Opiate addiction affects the central nervous system. Prolonged opiate abuse causes the body to cease production of its natural pain defenses (endorphins). Produced from the seeds of the opium poppy, opiates – i.e. opium, morphine and heroin – cause degeneration of the nerve cells, producing the need for more and more of the drug in order to avoid the onset of painful withdrawal symptoms.
The higher the dosage taken and the longer the abuse continues will produce side effects such as restlessness, hyperactive behavior, poor coordination, inability to concentrate, poor judgment, slurred speech, euphoric episodes followed by extreme depression and accelerated heartbeat which can, in extreme cases, be fatal.
Opiate addicts display behavioral changes which become more and more marked as the length of addiction extends. Relationships rapidly fall apart and performance at work or school deteriorates. Despite the efforts of the addict to hide their addiction, this becomes less and less possible over time.
Sovereign Health of California is on the cutting edge of treatment for all forms of addiction. Our opiate addiction program is second to none. We offer affordable, residential treatments of 30, 60 and 90 days – each completely confidential and specifically tailored to suit the needs of the individual. Our residences are situated in the picturesque beach community of San Clemente in California, where our accommodation is comfortable and welcoming.
Cessation of the drug causes the rapid onset of withdrawal symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, chills, insomnia, hot flushes, muscle cramps, irritability and panic.
Our treatment program, at Sovereign Health of California involves an initial evaluation by our highly experienced treatment team, which will uncover any underlying issues that may be contributing to the addiction. An individually tailored treatment program will then be designed specifically to the needs of the individual. Our program combines traditional clinical treatments with alternative holistic therapies, designed to ensure our clients receive the necessary care and support to take them through treatment and on to a successful recovery and reintegration into society.
We have, at our disposal, an armory of services and therapies — including, but not limited to:
Our aftercare program offers our clients continued support as they leave treatment and move on into a successful recovery and re-entry into the community.
Opiates are derivatives of opium and are successful in diminishing pain. However, they are highly addictive and withdrawal is as painful as the pain for which they are prescribed. They are still some of the most commonly prescribed pain medications and, as such, are easily abused.
They can be injected, taken by mouth, or crushed and snorted. Side effects become greater and more damaging the longer the abuse continues. They can include some or all of the following:
Withdrawal symptoms can include some or all of the following:
