An intervention should be led only by a qualified professional, specifically an addiction expert.

It’s important to note that those with an addiction may be experiencing co-occurring disorders, or a dual diagnosis, which refers to having a simultaneous mental health disorder and substance use disorder. It is common for people with addictions to suffer from depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.

When a person stops taking opioids, they can experience very unpleasant, flu-like withdrawal symptoms. This perpetuates the desire to keep taking them.

Detox should only be led by a qualified professional, specifically addiction experts.

Medication-Assisted Treatment and Maintenance Therapy

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation recommends medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as an effective way to deal with opioid addiction.

Naltrexone  is an opioid receptor blocker injected once a month to prevent opioids from producing a high. It is non-addictive and does not have a street value for sale.

Suboxone, a mixture of buprenorphine and naloxone, helps reduce cravings and relapse. It’s taken daily and is mainly used to treat withdrawal symptoms.

Methadone is a synthetic opioid typically taken as a pill or liquid, and it blocks other opioids from acting on the opioid receptors in the brain. It prevents the difficult withdrawal symptoms that come with ending the opioid use. Typically, patients visit a clinic or treatment center for a daily dose of methadone, where medication is calibrated for the person’s individual needs. Methadone does have a street value, so it is heavily regulated.

Residential and Outpatient Therapy

Medical and mental health professionals can help someone go through the detox process prior to entering a treatment program. Residential treatment programs can last from days to weeks, depending on the person’s needs. Outpatient programs may offer the same features of a residential treatment, but occur for only a few hours a day or a few days a week. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has created an online treatment facility locator of more than 11,000 U.S. treatment programs for alcohol, drug abuse or mental health problems.

Twelve-Step Recovery

There are Twelve-Step groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (https://www.aa.org/) or Narcotics Anonymous (https://www.na.org/). These groups may be used with or without other treatment methods. Twelve-Step recovery groups can be found in most cities across the country.