The U.S. is currently in the grip of a deadly epidemic of opiate and opioid addiction. The treatment professionals at The Landing recognized the magnitude of the prescription drug problem early on and have developed specialized treatments for men of all ages who are addicted to opiate and opioid drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin and heroin. 
Opium poppies are the source for opiate drugs, which are the strongest and most addictive medications for pain. Throughout history, opium, morphine and heroin have been drugs of abuse. In recent years, opioid drugs that contain a synthetic opiate have been developed as pain medications. These drugs, which are available by prescription, include oxycodone (brand name OxyContin) and hydrocodone (brand name Vicodin). The addiction and overdose rates for these drugs now surpass those for illicit drugs. At the same time, the use of heroin is on the rise as addicts switch to it as a cheaper alternative to OxyContin and Vicodin.
At The Landing in Newport Beach, we have created a variety of gender-specific treatment options that allow us to provide individualized programs for men who are addicted to OxyContin, Vicodin or heroin. From rapid detox to residential and outpatient treatment, we provide a full continuum of treatment services in one Orange County location.
The Landing’s staff of addiction professionals have a thorough understanding of the unique treatment needs required for opiate and opioid addiction. When a person who is addicted to OxyContin, Vicodin or heroin stops using the drug they undergo a painful physical withdrawal following by a period of intense craving for the dug. Historically, the relapse rate for these drugs is high. Fortunately, Orange County offers a wide range of resources for recovery support including hundreds of 12-step weekly meetings.
Prescription Opioid Addiction – OxyContin and Vicodin
In addition to OxyContin and Vicodin, adults and teenagers are abusing prescription opioids that are sold under the brand names Percocet, Norco, Fentanyl, Lortab, Lorcet and Ultram. Opioids that contain morphine derivatives, sold under the brand names Roxanol and Duramorph, and hydromorphone, sold under the brand name Diluadid, are also being abused.
Side effects of these narcotic painkillers include an intense sense of well-being and euphoria. These side effects cause many people who are prescribed these drugs for pain management to become addicted. Other people who are addicted to these drugs start out using them for recreational purposes but quickly become physically dependent. In addition to the devastating effects of addiction, opioid prescription drugs carry a high risk for overdose, especially when mixed with alcohol or other drugs.
The Progression to Heroin Abuse
The withdrawals from opiate medications like OxyContin and Vicodin can be severely uncomfortable. Some symptoms of opiate withdrawal include:
- flu like symptoms
- muscle and joint pain
- sweating
- fatigue
- nausea and vomiting
Unfortunately many people turn to heroin which is an opiate as well. The drastic step to take a drug from the street (usually injected) underscores how painful the withdrawals can be.
Painless Opioid Detox and Early Abstinence with Subutex and Suboxone
Current research in drug detoxification supports the use of medication to ease the pain and cravings of withdrawal. Our rapid detox process includes treatment buprenorphine (brand name Subutex) to suppress withdrawal pain followed by a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone (brand name Suboxone) to decrease drug cravings. Our experienced staff plans an individual detoxification regimen for each patient and monitors the process to ensure a positive outcome with the least amount of discomfort possible.
Following the acute withdrawal phase, a recovering opioid user will often pass into a phase of anxiety, depression and anxiety that may last for several months. Our addiction counselors will provide guidance and support throughout this phase with a recovery program designed to reduce the level of chemical addiction and overcome the psychological dependence on opioids.
Effective Treatment for Opioid and Opiate Addiction
Effective treatment for addiction is never “one size fits all.” Adults and teenagers who are addicted to OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, heroin and other opioid drugs respond to treatment differently than clients who are addicted to alcohol. At The Landing, we recognize that a man’s age, life experience and type of addiction must be taken into account when providing recovery treatment. Our high staff-to-client ratio helps us shape a treatment program that best fits the individual needs of our clients and gives a recovering man the best possible change to succeed.
Sober Living by the Sea, The Landing’s parent facility, has more than 25 years experience in treating addiction in Orange County. Making the decision to come to The Landing can be the beginning of a new life for men who are addicted to opioids. In comfortable surroundings with the beautiful Newport coast as a backdrop, our staff of skilled and caring professionals provide the best treatment clinically available for opioid and opiate addiction. We provide a variety of therapy modalities and therapeutic activities to help our clients develop the tools needed for long-term recovery.