. A conversation could be the turning point that encourages your loved one to get help. 

If you are not sure what to do, this blog post covers several tips and ways to communicate about opioid misuse.  

Understanding Addiction Before Approaching Someone 

Before you discuss someone’s drug misuse patterns, it is important to understand the nature of addiction. Addiction, or substance use disorder, is a chronic brain disease. Although your friend or family member may have previously used substances recreationally, their use may now out of control. Addiction can be causing them to prioritize their drug of choice over everything else, including their well-being.  

Supporting someone with an addiction is not always straightforward. It is understandable if you feel angry or resentful for their actions and past choices. However, your loved one is now sick and needs professional intervention. No amount of shaming and threatening them with consequences will help them overnight. They would benefit by enrolling in an evidence-based treatment program that will help them manage their condition and rebuild their life.  

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Five Best Ways to Communicate About Opioid Misuse

Talking about addiction with someone who struggles with misusing substances is not always the easiest thing to do. Still, there are ways to have compassionate conversations that lead your friend or family member towards the help they need.  

The best ways to communicate about opioid misuse are:  

1. With Understanding 

Remember, although your loved one’s addiction may be tearing your family or relationship apart, they did not choose this. Addiction is a serious disease that hijacks the brain. Take the time to learn more about opioid use disorder so you can better understand what they are experiencing. 

2. With Caution 

Your loved one may not be ready to hear what you have to say. Many people deny they have an issue, get defensive or react angrily. So, approach the situation with caution, especially if you have reason to fear for your safety. Stay calm and respectful, and express your concerns. Even if your loved one does not admit to having an opioid addiction, this conversation may plant a seed. 

3. With Compassion 

Often, people struggling with addiction think they will never recover. They may believe they are unworthy of help or experience low self-esteem, shame and self-hatred. Accusations and blame will only make your loved one feel worse. So, come to them with a sense of compassion and empathy. Convey your concerns in a loving, respectful way. 

Remember, you are there to support your loved one. A considerable part of your conversation will involve listening and responding when appropriate with encouraging words, such as: 

• I understand you. 

• You are not alone. 

• I love you and want to help. 

• I will be here for you. 

4. With Support From Others 

Opioid addiction impacts everyone close to the person struggling with the disease. Approaching your loved one can be stressful and draining, so it is important to enlist your own support. This could be other friends or family members. You can also go to support groups for families to find encouragement. These groups are a great source of solidarity and practical advice on how to help your loved one moving forward. 

5. With Common Sense 

Try to have realistic expectations. Though you took this huge step to approach your loved one, you cannot expect them to overcome opioid addiction overnight. Recovery can be a long and challenging road, and your loved one will need support every step of the way. 

By starting the conversation, you have made it far more likely that your loved one will take the next step. You can also broach the topic again after a little while to see how they respond. 

Best Ways to Communicate About Opioid Misuse From Afar  

Sometimes, we can only wish to help people from afar. We are not always in the same city or state as the person we care about who is struggling with addiction. Getting a hold of them can be difficult. Some days, they will answer your calls and texts; others, you can only wait and worry.  

It is much more difficult to broach the topic of addiction from afar because it is very easy to hang up a phone. Still, do not give up on your attempts to discuss the topic. Consider preparing them for a more extensive conversation if you can take a trip to see them sometime soon.  

It would help most if you could get other people in the area to be your eyes and ears while you are away. Talks of staging interventions often begin this way. Do not be afraid to enlist the help of a professional interventionist or substance use counselor. They are a fantastic resource for crisis intervention tips and information on addiction treatment options.  

Help Your Loved One Find Opioid Addiction Treatment Options 

If everything goes well during your conversation, your loved one may be ready to get help. So, before starting the conversation, assemble a list of ready and accessible treatment options. 

Whether your loved one is addicted to prescription pills or illicit opioids like fentanyl, Health Care Resource Centers can help. We combine evidence-based medication-assisted treatment with addiction counseling and personalized care to help our patients fight back against opioid use disorder. 

If you are planning to approach your loved one about their addiction, we invite you to reach out to us today. We can answer your questions and help you prepare for your loved one’s first steps toward recovery. 

The post Best Ways to Communicate About Opioid Misuse  appeared first on HCRC.

Evidence shows that the most effective approach to treating addiction is a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and counseling. Millions of people suffering from substance use disorder have found their way back to a healthy life with this combination. Counseling with addiction treatment is a mainstay to ensure a solid foundation for a successful recovery. Whether one-on-one or in a group, these sessions address the role that behavioral components, emotional health and psychology often play in substance misuse. 

Detoxing from opioids and other substances is just the beginning of recovery. Counseling from a trained mental health provider ensures you have the tools you need to manage cravings and avoid relapse. Keep reading to learn why counseling is critical in addiction recovery so you can rebuild your life.  

Understanding Why Counseling is Critical in Addiction Recovery During Early Treatment 

Addiction is more than a physical or chemical dependence on drugs or alcohol. Even after those substances are out of your system and you are technically withdrawal-symptom-free, you may still struggle with cravings. A craving is an overwhelming desire to use a substance that puts you at high risk for relapse if you are not prepared. 

A variety of psychological and social factors can be powerful triggers that rouse cravings and lead to relapse: 

• External triggers: These are the people, places and things that are associated with past substance misuse. External cues can be environmental, such as visiting an old neighborhood, or social, like spending time with friends who still use. 

• Internal triggers: These are the thoughts, feelings, sensations or even habitual behaviors that trigger a craving. Stress, especially sudden crises, is often the most potent internal trigger. 

• Situational triggers: Triggers can also arise due to a specific situation. A bad breakup or unexpected visitors are situations that can put you at risk if you are not prepared.  

Triggers are an ongoing part of life in recovery. They can create a strong urge to use again. Counseling teaches you how to identify triggers so that you can roll with whatever life throws at you — without substance misuse. 

Another reason why counseling is critical in addiction recovery is because it lends support. Particularly in early treatment, people are learning to break away from toxic social lives and behaviors. It can be scary at first, especially if you do not have a support network like friends and family.  

Speaking with people who understand your situation and the nature of addiction as you begin treatment can provide immense encouragement. In fact, some MAT programs require counseling to complete treatment. Evidence shows that patients who attend behavioral therapy have a higher chance of long-lasting recovery.  

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Different Types of Therapy for Substance Use 

Many different types of counseling can help people in addiction treatment and recovery. Everyone responds to different methods differently. Some find more success with certain programs than others.  

Here are just some examples of the different approaches to counseling patients with a substance use disorder:   

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 

• Dialectical behavior therapy 

• Motivational interviewing 

• Contingency management 

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) 

Along with these methods, you will also have the chance to do group and individual counseling. These options are incredibly valuable depending on your situation and what you want to work on most. As you get more comfortable in counseling, you will know which methods and formats work best for you. 

Role of Behavioral Therapy in Opioid Addiction 

A variety of counseling therapies treat opioid use disorder and other types of addiction. Between individual counseling and a group counseling experience, no one method is better than another.  

Likewise, there is not a single approach that works for everyone struggling with opioid use disorder. The best addiction treatment plan considers your addiction and individual needs. It can provide you and your recovery journey with many benefits, including: 

• Pinpointing triggers and stressors 

• Teaching you how to deal with triggers and cravings as they arise 

• Becoming an essential part of your support system 

• Addressing potential behavioral, emotional or mental causes for addiction 

• Instating important coping and recovery skills 

• Encouraging and motivating you toward change 

Consider substance use counseling to be part of your essential recovery toolkit. Emotional support in treatment should not be understated. Recovery is a transformational journey that will take you through ups and downs. Discussing your experiences with a professional will bring you many benefits along the way. 

Benefits of Family Therapy in Substance Use Treatment 

There are endless benefits of family therapy during addiction treatment. Everyone’s family has different needs and can use therapy how they need it. However, here is a list of ways family counseling in substance use treatment can help you:  

• Feel less isolated: Communicating with people who understand your situation can help you feel more confident in your progress. 

• Gain support from loved ones: When friends and family see that you are putting in the effort to improve, they are more likely to support you.  

• Enhance communication skills: Speaking about your substance use disorder will make it easier to open up to others and tell your story.  

• Learn more about yourself: Discover your abilities while you navigate this new healing experience. 

• Set boundaries: Learning to say no to people who threaten your recovery is crucial.  

• Rebuild trust: Improve relationships with the people who matter to you most with the help of a mediator.  

• Resolve conflicts: Mend the various problems addiction has caused in your life. 

• Repair trauma: Discover and heal unresolved trauma that led to your substance misuse.  

• Prevent relapse: Work through relapse prevention strategies to safeguard your recovery.  

There are many more benefits of counseling during your recovery journey. You will discover more and more the longer you work on yourself towards your goals.  

Learn Why Counseling is Critical in Addiction Recovery with HCRC 

When you choose Health Care Resource Centers (HCRC) for your addiction treatment, you will reap so many benefits. Not only will you excel with effective, medication-assisted treatment, but also professional counseling. Counseling empowers you to overcome the cravings that accompany opioid addiction so that you can live a fuller, healthier life. 

Learn more when you contact HCRC online or give us a call at 866-758-7769. 

The post Why Counseling is Critical in Addiction Recovery appeared first on HCRC.

Chronic pain is a widespread issue in the United States. In 2021, an estimated 20.9% of U.S. adults struggled with chronic pain. That means approximately 51.6 million adults may seek out medical care for pain and experience diminished quality of life without treatment. 

Twenty years ago, opioid medications were prescribed to help people manage their chronic pain and live productive lives. However, the addictive nature of opioid painkillers resulted in thousands of over-prescribed patients. This led many doctors to stop prescribing pain medication to patients to reduce the risk of addiction.   

Instead of relying on painkillers to treat people suffering, doctors began to look for chronic pain treatment without opioids. This eventually became a very critical step in attempts to slow down the opioid crisis in the country.  

Why is my Doctor not Prescribing Pain Medication? 

If your doctor declines to prescribe pain medication, you are not alone in wondering why. There are many reasons why medical providers prescribe opioids very rarely nowadays. The most common are the following:  

1. Fear of Misuse 

Prescription opioid misuse is a significant factor in the nation’s unwavering opioid crisis. Research shows that approximately 21 to 29% of patients misuse the opioids prescribed for chronic pain. Somewhere between 8 and 12% of all patients prescribed painkillers develop an opioid use disorder. About 4 to 6% of people who misuse their prescription end up transitioning to illicit opioids such as fentanyl or heroin. 

2. Legal Issues with Opioid Prescriptions 

The legal risks of prescribing opioids have undergone a recent transformation. Between medical malpractice suits and wrongful death suits due to overdose, providers have grasped the potential dangers of these medications.  

Medical providers now keep a close eye on what they prescribe and the quantity. Many have become more conservative with pain medication to ensure that none of their patients become dependent. The fear of over-prescribing medication and losing their job and licensure are also results in much hesitation. 

3. Changing Standards for Pain 

Currently, doctors are looking for chronic pain treatment without opioids. Pain management specialists have ramped up research in finding alternatives to opioid painkillers with surprising discoveries. Due to this constant stream of new information, providers have increasingly been tightening their standards for opioid prescriptions. Many physicians are looking to taper their patients off of harmful opioids and move them on to better solutions.  

Speak directly with your medical provider about why they have prescribed you certain medications and why they will not prescribe you others. Some additional reasons why your doctor might not prescribe pain medications include: 

• Drug-seeking or disruptive behaviors from patients 

• The medication is no longer working 

• Personal beliefs regarding the efficacy of opioids for chronic pain 

• Comorbidities that could be negatively affected by opioid medications  

Whatever the reason, your doctor should be transparent with you. You have a right to know why you are taking certain medications over others to help manage your pain. 

Reach Out

Call 866 758 7769

Guidelines for Opioid Prescriptions in Chronic Pain Patients 

There are currently no nationwide federal laws regarding opioid prescription regulations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released prescribing guidelines for opioids, but they are just that — guidelines. Enforceable laws about opioid prescriptions are down to individual states, and many of the laws enacted have become very restrictive. 

The CDC and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) created guidelines for prescribing opioids to treat chronic pain in 2016. A summary of these guidelines states the following: 

• Non-opioid therapy is preferred for chronic pain treatment.  

• Opioids should only be prescribed if the benefits far outweigh the risks to the patient. 

• Providers should establish treatment goals with patients that include tapering off opioids. 

• The lowest effective dosage of opioids should always be prescribed to patients. 

• Before increasing dosages, risk assessments should be taken seriously. 

• Clinicians should avoid complications with concurrent medications and opioids. 

Unfortunately, there is always a risk that a patient may develop opioid use disorder through the course of their treatment. In these cases, providers should offer medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine or methadone to help them recover.  

Safe Pain Management for Long-Term Opioid Users 

It is not recommended for your doctor to refuse to prescribe opioids if you have already been taking them long-term. The HHS published guidelines recommending a highly deliberate approach to reducing opioid intake for patients undergoing long-term treatment. 

Adm. Brett P. Giroir, MD, assistant secretary of health at the HHS, remarked,  

“If opioids are going to be reduced in a chronic patient, it really needs to be done in a patient-centered, compassionate, guided way.” 

Stopping your opioid medication for chronic pain abruptly could cause severe side effects. This can be avoided with a simple taper schedule and incremental decrease in dosage over time.  

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms after Stopping Medication 

If your doctor abruptly discontinues your pain medication, you are in danger of going into opioid withdrawal. The signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal include: 

• Anxiety or agitation 

• Difficulty sleeping 

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Abdominal cramps and diarrhea 

• Sweating and fever 

• Trembling 

• Rapid heartbeat 

• Changes in blood pressure 

• Confusion 

• Hallucinations 

• Seizures 

Although these symptoms are not usually life-threatening, experiencing them alongside the resurgence of your chronic pain can be debilitating. A careful stabilization from the use of opioid pain medication should be individualized for each patient involving the physician: 

• Monitoring temperature, blood pressure and pulse. 

• Taking urine or blood samples to get a clear picture of all substances in your system. 

• Obtaining information that may help optimize stabilization from other health care providers or family members. 

• Recommending other types of therapies for pain. 

• Prescribing medications that help manage common withdrawal symptoms and ease discomfort. 

One of the options in the new HHS guidelines is stabilization, which can be achieved through the use of buprenorphine. Buprenorphine was initially introduced for use in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. The HHS recommends this treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms while also keeping pain at bay.  

Is Chronic Pain Treatment without Opioids Possible?  

There are alternatives to opioid painkillers for treating chronic pain. Your other options include: 

1. Seeking a pain management specialist: Many primary care physicians want to help you control your pain. They can refer patients to pain management specialists with in-depth knowledge of new pain solutions and therapies.  

2. Joining a support group or online community: Support groups are valuable tools that allow you to speak openly about your chronic pain. You can seek insight from others who understand what you are going through. There, you can learn helpful information on what alternative treatments have worked for others. Also, you can share your own tips with members of the chronic pain community. 

3. Trying out a drug-free method for pain relief: Some people manage their pain with techniques such as exercise, yoga, acupuncture, mindfulness meditation and a nutritious diet. These methods work better at controlling chronic pain for some individuals than others, but they are a helpful asset. 

4. Staying aware of your patient rights: Your medical provider can deny you a prescription for pain medication. However, you can learn about other treatment options and choose the option best suited to your needs. Speak with your provider about a referral to a pain management specialist or ask what other alternatives are available. 

Talk to a Specialist at HCRC About Chronic Pain Treatment without Opioids 

Chronic pain is something every medical provider should take seriously. At Health Care Resource Centers, your experiences matter. Our compassionate care team can help you find the tools needed to live your life in as much comfort as possible.  

HCRC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) as a trusted source. We are dedicated to bringing you quality care and resources for opioid addiction-related information. Our programs are also certified on a state and federal level. 

If you are seeking to address opioid addiction or switch to pain management with a buprenorphine treatment program, HCRC can help. We offer medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction at multiple locations across Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Call (866) 758-7769 for more information on our programs. Or, fill out our contact form online to learn about the next steps. 

Related Posts About Pain Medication Prescriptions

• Signs of Pill Addiction
• Opioid Prescriptions Are Down, But Not Gone
• Pharmaceutical Lawsuits and the Opioid Crisis

The post Chronic Pain Treatment without Opioids  appeared first on HCRC.

Preparing for Rehab

Outpatient opioid addiction treatment lets patients continue their daily tasks and responsibilities. You’ll receive treatment and then conveniently return to work, school or home after you’re done.

While treatment is flexible, you can take a few steps to prepare for outpatient treatment:

• Familiarize yourself with the program: Ask plenty of questions to know what to expect. It’s helpful to know details beforehand, including what types of therapies and programs are available, what a typical outpatient treatment looks like and how long each visit lasts.
• Have an end goal: Setting a goal gives your program purpose and helps you stay committed when faced with challenges.
• Stay focused on your treatment: During treatment, your focus should be on your program. Determine beforehand what you can do at home to focus on treatment fully.
• Have a strong social support system: A reliable support system of healthy friends, family and coworkers is an invaluable element.

Reach Out

Call 866 758 7769

What to Expect From Outpatient Opioid Addiction Treatment

At Health Care Resource Centers (HCRC), we provide comprehensive and individualized medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and substance use disorder counseling to decrease the possibility of experiencing a recurrence of substance use.

Factors ranging from individual brain chemistry to drug use history can influence the length of MAT. Here’s what you can expect from the MAT phases:

• Induction: Patients undergo a full intake assessment to determine which medication is right for them. During this phase, patients will receive their first dose of medication.
• Stabilization: In the stabilization phase, patients will experience a reduction in cravings and withdrawal symptoms once they’ve achieved the proper dose of medication.
• Maintenance: This phase is when patients begin to regain who they were physically, emotionally and mentally, leading to a healthier lifestyle. After some time, patients can start working towards smaller medication amounts until they finish treatment.

Learn More About Our Outpatient Opioid Addiction Treatment Options

For more than 32 years, HCRC has been helping patients prepare for rehab and get started with medication-assisted treatment with counseling. Through personalized care, we help individuals get started on their recovery journey.

We can help treat persistent opioid addiction. Contact us today to learn more about where change begins.

The post Preparing for Outpatient Opioid Addiction Treatment appeared first on HCRC.

The popular and long-running docu-series, Intervention, has brought much-needed attention to the vast number of people in America who are suffering from untreated substance use disorder. Each episode is based around individuals grappling with their addiction as their loved ones desperately attempt to get them the help they need by staging an intervention. While the show has helped many people affected by substance use disorder (and educate even more who knew very little about the disease), the scenes shown during the interventions have also caused some misunderstandings surrounding the method of approach.

Interventions are effective when staged correctly. Confrontational and instigative interventions rarely work out for either party involved because they lack tact and understanding for the individual walking into them. Adhering to some basic guidelines when staging an intervention can increase the chances of success exponentially.

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Call 866 758 7769

Planning

Attendees should be decided on at the start of planning, making sure to keep the group small and intimate, without the presence of inflammatory or emotionally triggering people. Each person should be informed that they have about five minutes to give their speech to the person in focus. Anything longer or more involved can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Boundaries and ultimatums should be mentioned in these speeches, especially those who feel that they’re enablers or in a codependent relationship with the person needing help. Those attendees must also be prepared to act on their conditional statements should the person in question decide to reject treatment.

Setting

Once the attendees are chosen, it’s time to decide whether to use the services of an experienced professional interventionist and where to hold the event. When reaching out to an experienced interventionist, they can usually help secure a neutral and safe location to have the intervention while also helping the other group members organize most effectively. Hosting the affair at a loved one’s house is often a bad idea because it can induce reactive angry behavior, especially if they feel that it’s happening in their “safe space” or familiar territory.

Timing

Keeping the intervention a secret is crucial. If the person in question has time to prepare, they will arrive with a long list of excuses and strategies to avoid the seriousness of the discussion. It’s essential to keep the person’s routine schedule in mind, if applicable, and go forth with an invitation to meet as the family or support group would regularly avoid raising suspicion. Once discussion about the intervention has begun, the attendees should look to make it happen as quickly as possible. It’s very easy to lose the sense of urgency while preparing for the event if the focus is diverted too intensely on small details.

Give the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Health Care Resource Centers a call today to organize treatment details for a loved one’s upcoming intervention. The latest data suggests that, when executed properly, interventions result in a 90% rate of people entering treatment. Our experienced medical providers are prepared to provide an individualized plan for someone looking to treat their substance use disorder using evidence-based methods and FDA-approved medications to get them on the road to long-lasting recovery.

Sources:

• https://www.ncadd.org/family-friends/there-is-help/intervention-tips-and-guidelines
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/intervention/art-20047451
• Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Brief Interventions and Brief Therapies for Substance Abuse. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 34.) Chapter 1—Introduction to Brief Interventions and Therapies.
• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. (2015). Intervention—Tips and Guidelines.
• Liepman, M., Nirenberg, T., & Begin, A. (1989). Evaluation of a Program Designed to Help Family and Significant Others to Motivate Resistant Alcoholics into Recovery. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 15(2), 209-22.
• The Partnership for a Drug-Free America. (n.d.). Intervention Quick Guide.

The post Do Interventions Work? appeared first on HCRC.

Individual counseling for opioid addiction offers a safe place where patients can confront addiction’s hold on their lives and discover that they have the strength to overcome.

The Benefits of Individual Counseling for Substance Use

One could argue that the real work of recovery happens in counseling. Individual counseling involves meeting one-on-one with a trained and certified professional substance use counselor. Working together, you identify and address the issues and trauma lying just under the surface that may have driven you toward using opioids.

While the goals of individual counseling vary from person to person, this service offers incredible benefits.

Reach Out

Call 866 758 7769

Creates a Safe Environment

Talking about past trauma and emotional topics can be painful. When you meet one-on-one with an addiction professional, your counselor strives to create an environment of safety and trust where you can open up about everything you’ve felt or experienced without fear of judgment or criticism.

Identify Triggers

It can be challenging to discuss what made you turn to opioids. Through your conversations in individual counseling, your counselor will be able to identify patterns of thought and behavior that may have compelled you to abuse the drug. Understanding these triggers will help you modify your actions and avoid them in the future.

Learn Coping Strategies

When you use opioids to ease stress or deal with life’s problems, it can be difficult to break out of this destructive cycle. Individual counseling teaches you tools and strategies for handling these situations without turning to opioid use.

Education

Addiction is a disease, but it is often perceived as a moral failing or a lack of personal restraint. During your individual counseling sessions, you’ll learn the science behind addiction and ways to prevent relapse.

Mend Relationships

You weren’t the only person hurt by your opioid use. The people who love you most witnessed addiction’s hold on your life. Counseling teaches you how to reconnect and heal relationships with your family and friends so you can enlist these individuals as part of your recovery support system.

Guidance for the Future

Individual counseling helps you find healing from past trauma and current problems — but it also empowers you to find hope for your future. The goal of treatment is to offer guidance on how to move forward with your life in recovery and find joy and satisfaction in sobriety. Your counselor will work with you to develop a plan of action on how you can become a productive member of the workforce and your community.

Contact Us for Individual Substance Use Counseling Services

At Health Care Resource Centers, we have witnessed how medication-assisted treatment is most effective when combined with professional counseling and support. Your individual counseling sessions will give you the skills and encouragement you need to live a full and independent life after completing our treatment program. Our services are completely individualized, addressing your specific needs to give you the best chance for a successful recovery.

If you or a loved one struggle with opioid addiction, let HCRC help you break free. Reach out to learn more about how we combine MAT with individual counseling. You can also call us at 866-758-7769 to speak with a member of our team.

The post Is Individual Counseling Important in Overcoming Opioid Addiction? appeared first on HCRC.

What Does Buprenorphine Do?

The partial opioid agonist buprenorphine activates the opioid receptors in your brain. As a partial agonist, it doesn’t activate them to the same extent as full opioid agonists such as oxycodone, heroin or methadone. This property means that buprenorphine has a ceiling effect, or, a level where its effects stop increasing even if more of the medication is taken. Since opioids also activate the opioid receptors, using buprenorphine to activate them results in a reduction in withdrawal symptoms. In other words, buprenorphine satisfies the brain’s need for opioids by limiting symptoms without providing the euphoria or “high” sought by those who misuse opioids.

Reach Out

Call 866 758 7769

How Long Does Buprenorphine Block Opiates?

When buprenorphine binds to the opiate receptors in your brain, it effectively prevents other opioids from being able to attach. It then fulfills your body’s need for opioids, reducing cravings and the effects of withdrawal. Once buprenorphine attaches to your receptors, it stays attached for about 40 minutes. Buprenorphine reaches its highest concentration in your blood plasma within 40 minutes to three and a half hours. The time it takes for buprenorphine to come into effect depends on your individual body chemistry.

Once you take buprenorphine, it provides effects from anywhere between 24 to 60 hours. It has an average half-life of about 37 hours. Like the amount of time for buprenorphine to take effect, the length of its effects depends on the person.

In some cases, buprenorphine medication comes in a form that also contains naloxone, a medication that blocks opioids. Naloxone removes opioids from opioid receptors and blocks other opioids from attaching. Due to the medication’s design and how it interacts with the body, the naloxone does not affect the buprenorphine’s effectiveness. Instead, it discourages misuse through injecting or snorting. Naloxone is also administered on it’s own by first responders and others as a way to stop the effects of an opioid overdose, saving lives and giving people time to seek further medical treatment.

Does Buprenorphine Appear on Drug Tests?

For buprenorphine to show up on a drug screen, the drug test must specifically test for buprenorphine. The standard urine and saliva tests used for workplaces cannot detect buprenorphine as an opioid, though it is becoming more common to be tested for. Before participating in a drug test, you can let the laboratory know you take buprenorphine. As a patient, you have protection from employment discrimination under the law.

How Can Patients Use This Information During Treatment?

Understanding how long buprenorphine stays in your system can help you find a treatment plan that addresses your symptoms. Pay close attention to buprenorphine’s effects and any side effects you experience. If it provides long-lasting effects, your doctor might recommend taking it less frequently or at a lower amount. You could also find yourself feeling withdrawal symptoms between medication times. In this situation, you may need to take it more often or at a higher amount.

Learn More About Buprenorphine or Start Treatment

Get more information about buprenorphine or enter a New England MAT program by contacting Health Care Resource Centers today.

The post How Long Does Buprenorphine Stay in Your System? appeared first on HCRC.