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Opiate Addiction

Opiate Addiction: The Basics

Opiates-also known as narcotics, sedatives and painkillers-are prescribed medically to relieve the experience of intense pain after an accident or surgical procedure. Unfortunately, it is highly addictive and even those who have low doses and short prescriptions can develop a physical dependence on the drug after a short period of use. Some common drugs of dependence that fall under this category include: meperidine (Demerol), morphine, codeine, opium and heroin. Whether they are derivatives of the Asian poppy or synthetically manufactured, snorted, injected, or taken in pill form, they are all equally devastating to the body and extremely addictive.

How Opiate Addiction Works

When you become addicted to opiates, you technically have a medical disorder of the central nervous system. Depending upon how high your dose is, trying to quit "cold turkey" without the help of a medical professional could be deadly. Addiction to opiates occurs when you continually take a medication and build up a tolerance. Another way to describe this tolerance is a physical dependence. Not only do you need to have more and more of the drug just to achieve the effect you initially experienced but your body is now dependent upon your regular replenishment of, at the very least, the dose you started off with.

After long-term use, the nervous system and the brain stop producing hormones and chemicals it needs to naturally dull pain or just to feel happy. Collapsed veins are another common problem after prolonged opiate use, as is liver disease, abscesses, pulmonary complications of the heart valves and lining and pneumonia. At The Canyon, we want to help you avoid these debilitating effects of extended opiate use with an uncompromising drug addiction treatment program.

The Risks of Opiate Addiction

Opiate addiction has devastating effects that extend beyond personal physical health. Risky behavior that puts yourself and others at risk like driving under the influence or having unprotected sex. Car accidents and sexually transmitted diseases hurt innocent strangers and family members and can destroy your life permanently. With The Canyon's innovative treatment services, you can not only break your addiction to opiates with an efficient, safe Drug Detox but learn how to protect yourself from relapse and keep from getting caught up in the cycle of addiction.

Opiate Addiction Treatment at The Canyon

The Canyon prides itself on treating multiple aspects of addiction-mental, emotional, physical and spiritual-with innovative treatment services that you won't find anywhere else. As you and our team of medical and therapeutic professionals create your personalized treatment plan making use of any of the following options:

• Equine therapy
• Sweat lodge ceremony
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Adventure therapy
• Yoga and meditation
• Treatment for co-occurring psychological disorders

Throughout your treatment, The Canyon chef will use organic, locally grown produce and antibiotic, pesticide-free meat to create a diet the fits with your personalized diet plan. Each week, your treatment plan will be evaluated and reviewed by your medical team and revised as needed. When you leave, you will be assigned an aftercare counselor who will support you as you make the transition home. At The Canyon, we make sure that you leave with a body free of drug addiction and a new view of your future. If you have questions call our call center 24 hours a day .