Opioid Addiction Treatment in Raleigh, NC
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Medically Reviewed by
Dr. R. Dewayne Book
Dr. R. Dewayne Book serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Advaita Health, overseeing medical services across Green Hill Recovery and Advaita Integrated Medicine.
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Opioid addiction has affected communities across North Carolina and the United States for decades. While public attention often focuses on substances such as fentanyl or heroin, opioid addiction can involve a wide range of substances, including prescription pain medications, kratom products, and emerging substances such as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).
Regardless of how opioid use begins, addiction often follows a similar pattern. What starts as occasional use, pain management, or experimentation can gradually evolve into cravings, physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and a growing loss of control over substance use.
The good news is that opioid addiction is treatable. Effective treatment often combines medical support, therapy, recovery services, and meaningful lifestyle changes to help individuals build long-term recovery and improve their quality of life.
Learn more about our drug addiction treatment programs in Raleigh or call us now at 984-266-3269.
What Is Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction, also known as opioid use disorder (OUD), is a medical condition characterized by the continued use of opioids despite negative consequences.
These consequences may include:
- Relationship problems
- Financial difficulties
- Health concerns
- Work or school issues
- Legal problems
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop using
Opioids affect areas of the brain involved in reward, motivation, stress, and pain. Over time, the brain can adapt to the presence of these substances, making it increasingly difficult to stop using through willpower alone.
This does not mean people lose all choice or responsibility. Rather, addiction can significantly change the factors influencing decision-making, making recovery much more complicated than simply deciding to stop.
How Opiate Addiction Develops
Many people assume addiction happens suddenly. In reality, it often develops gradually.
Opioids activate reward pathways in the brain that reinforce behaviors. Initially, a person may experience pain relief, relaxation, euphoria, or emotional relief. Because the experience feels rewarding, the brain learns to seek it again.
As use continues, two important changes often occur:
Tolerance
Physical Dependence
Physical dependence occurs when the body adapts to the presence of opioids. When use is reduced or stopped, withdrawal symptoms can emerge.
For many individuals, addiction eventually becomes less about getting high and more about avoiding withdrawal. Cravings, discomfort, and withdrawal symptoms can create a cycle that feels difficult to escape.
A trigger leads to a craving. The craving leads to substance use. The substance temporarily relieves discomfort. As it wears off, withdrawal symptoms emerge, creating pressure to use again.
Breaking this cycle often requires more than motivation alone.
Common Signs of Opioid Addiction
The signs of opioid addiction can vary from person to person. Some individuals continue functioning at work or school for long periods before seeking help, while others experience more immediate consequences.
Common signs may include:
- Taking more opioids than intended
- Running out of prescriptions early
- Strong cravings
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back
- Spending significant time obtaining or using opioids
- Continuing to use despite negative consequences
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Increased secrecy surrounding substance use
- Loss of interest in activities that once mattered
Types of Opioids Associated With Addiction
Many different substances can contribute to opioid addiction. While each substance has unique characteristics, they often affect the same opioid receptors in the brain and can produce similar patterns of dependence and addiction.
Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl has become one of the most talked-about substances in the opioid crisis. It is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than many other opioids.
Because fentanyl is so powerful, even small amounts can create substantial risks. Many overdoses occur because individuals unknowingly consume fentanyl that has been mixed into other substances.
Individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction often report intense cravings, rapid development of tolerance, and significant withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop.
Heroin Addiction
Heroin addiction continues to impact individuals and families throughout North Carolina.
Many individuals describe heroin addiction as a cycle of temporary relief followed by intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms. As addiction progresses, maintaining daily responsibilities often becomes increasingly difficult.
Recovery is possible, but many individuals benefit from structured treatment, therapy, and medical support.
Prescription Pain Pill Addiction
Prescription opioid medications are frequently used to treat pain following surgery, injury, or medical procedures. For many people, these medications are taken without issue. However, some individuals develop dependence or addiction over time.
One of the challenges with prescription opioids is that they often enter a person’s life through legitimate medical care. This can make it difficult to recognize when use has shifted from pain management to dependence or addiction.
Oxycodone Addiction
Oxycodone is commonly found in medications such as OxyContin and Percocet. It is one of the most widely prescribed opioid medications in the United States.
While effective for pain management, oxycodone can also lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Individuals may find themselves taking higher doses over time or struggling to stop despite wanting to do so.
Hydrocodone Addiction
Hydrocodone is found in medications such as Vicodin and Norco. Because these medications are commonly prescribed, many people underestimate their potential for addiction.
Hydrocodone addiction can develop gradually, making it difficult to recognize until withdrawal symptoms, cravings, or loss of control become apparent.
Tramadol Addiction
Tramadol is often perceived as a safer alternative to other opioid medications. While it may have a different risk profile, it can still lead to dependence and addiction.
Many individuals are surprised by the withdrawal symptoms that can occur when stopping tramadol. In addition to physical symptoms, some individuals experience mood changes, anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
Kratom and 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
Kratom has gained significant attention in recent years and is often marketed as a natural product. While many people assume that natural means safe, kratom contains compounds that interact with opioid receptors in the brain.
Some individuals report using kratom to manage pain, improve mood, increase energy, or reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, regular use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms in some individuals.
More recently, concentrated products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) have become increasingly available. These products are often substantially more potent than traditional kratom preparations and have raised concerns among healthcare professionals and treatment providers.
Individuals struggling with kratom or 7-OH dependence may experience:
- Cravings
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Difficulty reducing use
- Increased tolerance
- Continued use despite negative consequences
Opioid Withdrawal: Why Quitting Can Be Difficult
One of the most common misconceptions about opioid addiction is that people can simply stop using if they truly want to. While motivation is important, withdrawal symptoms can create significant barriers to recovery.
Withdrawal occurs when a person who has developed physical dependence reduces or stops opioid use. Because the body has adapted to the presence of opioids, removing them can trigger a range of physical and emotional symptoms.
Common opioid withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Intense cravings
Treatment Options for Opioid Addiction
Recovery from opioid addiction often involves more than simply stopping substance use. Many individuals benefit from a comprehensive approach that addresses the biological, psychological, social, and behavioral factors contributing to addiction.
At Green Hill, treatment plans are individualized based on each person’s needs, history, and recovery goals.
Addiction Therapy
Therapy helps individuals better understand the thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and life circumstances that contribute to substance use.
Treatment may include evidence-based approaches such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA)
- Family Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Holistic Therapy
- Recovery Management
- Group Therapy
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Some individuals need more support than weekly therapy alone can provide.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) combines group therapy, individual therapy, recovery support, and clinical services while allowing participants to remain engaged in work, school, and family life.
IOP can be particularly helpful for individuals transitioning from higher levels of care or those needing additional structure in early recovery.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
For individuals requiring a more intensive level of support, our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides several hours of treatment per day, five days per week.
PHP is often recommended when symptoms, substance use, or relapse risk require a higher level of clinical involvement than outpatient therapy or IOP can provide.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Addiction
Medication-Assisted Treatment combines evidence-based medications with therapy, recovery support, and lifestyle changes.
For some individuals, medications can help reduce cravings, decrease withdrawal symptoms, and create the stability needed to focus on recovery.
Medication is not a replacement for therapy or personal growth. Instead, it can be one tool that helps individuals engage more fully in treatment.
Sublocade
Sublocade is a once-monthly injectable form of buprenorphine used to treat opioid use disorder.
By partially activating opioid receptors, Sublocade can help:
- Reduce cravings
- Minimize withdrawal symptoms
- Lower the risk of relapse
- Support long-term recovery
Naltrexone
Naltrexone works differently than buprenorphine-based medications. Rather than activating opioid receptors, it blocks them.
This can help reduce the reinforcing effects of opioid use and support long-term recovery efforts.
Vivitrol
Vivitrol is an extended-release injectable form of naltrexone administered once per month.
Many individuals choose Vivitrol because it provides consistent medication coverage without requiring a daily pill.
Which Medication Is Right for Me?
There is no single medication that works best for everyone.
The right choice depends on factors such as:
- Substance use history
- Previous treatment experiences
- Recovery goals
- Medical history
- Personal preferences
Can People Recover From Opioid Addiction?
Yes. While opioid addiction can be challenging, recovery is possible. Every day, individuals and families rebuild their lives after struggling with opioid use disorder.
At Green Hill, we believe recovery involves more than simply avoiding substances. As recovery progresses, many individuals find themselves focusing less on staying sober and more on building a meaningful life.
This may include:
- Strengthening relationships
- Pursuing education or career goals
- Improving physical health
- Developing new interests and hobbies
- Building a supportive community
- Creating a sense of purpose and direction
Insurance Coverage for Opioid Addiction Treatment
Green Hill Recovery is in-network with most major insurance providers, helping make treatment more accessible and affordable for many individuals and families.
We currently accept many major insurance plans, including:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Cigna / Evernorth
- Aetna
- United Healthcare / Optum
- TRICARE
- NC State Health Plan
- MedCost
- UMR
- Ambetter
- UNC Health Alliance
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Opioid addiction, or opioid use disorder, is a medical condition characterized by the continued use of opioids despite negative consequences and difficulty controlling use.
Physical dependence refers to the body’s adaptation to a substance and the development of withdrawal symptoms when use stops. Addiction involves additional behavioral patterns such as cravings, loss of control, and continued use despite harmful consequences.
Yes. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than many other opioids.
Yes. Heroin is an opioid derived from morphine and is associated with a high risk of dependence, addiction, and overdose.
Kratom is not technically classified as an opioid, but its active compounds interact with opioid receptors in the brain and can produce opioid-like effects.
More: Is Kratom an Opioid?
7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in kratom and is also sold in concentrated products. It is significantly more potent than many traditional kratom preparations and has become a growing concern among addiction treatment providers.
Yes. Medications such as Sublocade, Naltrexone, and Vivitrol may help reduce cravings and support long-term recovery when combined with therapy and recovery support.
Withdrawal experiences vary depending on the substance used, duration of use, and individual factors. Symptoms often begin within hours to days of stopping use and can range from mild to severe.
Many insurance plans provide coverage for addiction treatment services, including therapy, psychiatry, PHP, IOP, and Medication-Assisted Treatment. Coverage varies by plan.
Get Help for Opioid Addiction in Raleigh, NC
If you or someone you care about is struggling with fentanyl, heroin, prescription pain pills, kratom, 7-OH, or another opioid-related substance, help is available.
Whether you are exploring treatment for the first time, returning after a relapse, or looking for additional support in your recovery, our team can help you understand your options and determine the level of care that best fits your needs.
Contact Green Hill Recovery today to verify insurance, schedule an assessment, and take the next step toward recovery.