In California, over 70% of all overdose deaths occur due to prescription or illegal opioids. This is because opioids, even those prescribed by a doctor, have a high chance of being misused, mismanaged, or mishandled.  

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be struggling with an opioid addiction and may need to go to an opioid treatment center, contact Stillwater Behavioral Health today. Through our effective and comprehensive treatments, our clients leave with the skills necessary for sustainable life-long recovery. 

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are pain killers that can be prescribed by a doctor or illegally obtained and taken. Opioids block the opioid pain receptors in nerves blocking and stopping pain. Because of how quickly and efficiently opioids work, the body responds positively to the lack of pain by releasing dopamine and rewarding the body for the positive action causing a lack of pain. This causes the addiction cycle to begin. 

The body can eventually become accustomed to the amount of medication taken and not work as effectively, this is called developing a tolerance and requires more of the drug to create the same feeling. This happens with many other types of drugs and alcohol as well. 

California doctors prescribe over 17 million opioid prescriptions per year. Opioids are depressants that slow down the system. Codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and many others are examples of prescription pain medications that can be addictive. Heroin and fentanyl are the two most popular illegal opioids. In fact, fentanyl has been the only drug in the last few years to have consistent increases in use and overdose rates. 

Because of the increasing numbers of overdose deaths around the United States, doctors have worked diligently to find effective ways to manage opioid addiction. Now, FDA approved medications methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are available in medically assisted treatment (MAT) and naloxone is available to first responders and at pharmacies nationwide to reverse an overdose. 

Opioids can cause uncomfortable symptoms from the first hit. Things like “drowsiness, confusion, nausea, constipation, euphoria, and slowed breathing” are all possible side effects. Additionally, for those who become addicted to opioids, withdrawal symptoms can be even worse. 

What Are the Signs of an Opioid Addiction?

Millions of Americans suffer from opioid addictions. There are several important signs to look for when it comes to monitoring yourself or a loved one for an opioid addiction. According to the CDC if opioids have caused financial hardships, family difficulties, or work challenges, it may be time to see help. Additionally, they list the following symptoms:

• Trying to stop or cut down on opioid use but not being able to
• Making mistakes at school or on the job because of using opioids
• Hurting relationships with family and friends because of opioid use
• Developing a tolerance and needing larger amounts of opioids to get high
• Overdosing on drugs
• Having strong cravings for opioids

If you feel like any of these descriptions match you or your loved one’s behavior, contact Stillwater Behavioral Health today. Our opioid treatment center provides the supportive and caring addiction treatment support you need.

How to Find Opioid Treatment Centers Near Me

If you are wondering how to find an opioid treatment center near where you live, look no further than Stillwater Behavioral Health. Our addiction treatment centers provide a tailor-made experience for sustainable recovery. Through holistic treatment plans, designed to heal the mind, body, and spirit, we offer an accredited program in a boutique, luxury environment. 

With multiple locations and a 3:1 staff to client ratio, we provide around the clock care and structure for individuals seeking a change in their lifestyle. With private rooms and multiple recreation spaces, clients can spread out and relax while recovering from the trauma of addiction.

Let us support you on your journey of recovery at Stillwater Behavioral Health.

Bipolar disorder is a difficult mental health disorder to successfully manage because of how it presents differently in men, women, and children. It can be even more challenging when combined with a dual diagnosis of substance abuse. Over 40% of diagnosed bipolar individuals self-medicate with alcohol or illicit substances and the number is greater for the undiagnosed. 

What Is Bipolar Disorder? 

Bipolar is a disorder that is characterized by extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder will often experience hyperactive episodes, called manic or hypomanic episodes, and severe depression. This mental health disorder does have genetic connections and is caused by biological changes in the brain. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 2.8% of American adults had bipolar disorder in the last year and approximately 4.4% of adults experience bipolar disorder at some point in their life. 

Bipolar disorder is often managed with medication. A combination of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers are meant to regulate a person’s mood. However, this often takes several combinations to get the correct dosage and that time is often chaotic for the person with the diagnosis.

Without the correct help, approximately 40% of individuals with bipolar disorder self-medicate with alcohol or other illicit drugs to stabilize their mood swings. This type of behavior easily becomes addictive as the patient can only stabilize their moods when they self-medicate.

Are Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Connected?

Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common combination. These co-occurring disorders create a toxic cycle for the individual suffering with both bipolar disorder and substance addiction. 

The brain’s inability to regulate mood, due to the bipolar disorder and the tolerance developed through self-medication or mixing medications with illegal drugs, can be a potentially lethal combination. Often alcohol and drugs can increase the symptoms of bipolar disorder causing higher highs and lower lows. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing bipolar disorder and addiction it is important to seek treatment right away.

Can Addiction Treatment Centers Properly Address Both Bipolar and Substance Use Disorders? 

The answer to this question really depends on the facility. But, yes, bipolar disorder and substance abuse can be treated in the same facility, IF that facility is capable of treating dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders.

For a long time, people with bipolar disorder and an addiction could get treatment for one or the other, but not both at the same time. This led to challenging relapse cycles and even more difficult struggles for those with both disorders. 

Now addiction treatment centers have adopted evidence-based treatment plans to treat addiction, while also helping the client manage their bipolar disorder through medication management training or alternative therapies.  Additionally, psychiatric evaluations can be requested at most facilities that treat dual diagnosis. 

A residential addiction treatment center that specializes in dual diagnosis will offer individual, group, and family counseling in addition to multiple types of traditional and alternative therapies to offer a holistic approach to treatment.

How Stillwater Can Help You Today With Bipolar and Addiction

Stillwater Behavioral Health is an inpatient addiction treatment center in California that specializes in dual diagnosis treatment for people with various co-occurring mental health disorders.

Our specially trained staff is prepared to help you 24/7 with learning to manage your bipolar disorder in combination with addiction treatment. Our inpatient (residential) care takes place in a premier facility that encourages relaxation while tackling the mental, physical, and spiritual toll these disorders have taken on your body. 

At Stillwater, we believe that a combination of evidence-based therapies in combination with alternative therapies produce the highest success rate for our clients seeking dual diagnosis support through our boutique facility. At our luxury rehab center, dual diagnosis clients have access to a 12-step program, fitness facilities, nutrition services, and other spa-like amenities.