According to data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a whopping 73,838 deaths were recorded due to synthetic opioid overdose alone. This goes to show that the opioid addiction crisis that started back in the 1990s is still ongoing.
Thankfully, we’ve come a long way in terms of treatment since then. Also, the data may be somewhat misleading, simply because the population has also increased significantly.
With that said, we’re planning on discovering alternative therapies for opioid addiction and how they might shape the future of addiction treatment in general.
How Are Opioids Addictive?
Before we can explore alternative therapies for opioid addiction, we need to understand how opioids affect the brain. As a result, this should help you understand why this substance is so addictive in the first place.
Opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain, triggering the release of large amounts of dopamine. We’ve all heard of it. It’s a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. This surge creates a powerful sense of euphoria, leading to repeated use to recreate those feelings.
As this goes on, the brain relies on the drug to produce dopamine, reducing the natural ability to feel pleasure from everyday activities. This process leads to increased tolerance and dependency, where the brain and body require the drug to function normally.
Impact on the Individual’s Life in Society
Opioid addiction affects every aspect of an addict’s life. Here are only a few examples:
- Personal Relationships: Addiction strains relationships with family and friends due to trust issues, erratic behavior, and neglect of responsibilities.
- Employment: Maintaining a job becomes difficult as addiction takes precedence. The person eventually becomes less motivated which might lead to a job loss.
- Health: Severe health problems, including overdose, infections, and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, often accompany opioid addiction.
- Legal Issues: Let’s address the elephant in the room. It’s illegal in the first place! If you get caught with it without a prescription, you’ll face fines, even jail time.
- Financial Stability: Addiction often leads to financial instability. You might start to spend more money on the drugs than you’re making. Debt and overall financial ruin usually follow.
Traditional Treatments of Opioid Addiction
So, how do we treat this addiction? From what we can tell, traditional treatments for opioid addiction focus on helping individuals manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and rebuild their lives.
Here are the major treatment routes:
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT combines medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone with counseling and behavioral therapies. These medications help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while the person gradually goes back to regular life.
MAT is perhaps the most widely used as it has proven effective in managing opioid addiction.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and contingency management, help individuals change their thinking and behavior related to drug use. These therapies, along with MAT, provide coping strategies, support, and motivation to stay drug-free.
Detoxification
Detoxification, or detox, is the process of allowing the body to remove the opioids while managing withdrawal symptoms. Although debated, many individuals have reported good results from detox.
Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation programs, or Rehabs, provide structured environments for individuals to recover. Inpatient rehab offers 24/7 care and support in a residential setting, while outpatient rehab allows individuals to live at home and attend treatment sessions.
Both types of rehab focus on therapy, education, and support to promote long-term recovery among opioid addicts.
Alternative Therapies for Opioid Addiction
Exploring alternative therapies can provide additional support for those battling opioid addiction. These therapies can complement traditional treatments, offering holistic approaches to recovery. In recent years, Ibogaine treatment centers have been on the rise. We have a section coming up on Ibogaine as an alternative therapy on this post.
Holistic Approaches
In popular culture, yoga, meditation, and acupuncture are popular holistic therapies. They’ve been proven to help reduce stress, improve mental health, and promote overall well-being. These practices can support recovery by helping individuals manage cravings and build healthier habits.
Nutritional Therapy
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in any kind of recovery. That’s why nutritional therapy focuses on restoring the body’s health through a balanced diet and supplements. It helps repair the damage caused by addiction and supports the body’s natural healing processes.
Mind-Body Therapies
Mind-body therapies like biofeedback, mindfulness, and art therapy encourage individuals to connect with their emotions and thoughts. These therapies can reduce anxiety and depression, which often accompany addiction. This might not have a direct impact on opioid addiction, but it heals the side effects.
Herbal and Natural Remedies
These days, some people are turning to herbal supplements and natural remedies to aid in their recovery. These can include herbs like valerian root for anxiety or milk thistle for liver health.
Of course, we’re not saying you go out and start it. You must consult with healthcare providers, or your physician, before starting any herbal treatments.
Ibogaine as an Alternative Therapy
In recent years, Ibogaine has gained attention as a potential alternative therapy for opioid addiction. Derived from the root bark of the African Iboga plant, it has been used traditionally in spiritual ceremonies.
Internally, Ibogaine interacts with brain receptors that are responsible for the addiction. It helps reset the brain’s chemistry and reduces cravings at the same time. Many studies show that it also helps with withdrawal symptoms.
As for motivation, the reset by Ibogaine can help individuals break free from the cycle of addiction.
Risks and Considerations
While Ibogaine shows promise, it’s not without risks. The limited research there is, they note possible side effects including heart complications and hallucinations. It’s essential to undergo Ibogaine treatment under medical supervision in a controlled environment.
You must also keep the legal aspect in mind as well. It’s not legal in every country, many haven’t even heard of it. Go through your local law before seeking Ibogaine treatment.
Overall, Ibogaine offers a unique approach to treating opioid addiction, with potential benefits for detoxification and reduced cravings. However, due to its risks, it’s crucial to consider this therapy carefully and consult with healthcare professionals. Integrating Ibogaine with other treatments can provide a comprehensive path to recovery.