Opioids are a class of drugs that encompass illegal substances such as heroin and legal medications such as morphine, codeine, and oxycodone. These drugs act on opioid receptors in the brain and body to reduce feelings of pain and produce a sense of euphoria. This makes opioid medicines effective for pain relief.

Despite their utility as pain relievers, opioids are highly addictive due to their ability to create physical dependence and tolerance. However, at Liberty Home, we can offer effective treatment to help overcome substance use, co-occurring mental health disorders, and process addictions.

Opioid Addiction Treatment

At Liberty Home, our treatment is divided between two different centres, both of which offer different treatment options to help people overcome addiction.

Primary Treatment

Our inpatient rehab centre is located in Marina da Gama in Cape Town, South Africa, just a few minutes from the beach. This treatment facility is situated in a secure neighbourhood that is patrolled by tight security. Our South African facility focuses entirely on residential treatment, providing comprehensive care for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues.

While we dedicate ourselves entirely to residential treatment, our staff collaborates with nearby facilities that offer other services, such as medical detox. Prospective patients must go through detoxification. Once that is done, patients can begin their primary treatment at our centre.

Residential treatment can be quite costly in Europe, but Liberty Home provides the same high standard of care at a fraction of the cost. Our centre offers a cost-effective alternative without compromising quality, ensuring that individuals receive the support and treatment they need in a safe and serene environment.

What is Opioid Use Disorder?

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a chronic medical condition characterised by the compulsive use of opioids that can lead to significant impairment or distress. Addiction is a chronic disease, and people with OUD may want to stop their drug misuse but will often be unable to prevent or reduce their usage regardless of adverse effects without outside intervention.

Individuals with OUD often struggle to control their opioid use, continue using opioids despite harmful consequences, and experience cravings for the drug. OUD can profoundly impact a person’s health, relationships, and ability to function in daily life.

How We Treat Opioid Use Disorder?

Opioid dependence can be hard to address. But we have treatment options that can help reduce drug cravings so those struggling with addiction can achieve and maintain sobriety. Our drug treatment includes:

Inpatient care can be a vital component in addressing a person's drug abuse. By putting someone in a controlled environment, one that could be potentially thousands of kilometres away from their normal circumstances, inpatient rehab can give someone the space they need to find clarity regarding their addiction and recovery.

Inpatient rehab centres also offer 24/7 care and support, ensuring that patients will be able to receive support regardless of the time of day.

Inpatient/Residential Treatment

CBT is a widely used and highly regarded form of therapy that is focused on changing and addressing negative thought patterns that contribute to unhealthy behaviours. CBT is an adaptable form of treatment and can be integrated into treatment plans for various mental health and substance use disorders.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

DBT is effective in treating addiction by combining cognitive behavioural techniques with mindfulness. It helps individuals manage their emotions, cope with stress, and improve relationships, which can reduce their reliance on opioids.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Support groups can help people who struggle with addiction. It's not uncommon for people who have a substance use disorder to feel alone, as they may have strained their relationships with their loved ones.

However, group counselling can help them connect with others who have had similar struggles, which can ease their loneliness.

Group Counselling

Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that presents with a variety of signs and symptoms. Physical signs of opioid use include drowsiness, constricted pupils, and slowed breathing.

Individuals may also become constipated, nauseous, and lose weight without explanation. Being addicted to opioids can lead to significant behaviour changes such as increased secrecy as users try to hide the extent of their drug addiction, neglect of responsibilities as users focus on acquiring and using opioids, and engaging in risky activities to develop more opioids. Mood swings, depression, and anxiety are also prevalent.

People who are addicted to opioids often have intense cravings for the drug, which can lead to a cycle of compulsive use despite facing adverse effects.

One of the most worrying symptoms is tolerance, which comes with repeated use. The more tolerant of a drug a person becomes, the more they have to take to achieve the desired effects. This can significantly increase the risk of an opioid overdose.

Risk Factors for Opioid Addiction

Opioid abuse can affect anyone, but certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing addiction. Genetics also play a role, as individuals with a family history of addiction are more susceptible to substance use disorders.

Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, can contribute to opioid addiction, as individuals may use opioids to cope with their symptoms.

Environmental factors, including high levels of stress, a history of trauma, and exposure to drug use, can also increase the risk of addiction.

Prescription practices are another critical factor. Many individuals have prescribed opioids as medicine to manage chronic pain, but this can lead to dependence and, eventually, addiction.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to manage. Withdrawal symptoms typically manifest within hours to a few days after the last use of opioids. Physical symptoms can include muscle aches, restlessness, sweating, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Individuals may also experience dilated pupils, runny nose, and excessive yawning.

Psychological symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and feelings of dissatisfaction or unease. Cravings for opioids can become intense during withdrawal, which drives many individuals to use again just to get a measure of relief.

Symptoms can vary in severity depending on the duration and intensity of opioid use, as well as individual differences in overall health.

Medical supervision and support are often necessary during withdrawal to manage symptoms safely and effectively. Medications such as methadone or buprenorphine may be used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.

Seek Treatment for Opioid Dependence With Us

People who struggle with addiction can often feel hopeless. Many do not see a scenario in which their circumstances change. But circumstances can change, and our staff is proof of that. Our staff members are on recovery journeys of their own, and they want to help people get started on their own. If you’re concerned for yourself or a loved one, Liberty Home will be there to help you with drug dependence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Location of Liberty Home Clinic?

Liberty Home Clinic is in Marina Da Gama, Cape Town, South Africa.

What is the Capacity of Liberty Home Clinic?

The clinic can accommodate a maximum of 22 people.

What Types of Rooms are Available at Liberty Home Clinic?

The clinic offers both private and shared rooms.

Why do People Become Addicted to Opioids?

Many opioid users started their use innocuously. They take opioids to manage pain, become dependent on the use of medications to function normally and fall into a pattern of opioid misuse.

How Can You Avoid Addiction to Opioids?

Opioids are commonly prescribed for acute and chronic pain. However, there are non-opioid painkillers that can be used to prevent opioid addiction. Alternatively, some may employ holistic strategies to manage pain as opposed to using drugs.