FAQs

Typically, prescription opioids are used for pain relief and are safe when taken for a short time. Opioid addiction is a chronic condition in which an individual experiences intense physical and psychological reliance on opioids, leading to compulsive behavior that may have harmful consequences.

Opioid dependency leads to an uncontrollable urge, which increases the risk of overdose and continuation of substance use even after severe health issues. Prescribed opioid abuse is when you take a medication for a reason other than intended or in a higher amount than is prescribed. Even if taken as prescribed, tolerance can increase, which leads to the need for a higher prescribed dose.

There are measures to avoid overprescribing by physicians, but this can still be a very challenging task. Even though the opioid, in this case, is a prescription, the medicine can be highly addictive if consumed for a long time, especially if taken to boost feelings of pleasure.

Opioid dependence and addiction are chronic medical conditions. However, early and proper treatment can help to avoid the long-term health consequences associated with opioid dependence. It takes immense willpower to break the dependence chain, but it is possible to escape from the cycle of drug abuse. It can be a lengthy process, but medication and regular counseling will help you overcome opioid addiction. Psychological and social factors play a role in continually using opioids. The brain receives endorphins that lead to the pleasure of using the opioid, which can be a vital trigger element. There is also a physical aspect of addiction, in which your body becomes physically dependent on the opioid. When opioids are decreased suddenly, withdrawal occurs, which can be highly uncomfortable. Medication-assisted treatment and counseling make the release from drug abuse much more manageable. Statistically, this provides the best success for long-term opioid abstinence.

Due to ease of availability, the misuse of opioids has increased. Opioids are highly addictive, and they trigger the release of endorphins. Endorphins reduce the perception of pain and immensely boost feelings of pleasure. Adverse effects of opioids lead to constipation, drowsiness, mental confusion, euphoria, nausea, and even slow or stopped breathing. Long-term use of opioids can lead to drug dependency, where drug use needs to be increased to achieve the same effect. Abrupt discontinuing opioids after long-term use leads to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms include both physical and psychological symptoms. Physical symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, muscle and bone pain, fatigue and exhaustion, restlessness, headaches, heart palpitations, shaking and shivering, etc. In contrast, psychological symptoms can be depression, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, difficulty focusing or concentrating, intense cravings for opioids, etc.

The FDA has approved three medications for the treatment of opioid dependence. They are as follows:

Methadone:
Methadone is an opioid agonist that relieves drug craving by acting on opioid receptors in the brain, the same receptors that opioids activate. It also relieves withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is effective for treating opioid use disorder, although there is also a risk of overdose.

Buprenorphine:
Buprenorphine is another medication approved for treating opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist, meaning there is a ceiling effect on the brain receptors. It is also less risky when discussing overdose. Since it is a partial opioid agonist, there is less concern for overdose. These are the main reasons most specialists favor Buprenorphine in combination with Naloxone, also known as Suboxone. Naloxone works as an antagonist with the sole purpose of being a deterrent. If Suboxone is injected, the individual will experience an opioid block instead of feeling the euphoric rush. Thus, decreasing the likelihood of abusing the medication.

Naltrexone:
Naltrexone binds to the opioid receptors in your brain and blocks the opioid from binding to those same receptors; this is called an antagonist. If an individual takes an opioid while they have Naltrexone in their body, in that case, the effects of the opioid will be blocked, thus preventing the drug from causing the "high."

Naltrexone does not help prevent opioid withdrawal symptoms as Methadone and Buprenorphine do. Still, it does help to decrease cravings. It is best for those seeking to treat opioid use disorder without using another opioid.

Counseling:
Counseling with a qualified, experienced specialist helps you deal with social and personal problems you might have after abstinence from opioids. You may go through difficulties at work or home, feel depressed, and lose self-confidence. Your counseling should include Cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management therapy.

Opioids can become highly addictive if taken differently than prescribed. Taking more than the intended amount or frequent use of opioids without consulting an expert can lead to addiction. There are many risk factors for opioid addiction; they are as follows:

• Untreated psychiatric disorders
• Environments that encourage misuse
• Younger age
• Prior history of substance abuse
• Childhood maltreatment

It is important to note that anyone who uses opioids can become addicted. Still, these risk factors are associated with higher misuse, abuse, and addiction rates.

Counseling:
Counseling with a qualified, experienced specialist helps you deal with social and personal problems you might have after abstinence from opioids. You may go through difficulties at work or home, feel depressed, and lose self-confidence. Your counseling should include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management therapy.

Opioid prescriptions that treat moderate to severe pain can be misused, leading to dependency and addiction. It is not always readily apparent when an individual struggles with opioid abuse. Often, they can maintain their job and manage responsibilities, which gives the appearance of stability at work and at home. Though these symptoms can be challenging to detect, they can be identified with time.

The most common signs include:

• Uncontrollable craving for opioids
• Drowsiness
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Weight loss
• Lack of hygiene
• Decreased libido
• Stealing from family or friends
• Isolation
• Financial difficulties

If some of the symptoms mentioned above are seen collectively, you or your loved one may need medical help. It is best to consult an addiction specialist knowledgeable in opioid addiction treatment.

The prolonged use of opioids changes how the brain functions, thus causing physical dependence and requiring a steady supply of opioids. If an individual becomes physically sick after cessation of opioid use, it can be a sign that dependency has developed. Opioid withdrawal is a set of symptoms that arises from the sudden reduction of opioid consumption.

There are multiple signs of opioid withdrawal; they are as follows:

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Yawning
• Cold
• Watery eyes
• Dilated pupils
• Body aches
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Belly cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Fast heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• High blood pressure
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

If you see the above symptoms in a loved one, they may be experiencing opioid withdrawal. Symptoms typically begin within the first 24 hours of opioid cessation and usually start to improve within 72 hours.

Different drugs remain in your system for different amounts of time; this can affect the onset of withdrawal symptoms.

Recognizing an opioid overdose can be a life-saving event. Overdose is a medical emergency.

While someone is experiencing an overdose, it is vital to know they may not have every symptom. The appearance of any of these symptoms is cause for concern; they include:

• Slow or irregular breathing
• Constricted, tiny "pinpoint" pupils
• Blue lips or fingertips
• Nodding off and sleeping
• Gurgling sounds
• Unresponsiveness
• No response to agitation

Once a person has overdosed, they are not capable of helping themselves. Others must know how to help someone who overdoses – it can save their life. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, always call 911. If the person is not breathing, perform CPR. Administer Narcan if available; this is the quickest way to counteract an overdose.

Opioids generally are prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Opioids are frequently misused because they can create euphoria in addition to pain relief. Regular use of opioids, even as medicine, increases the tolerance level and causes dependency. As the dependence on opioids gradually increases, one has to increase the intake of the opioid dose to achieve the same amount of pleasure or pain relief. When a person's tolerance level increases and surpasses the prescription, opioids are often substituted by heroin. Heroin is more potent than prescription opioids and only needs a small amount to feel the euphoric effects. Over time, heroin, initially used as a substitute substance, can gradually become necessary to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. Eventually, the person gets addicted to heroin and falls under the trap of heroin dependence. Unfortunately, this scenario occurs too often, and an individual that began prescription opioids to treat pain can become addicted to heroin.

An overdose on opioids can be a life-threatening event. If you encounter someone who has overdosed on opioids, it is crucial to know how to respond. The first step is to call 911. Then, administer Narcan if you have it available. Narcan is a drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Keep the person comfortable and monitor their breathing until help arrives.

It is essential to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose; they are as follows:

• Unconsciousness, or inability to wake up
• Limp body
• Falling asleep, extreme drowsiness
• Slow, shallow, irregular, or no breathing
• Pale, blue, cold, or clammy skin
• Choking, snoring, or gurgling sounds
• Slow or no heartbeat
• Very small or "pinpoint" pupils

If these signs are suspected, begin by trying to wake the person by speaking loudly or rubbing the breastbone with knuckles. If the individual does not respond, administer Narcan if it is available. Administer a second dose of Narcan if the person is still unresponsive after 2-3 minutes and professional emergency responders have not arrived.

If the person is not breathing or responding, immediately offer first aid. Do this by positioning the body so that the airway is open. Offer rescue breathing, and if you are trained, begin performing CPR. Continue to perform CPR until medical professionals arrive or until the Narcan starts to work. Note that it may take 5 minutes or more for signs of overdose to reverse.

Seek medical help immediately if you or someone you know has overdosed on opioids.

Opioid dependence and addiction are chronic medical conditions. However, early and proper treatment can help to avoid long-term health consequences.

There are three FDA-approved medications used for opioid addiction; they are as follows:

Suboxone: Suboxone is a partial agonist that effectively treats opioid addiction. It works by acting on opioid receptors in the brain to reduce cravings. Suboxone is the combination of the medicines Buprenorphine and Naloxone. The combination of these two medications lowers the likelihood of overdose or abuse.

Methadone: Methadone is a full opioid agonist that relieves drug cravings. Like Suboxone, it acts on opioid receptors in the brain, the same receptors that opioids activate. Methadone is more likely to be abused or overdosed when compared to Suboxone.

Naltrexone: Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks the euphoric effects of opioids. Naltrexone does not relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms as Methadone and Suboxone do because it is not an opioid. Naltrexone is not addictive, and if stopped, it does not cause withdrawal symptoms. It is effective at reducing cravings, similar to Suboxone and Methadone. There is no potential for abuse of Naltrexone.

Alcohol and drugs, if misused for an extended period, can cause severe mental health issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and memory loss. Alcohol and drugs can disrupt the day-to-day function of the human brain. Alcohol, for instance, is a depressant that will disturb the brain's chemical balance, affecting thoughts, feelings, and actions. Both alcohol and drugs cause the brain to have chemical changes that weaken the part of the brain associated with inhibition. Common mood changes are aggression, a false sense of confidence, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Drugs, in particular, have been connected to mental health by causing psychiatric despair like post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and phobias. Such health issues also occur when those dependent on drugs suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol and drug abuse can have a significant impact on the mental well-being of an individual. Psychosis is a mental health issue that can be caused or worsened by alcohol or drugs. Psychosis is a cognitive disruption in which someone's thoughts and perceptions become severely impaired, making it challenging to distinguish between what is real and what isn't. The symptoms can be hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and disturbing thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.

Drugs are known to spark psychotic mental health issues. Still, the combination of drugs and alcohol can have an even more severe impact. Psychosis is something that also can be related to self-harming and even suicide.

High-Functioning Alcoholic describes a person struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) while maintaining a job and relationships. This means someone who can perform and succeed in their career and family life without demonstrating the clinical impairments typically associated with AUD. According to statistics, 19.5% of total alcoholics in the USA are high-functioning alcoholics. A statistic from the Harvard School of Public Health specifies that 31% of college-goers are dealing with AUD, and 6% are alcohol dependent. Most high-functioning alcoholics are not counted as alcoholics by society because they do not fit the general alcoholic classification. High-functioning alcoholics typically admit to drinking more alcohol than they should but deny it is a problem. There are no official diagnostic criteria to determine if someone is a High-Functioning Alcoholic.

Alcohol withdrawal occurs when someone who has been drinking heavily or regularly suddenly reduces or stops their alcohol use, and the body reacts to the absence of alcohol. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include anxiety, irritability, sweating, nausea, shaking, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, and increased blood pressure. In more serious cases, individuals may experience confusion, hallucinations, or seizures- a condition known as delirium tremens (DTs), which can be life-threatening without medical care. At Renew Health, we provide supervised detoxification and ongoing treatment to manage withdrawal safely and support long-term recovery.

Abuse, dependence, and addiction are related but distinct stages of substance use. Abuse refers to the misuse of a substance in a way that causes harm, such as taking more than prescribed or using it for non-medical reasons. Dependence develops when the body adapts to a substance, leading to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms if use is reduced or stopped. Addiction is a chronic medical condition characterized by compulsive use despite negative consequences, often involving changes in brain chemistry, behavior, and judgment. At Renew Health, we recognize addiction as a treatable disease and provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals recover safely and sustainably.

Alcohol is the most widely used addictive substance. According to a report by NCADD, more than 17 million Americans are addicted to alcohol, which is increasing daily. The gradual increase in the rates of alcohol addiction forces us to think: What makes alcohol so addictive?

There are mainly two factors that are responsible for alcohol addiction; they are as follows:

1. Physical Factor
Alcohol changes brain chemistry and functions. As the brain adapts, it becomes physically dependent. Without supplying the brain and body with alcohol, the individual will experience withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol must be consumed regularly to prevent withdrawal, leading to greater dependence and addiction.

2. Psychological Factor
Drinking alcohol triggers the secretion of dopamine and endorphin hormones in the brain. These hormones create an illusion of pleasure and satisfaction, which give a euphoric rush. During the repetitive cycle of drinking alcohol to prevent stress, anxiety, and other negative thoughts, gradual alcohol dependence can develop.

Drinking alcohol every day has severe physical and mental consequences. Alcohol can affect organs like the heart, kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. The diuretic effects of alcohol decrease fluid in the body. Therefore, making the heart work harder to push out the same amount of blood, causing high blood pressure, arrhythmia, and even stroke. Alcohol intake increases the amount of urine produced. The kidneys have to filter a concentrated fluid that contains harmful toxins, thus leading to kidney function decline. The liver is another organ that takes a hit from chronic alcohol consumption. Heavy intake of alcohol creates scars on the liver tissues, leading to liver failure. Other effects of chronic alcohol abuse are cirrhosis, fibrosis, high cholesterol, and a weakened immune system.

Daily use of alcohol can have severe mental side effects. Symptoms include antisocial behaviors, anxiety, cravings, depression, irritability, panic, and sleep disorders.

The length of alcohol withdrawal varies from person to person depending on factors such as how much and how often they drink, their overall health, and whether they have experienced withdrawal before. For most people, symptoms begin within 6 to 12 hours after the last drink, peak around 24 to 72 hours, and gradually improve over 5 to 7 days. However, some individuals may experience lingering symptoms such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, or mood changes for several weeks. At Renew Health, we provide medically supervised detox and individualized care to ensure that withdrawal is managed safely, comfortably, and with the right level of medical support.

Stimulants are a class of drugs that increase activity in the brain and central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness, energy, focus, and a sense of euphoria. Common stimulants include substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription medications such as Adderall or Ritalin. These drugs boost levels of dopamine and other neurotransmitters that influence motivation, attention, and pleasure. While stimulants can temporarily enhance mood and performance, misuse can quickly lead to tolerance, dependence, and serious health risks including anxiety, paranoia, heart problems, and addiction. At Renew Health, we focus on helping individuals understand these effects and provide evidence-based treatment to restore balance and support lasting recovery.

During stimulant withdrawal, the brain and body adjust to functioning without the drug's artificial stimulation, which can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. People may experience extreme fatigue, increased appetite, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, and intense mood changes such as irritability, depression, or anxiety. Cravings for the drug are often strong, and concentration or motivation may be low as dopamine levels in the brain return to normal. While stimulant withdrawal is not typically life-threatening, it can be emotionally challenging and increase the risk of relapse. At Renew Health, we provide medical supervision, counseling, and supportive care to help patients safely manage withdrawal and begin their recovery with stability and confidence.

Yes, long-term stimulant use can cause lasting changes in brain function, especially in areas that control reward, motivation, impulse control, and decision-making. Repeated exposure to stimulants floods the brain with dopamine, which over time can damage nerve pathways and reduce the brain's ability to produce or respond to this chemical naturally. This can lead to ongoing issues with mood, memory, focus, and motivation even after stopping use. While some of these effects may take time to heal, the brain is capable of recovery with proper treatment and support. At Renew Health, we use evidence-based therapies and medical care to help restore healthy brain function and promote long-term healing.

The signs and symptoms of stimulant addiction can affect a person's physical health, emotions, and behavior. Common signs include extreme energy or talkativeness, rapid weight loss, dilated pupils, and irregular sleep patterns, followed by periods of exhaustion or depression. Individuals may become increasingly anxious, irritable, or paranoid, and may engage in risky or impulsive behaviors to obtain or use the drug. Over time, tolerance and dependence develop, making it difficult to feel normal without the substance. At Renew Health, we recognize these as warning signs of a treatable condition and offer comprehensive care to help individuals safely withdraw, stabilize, and rebuild their physical and mental well-being.

Long-term stimulant use can cause significant changes in both the brain and body, leading to lasting physical and psychological effects. Chronic use can damage the heart and blood vessels, increase the risk of stroke, and contribute to malnutrition, weight loss, and dental problems. Over time, stimulants can also alter brain chemistry, resulting in anxiety, paranoia, depression, memory problems, and difficulty feeling pleasure without the drug. These changes can make recovery more challenging but not impossible. At Renew Health, we specialize in helping individuals heal from the long-term impact of stimulant use through medical care, therapy, and personalized recovery plans that support both brain and body restoration.

Mixing stimulants with alcohol or other drugs is extremely dangerous because the substances can mask each other's effects, leading people to use more than their bodies can safely handle. Stimulants speed up the heart rate and nervous system, while alcohol and many other drugs slow them down, creating a push-pull effect that strains the heart, increases blood pressure, and raises the risk of overdose, dehydration, or heart attack. This combination can also impair judgment and increase the likelihood of accidents or risky behavior. At Renew Health, we educate patients about the dangers of polydrug use and provide comprehensive treatment to address both the physical and psychological risks associated with mixing substances.

The first step to getting help for addiction is reaching out for support and acknowledging that you don't have to face it alone. Recovery begins with an honest conversation, whether with a healthcare provider, counselor, or trusted loved one about what you're experiencing. From there, a professional assessment can help determine the most appropriate level of care, such as detox, medication-assisted treatment, or counseling. At Renew Health, we make this first step simple and compassionate by offering confidential evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and a team dedicated to guiding you through every stage of recovery with understanding and respect.

During your first appointment at Renew Health, you can expect a warm, judgment-free environment focused on understanding your unique needs and goals. Our team will complete a comprehensive assessment that may include medical history, current symptoms, substance use patterns, and overall well-being to help design a personalized treatment plan. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns, and learn about the different services and supports available to you. The goal of your first visit is to make you feel heard, respected, and confident that you're in the right place to begin your recovery journey.

If you relapse during treatment, it does not mean you've failed, it's a signal that your recovery plan may need to be adjusted. At Renew Health, we view relapse as an opportunity to learn more about your triggers, stressors, and support needs, not as a setback or reason for shame. Our team will work with you to assess what happened, strengthen your coping strategies, and re-engage you in care right away. Recovery is a process, and our priority is to help you regain stability and confidence while continuing to move forward with compassion, structure, and renewed commitment.

At Renew Health, we take an individualized, evidence-based approach to treatment and recovery that addresses the whole person, mind, body, and life circumstances. Our team combines medical care, counseling, and behavioral therapies with compassionate support to help each patient build lasting wellness. We focus on understanding the root causes of addiction, restoring physical and emotional stability, and developing practical tools for long-term success. Whether through medication-assisted treatment, therapy, or recovery coaching, Renew Health provides a safe, judgment-free environment where every person can heal, grow, and regain control of their future.

Yes, Renew Health offers telehealth and virtual appointments to make care more accessible and convenient for our patients. Through secure online platforms, you can meet with licensed medical providers, counselors, and recovery specialists from the comfort and privacy of your home. Telehealth visits are ideal for follow-up care, medication management, counseling sessions, and ongoing recovery support. Our goal is to remove barriers to treatment so you can stay consistent and connected to your care team, no matter where you are in your recovery journey.

Yes. Pregnant women can and should seek treatment for addiction. Evidence-based care during pregnancy is not only safe but strongly recommended to support the health of both the mother and the baby. Seeking treatment early can significantly reduce pregnancy-related risks and improve outcomes.

Learn more about treatment during pregnancy >>

Untreated substance use during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal withdrawal symptoms. Comprehensive addiction treatment helps stabilize the mother’s health, reduce substance use, and support safer prenatal and delivery outcomes.

Learn more about treatment during pregnancy >>

Renew Health offers individualized care that may include Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), behavioral health counseling, and psychiatric support when appropriate. All services are coordinated with pregnancy-specific considerations to ensure care is safe, supportive, and aligned with prenatal health needs.

Learn more about treatment during pregnancy >>

Care does not stop after birth. Renew Health provides continued support through postpartum care and ongoing recovery services, helping individuals maintain stability, navigate early parenthood, and build a foundation for long-term recovery.

Learn more about treatment during pregnancy >>

Talking to a loved one about getting help can be difficult, but approaching the conversation with care and compassion makes a difference. Start by choosing a calm, private time to share your concern and focus on what you've noticed rather than placing blame. Use "I" statements such as "I'm worried about you" and express that your goal is to support, not judge. Encourage them to speak with a professional and remind them that treatment is about healing, not punishment. At Renew Health, we can help guide families through these conversations and offer resources to connect loved ones with the care and support they need to begin recovery safely.

Setting healthy boundaries with someone in recovery is essential for both their healing and your own well-being. Boundaries create structure, accountability, and mutual respect, helping to prevent enabling behaviors while supporting lasting change. Start by being clear and consistent about what behaviors are acceptable and what consequences will follow if those limits are crossed. Communicate with empathy but stand firm, remembering that protecting your own mental and emotional health is not selfish, it's necessary. At Renew Health, we help families and loved ones learn practical ways to set and maintain healthy boundaries so they can support recovery without losing themselves in the process.

Families affected by addiction have access to many supportive resources that can help them understand the recovery process and care for their own well-being. At Renew Health, we offer family education, counseling, and support groups designed to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and promote healing for everyone involved. We also connect families with community programs, peer networks, and recovery resources that provide guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Addiction impacts the whole family, but with the right support and information, families can play a powerful role in their loved one's recovery while finding their own path to healing and stability.

Yes, family involvement is an important part of the recovery process, and at Renew Health, we encourage loved ones to take an active role in treatment when appropriate. With the patient's consent, families can participate in education sessions, therapy meetings, or progress updates to better understand the recovery plan and how to offer meaningful support. Involvement helps build trust, improve communication, and create a stronger foundation for long-term success. Our team works closely with both patients and families to ensure that everyone feels informed, supported, and part of the healing journey together.

Yes. Pregnant women can and should seek treatment for addiction. Evidence-based care during pregnancy is not only safe but strongly recommended to support the health of both the mother and the baby. Seeking treatment early can significantly reduce pregnancy-related risks and improve outcomes.

Learn more about treatment during pregnancy >>

Untreated substance use during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal withdrawal symptoms. Comprehensive addiction treatment helps stabilize the mother’s health, reduce substance use, and support safer prenatal and delivery outcomes.

Learn more about treatment during pregnancy >>

Renew Health offers individualized care that may include Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), behavioral health counseling, and psychiatric support when appropriate. All services are coordinated with pregnancy-specific considerations to ensure care is safe, supportive, and aligned with prenatal health needs.

Learn more about treatment during pregnancy >>

Care does not stop after birth. Renew Health provides continued support through postpartum care and ongoing recovery services, helping individuals maintain stability, navigate early parenthood, and build a foundation for long-term recovery.

Learn more about treatment during pregnancy >>