OPIOID REHAB
MEN’S OPIOID REHAB IN COLORADO
Opioids are a very powerful, highly addictive prescription pain medication, often prescribed to treat chronic or severe pain, particularly after surgery. Because they are so powerful, they tend to be used and abused in ways other than directed. Even when taken as medically directed, opioids come with a major risk of dependency and addiction.
Jaywalker Lodge offers a safe environment for men looking for opioid rehab in Colorado. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, we offer addiction treatment for Jaywalkers who are committed to getting the help that they need by committing to our unique program. We specialize in men’s treatment for chronic relapse.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OPIOID USE AND ABUSE
Even when taken as medically directed, opioids can be incredibly addictive, especially if they are taken for longer than 14 days.
When the drug attaches itself to the opioid receptors, it triggers an influx of dopamine being released into the body. When this happens, not only does the feeling of pain dissipate, but it is replaced with intense feelings of pleasure or euphoria (the “high” people experience when taking opioids).
Over time, the brain and body become reliant and dependent on this extra dopamine. Both the body and brain begin to believe that they need these extra boosts of dopamine in order to feel “normal.”
As the person taking opioids becomes more and more dependent on the substance, they may begin to notice physical and mental changes. These changes can be an indication of a larger problem, such as the development of an addiction.
Some signs and symptoms that a person may be struggling with their opioid use include:
- Itchy skin
- Social withdrawal
- Impulsiveness
- Sudden and unexplained changes in behavior
- “Doctor shopping” (going to multiple doctors to get opioid prescriptions filled)
- Taking opioids in ways other than directed
- Stealing opioid pills from others
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Constricted pupils
- Unexplained weight changes
- Lying about taking opioids
- Loss of interest in activities
- Struggling at work or in school
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Changes in friends or social circles
- Hiding needle marks (if taken intravenously)
GETTING TREATMENT AT JAYWALKER LODGE FOR OPIOID ADDICTION
Jaywalker Lodge was created to help give men who want to get help for their substance abuse and addiction a safe environment to do so. The program consists of three phases: The Landing, The Lodge, and Solutions. All three programs were created to give our addiction recovery clients the tools and ability to work on their personal growth and long-term sobriety.
Additionally, Jaywalker offers outpatient services for those looking to go a different route when it comes to treating their opioid addiction.
Before joining Jaywalker, all of our clients must first be admitted into and complete The Landing Program. The Landing is Jaywalker’s version of orientation, where new clients are introduced to the Jaywalker staff, community, programs, and expectations. During this time, clients will also undergo clinical assessments and be evaluated by our medical team so an individualized treatment plan can be created for them.
Based on the results of their assessment, and their needs, the Landing program will last between 3 and 21 days. During this time, Jaywalkers will attend AA/NA meetings and individual and group counseling sessions, complete daily chores, and participate in recreational activities.
At Jaywalker Lodge, we do not provide detoxification services, so clients must arrive clean and sober.
The Lodge is the core of our extended care treatment program. The Lodge is a 90-day program providing relapse treatment that combines a rigorous clinical curriculum with a variety of mountain-based adventure activities.
The Lodge offers a structured and peer-driven community with daily activities, including therapy groups, community involvement, written Step One work, and didactic presentations.
As part of the Lodge, every Jaywalker will receive a structured weekly schedule that they must adhere to. Their schedule will include individual sessions with addiction clinicians, spiritual care staff, fitness/wellness specialists, and mental health care professionals, as well as group therapy, lectures, and expeditions.
Once a Jaywalker has successfully completed the Lodge program, they will transition to the Solutions Program, which is our 90-day transitional program. Solutions is a Stage 2 recovery model designed to help our clients in implementing a sober lifestyle that mirrors independent living. Through a wide range of weekly activities, Jaywalkers create personal accountability in an organized and supportive atmosphere.
Our clients in the Solutions program regularly volunteer with local groups in and around Carbondale, including Colorado Animal Rescue, the Aspen Homeless Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, and Volunteer Outdoor Colorado.
Much like The Lodge, Jaywalkers participating in Solutions will be given a weekly schedule that they are expected to adhere to.
Our Outpatient Program is a fully licensed 90-day program. Clients attend two evening group therapy sessions (every Monday and Thursday from 5-8 pm) as well as one individual therapy session each week. Jaywalkers are also required to attend outside 12-step meetings and work with a local sponsor.
Upon completion of our outpatient program, clients are eligible to enroll in The Graduate Program.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY BEHIND OPIOIDS?
The purpose of an opioid is to block the pain receptors in the brain, so the person taking the opioid no longer feels pain. The drug came about in the 1860s to treat wounded soldiers. They were given morphine, the first of the opioids that were invented, to help dull the pain.
It was quickly realized, though, that the soldiers were developing a dependency on morphine. As a result, heroin was invented because, at the time, it was believed to be less addictive than morphine.
In the 1970s, the U.S. Government passed the Controlled Substance Act, which classified substances into different categories based on the likelihood of abuse and addiction. Prescription opioids were labeled a Schedule II drug, meaning that they have a high potential for dependence and abuse.
HOW DOES THIS PLAY INTO THE CURRENT OPIOID EPIDEMIC
While it has been known for well over 100 years the effects that opioids have, both physically and psychologically, the modern-day opioid epidemic was only deemed an official public health crisis in 2017. However, the start of the modern-day opioid epidemic can be traced back to the early 90s and the creation of OxyContin by Purdue Pharma.
Purdue Pharma created OxyContin as a gentler, less addictive version of oxycodone and other types of opioids. They convinced doctors that OxyContin was not addictive and, as a result, doctors across the country started prescribing OxyContin in mass as a pain reliever, believing that they didn’t have any addictive side effects. As doctors and others in the medical field quickly learned, this was not the case, and OxyContin was just as addictive as other forms of opioids.
Unfortunately, by the time they learned this, it was too late, as opioid addiction had spun out of control.
WHAT EXACTLY IS AN OPIOID?
Opioids are a class of synthetic drugs that are meant to either be a derivative of or mimic the natural opiate substance found in poppy plants. Opioids are traditionally prescribed as a pain reliever, often given to patients who are in moderate to severe pain after a medical procedure.
While some people develop a dependency or addiction to opioids from legitimate medical use, many more develop an addiction to opioids from taking them recreationally.
Jaywalkers will often use opioids as a way to get high, seeking the euphoria and pleasure that opioids often produce. They will continue to chase this high until they reach the point where they need treatment for their opioid abuse and addiction.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN OPIOID AND AN OPIATE?
Opioids and opiates are often talked about in the same sentence, and in some cases, the words are used interchangeably. While the two are similar in nature, the difference between an opioid and an opiate is how they are made.
Opioids can be natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. An opiate, on the other hand, can only be made naturally. In other words, all opiates are also opioids, but not all opioids are opiates. Only naturally made opioids can also be considered an opiate.
Some common examples of opioids and opiates include:
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
- Hydrocodone
- Codeine
- Heroin
- Percocet
- Vicodin
- Oxycodone
- OxyContin
- Percocet
- Hydromorphone
- Buprenorphine
- Tramadol
- Methadone
- Dilaudid
- Demerol
LOOKING FOR MEN’S OPIOID REHAB IN COLORADO?
At Jaywalker Lodge, we believe that effective treatment is not a consequence of our addiction, but a promise of our future together in recovery. If you are an adult male suffering from substance use disorder, a mental health condition, or both and have successfully completed detox treatment, then you are ready to start the Jaywalker program.
To learn more about the Jaywalker model of care and how Jaywalker Lodge can help with your opioid addiction, contact us today.
