Opioids are a group of drugs that can be used for pain management, however they are also used recreationally thanks to their psychoactive abilities. Opioids include drugs like heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycontin, methadone, and hydromorphone hydrochloride. 

This group of drugs offers users mental relaxation, relief from pain, and the feeling of euphoria. When a person starts taking opioids on a regular basis without medical guidance, this can lead to dependence on the said opioid, often leading to an ongoing substance addiction. 

An addiction to opioid drugs can have a significant impact on the drug user and the people who they are closest to. Drug abuse can impact every aspect of the person’s life, from their family life to their work life – and everything in between. 

Once a person is addicted to a substance, if they fail to take the substance regularly they will experience symptoms of withdrawal, which can be absolutely debilitating. The more of a substance a person takes, the more of that substance is required to achieve a ‘high’ or a ‘hit’, which can sometimes lead to opioid overdose. 

What help is available for dealing with opioid abuse? 

When it comes to dealing with opioid abuse, withdrawal and overdose related issues, there are a wide range of treatment options available to choose from, and knowing which route to go down can be complex, especially as each medication offers a different way of approaching and dealing with the addiction. 

That’s where Grand Falls Addiction Treatment Center comes in. At Grand Falls Addiction Treatment Center, we offer a unique approach to addiction treatment, with all of our treatment pathways rooted in an evidence-based and client-focused approach, allowing our clients to receive the very best help and support for any opioid addiction, withdrawal and overdose related issues. 

Our highly skilled and experienced team is committed to improving as many lives as we are able to, using our purpose-made facility to offer each and every client the very highest levels of care. 

At Grand Falls Addiction Treatment Center we combine a range of care services, including a specialist detox service that’s used in combination with psychological therapy and on-going patient support, allowing our patients to overcome their addiction and remain in sobriety. 

Our treatment methods also include access to a range of carefully selected medications that are designed to make withdrawing from opioids and beating addiction once and for all, easier, more comfortable, and more achievable.

What medications can be used to deal with opioid withdrawal, addiction, and overdose?

When it comes to dealing with opioid related issues, such as withdrawal, addiction, and overdose, there are a number of key medications that are available. The treatment option that you choose to use is up to you. We understand that each individual client has their own personal preferences to how they are treated and how they manage their addiction, which is why we offer a number of different treatment pathways, allowing us to cater to the needs of each and every individual. 

These medications are FDA approved for use managing opioid addiction, withdrawal, and overdose, and include mephedrone, naltrexone, buprenorphine, buprenorphine naloxone, lofexidine, and naloxone. 

Each of these drugs works in a different way, targeting different receptors in the brain. For instance, an opioid receptor agonist medication is where the medication attaches to the opioid receptors in the brain, blocking symptoms of withdrawal. The idea is that each medication will make the process of withdrawing from opioid abuse easier and less stressful, making staying sober feel more achievable and easier to achieve. 

While opioid receptor partial agonist treatment is where medications attach to – and partially activate – opioid receptors to help ease withdrawal and cravings.

Whereas, opioid receptor antagonist medication will block activity of opioid receptors in the brain, helping to prevent the euphoric effects (the high) that opioids create, helping to reduce cravings. 

And adrenergic receptor agonist medication will attach to the activated adrenergic receptors within the brain to help prevent withdrawal symptoms. 

With the right help and support, it is possible to get your life back on track and lead a life of sobriety, away from the dangers associated with opioid abuse. Our highly skilled and experienced team are on hand to help with any aspects of your journey to sobriety. 


When it comes to beating substance abuse addiction, at Grand Falls Addiction Treatment Center our team of highly skilled and experienced staff always endeavor to go above and beyond for each and every client.

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