Treatment and Recovery
Recovery from opioid use disorder is within reach. Every recovery journey is unique with a different set of hurdles to face. Here you’ll find a list of resources to help identify signs of misuse and learn about treatment and recovery options.
Treatment
Options
Stopping the harmful use of opioids is just one part of the recovery process.
The whole person needs to be addressed. Things like removing toxic relationships or other triggers that could prevent recovery should also be part of the treatment plan. Surround yourself with supportive people—this will help you break the cycle of guilt and shame.
Fast-Tracker
Fast-Tracker is an excellent resource for finding treatment for opioid and other substance use disorders in Minnesota, allowing you to search by location or program service. Use Fast-Tracker or our treatment provider link to find your best option, including services focused on cultural communities, women-centered programs, and LGBTQ+ identifying individuals. Fast-Tracker also identifies providers who offer virtual treatment services. Use the “search for services” drop-down menu on the website to narrow your options.
If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Opioid Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms can manifest in as soon as a few hours the last dose ingested. Please note that withdrawal can be done without assistance but without professional medical treatment, you are more vulnerable to relapse. Withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, and support is highly recommended. Detoxing in a safe medical setting is the safest and smoothest method.
Early Symptoms
(6-12 hours for short-acting opiates, up to 30 hours for longer-acting)
Muscle fatigue
Sweats
Racing heart / hypertension
Fever
Agitation / anxiety
Runny nose
Late Symptoms
(peak within 72 hours and usually last for a week)
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Goosebumps
Stomach ramps
Depression
Source: AmericaAddictionCenters.org
Hours
Hours
Hours
Last Dose
Symptoms Begin
(short-acting opioids)
Symptoms Begin
(long-acting opioids)
Symptoms Peak
Source: AmericaAddictionCenters.org
Relapse Prevention
Recovery looks different for everyone. While relapse can occur, it is not a reason to get discouraged or give up hope.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Addiction is complex and the journey to recovery often involves setbacks and relapse.”
Sources: hs.gov (U.S. Department of Human Services); webmd.com; hopkinsmedicine.org (Johns Hopkins Medicine); drugabuse.gov (National Institute on Drug Abuse); cdc.gov (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Relapse and Overdose
Habitual use of opioids creates a tolerance in your body; as tolerance increases, so does the dosage. But once you’ve stopped use, your tolerance drops, making relapse especially dangerous. When the dosage you remember is actually well beyond what your body can tolerate, an overdose can – and too often does – occur.
Sources:
NCBI; Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
Why Do Relapses Happen?
“How many times have some of us tried to diet, exercise or quit smoking? It isn’t always one and done. Seldom is there one straight path out of the woods.” – Paul Kusiak, parent
Relapse happens for a variety of reasons and it may vary per individual. Some examples include:
Thinking “one last time can’t hurt”
An inability to cope with stress (often caused by conflicts at work, home or within a relationship) without the use of drugs.
Difficulty managing physical and/or emotional pain without the use of drugs.
Substituting one drug for another.
Difficulty addressing triggers (places, people and objects associated with former use) and cravings.
An intentional overdose to end one’s life.
Source: Drugfree.org (Partnership for Drug-Free Kids)
Keep Moving Forward
As soon as relapse occurs, it is vital to get the help you need to make sure the behavior does not continue. Slip ups happen – do not lose your focus or give up.
A relapse prevention plan should start before the temptation sets in. Things to consider include: “What are my triggers? Are there places or people I need to avoid? What positive coping mechanisms can I utilize?”
For more information about relapse prevention, visit our resources page.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous offers a separate 12-step program specifically for families and friends of people with substance abuse disorders. The Twin Cities Nar-Anon Family Group meets Mondays at 7 p.m. Get more information.
Naloxone
Needle
Exchange
Syringe Service Programs (SSPs)
Under the Minnesota Pharmacy/Syringe Access Initiative, it is legal to purchase and possess up to 10 new, unused syringes from pharmacies, without a prescription. A list of participating pharmacies by county is available through the Minnesota Department of Health.
Some Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) also provide resources including access to educational materials, medical care services, condoms, and Naloxone kits. In addition, when people participate in an SSP, they are five times more likely to seek treatment for a substance use disorder.
In 2018, MDH-funded SSPs served 6,815 unique clients.
These SSPs include:
- Indigenous People’s Task Force (IPTF)
- Just Us Health
- Native American Community Clinic (NACC)
- NorthPoint Health and Wellness
- Ramsey County Clinic 555
- Rural AIDS Action Network (RAAN) Duluth
How Can
I Help?
The Decision Starts with the Person
Opioid Dependence is Not a Choice
“Opioids produce high levels of positive reinforcement, increasing the odds that people will continue using them despite negative resulting consequences,” according to Psychiatry.org.
The key here is that the person will continue using even when they see the harm it is causing. People struggling with opioid use disorder may want to make a change but are unable to do so without help.
Opioid use disorder is not a reflection of a person’s character.
Express Your Concern
Talking to someone you care for who is struggling with opioid use disorder can be challenging, but it’s important to create an open line of communication. Express your concern for them, but make sure to approach the person with empathy and support. Focus your conversation on observations about the person’s recent behavior and ask questions to help guide the conversation. Most importantly, listen and allow the person to express what they are going through.
Have Reasonable Expectations
Keep in mind that recovery is a long process and looks different for every person.
Some require only one round of treatment; others may need multiple attempts. Relapses can happen, but this has nothing to do with the person’s desire for recovery. Real change does not happen overnight.
Support in the Best Way for You
Supporting someone with opioid use disorder is not easy.
Setting healthy boundaries and sticking to them are beneficial for everyone involved. You may be comfortable with visiting them in a treatment center but not with letting them stay in your home during withdrawal. The most important part is the person knowing that you support them in their recovery and that you care about their future.
Narcotics Anonymous offers a separate 12-step program specifically for families and friends of people with substance abuse disorders. The Twin Cities Nar-Anon Family Group meets Mondays at 7 p.m. Get more information.