Frequently Asked Questions

Opioid class of drugs include the illicit street drug heroin as well as many commonly-prescribed prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hyrocodone, morphine and codeine.

An estimated 201 million people are struggling with an opioid use disorder and 1.7 million people dealing with addiction to prescription painkillers and nearly 700,000 addicted to heroin.  

An addiction/disorder diagnosis is made based on  the presence of many telltale signs, symptoms and behavioral features.  Some of those include: 

1.  Using more than intended or using for longer than planned.

2.  The person having a strong desire to use less or struggling to control use of opioids.

3.  Spending an increased amount of time getting or using, or recovering from the effects of opioids.

4.  Experiencing strong cravings to use opioids.

5.  Cutting back or stopping important activities at work, socially, or recreationally due to opioid use.

6.  Continuing to use opioids despite being aware of persistent mental or physical health issues related to such use.

7.  Development of opioid tolerance, where more opioids are needed to achieve the desired effect.

8.  Experiencing signs of opioid withdrawal when opioid use is suddenly stopped or the amount usually taken has been reduced.

Additional signs and symptoms:  Shallow or slow breathing rate, drowsiness, impaired coordination, slurred speech, poor decision making, neglect of responsibilities, depression and sleep disturbances.

We have a physician supervised, medication assisted outpatient treatment plan.  You will be seen by the provider for exam and consultation and will receive a treatment plan.  We also have resources for help outside of medication assistance.  Support groups, counseling/therapy, mental health and wellbeing are all part of any successful treatment program.  Please call for more information about treatment for you or a loved one.