Last Updated:

July 28th, 2025

Opioid Rehab Treatment | What to Expect

Opioid addiction can be very dangerous, but it is also incredibly devious. You probably started taking painkillers for a legitimate reason, rightfully trusting your doctor and the medication they prescribed. But when you realise opioids have quietly taken over your life, professional opioid addiction treatment can give you the support you need to take control back.

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Recovery starts when you choose to take the first step

Struggling with an addiction? If you are ready to seek help, reach out to us today, and a member of our compassionate team will help you find the best option for starting your recovery journey.

What is opioid rehab?

When you start opioid rehab, it’s like finally getting a chance to catch your breath after feeling suffocated by drugs for so long. Rehab usually kicks off with a professionally planned and executed opioid detox, which means you’ll have medical support to help your body safely adjust to life without opioids. This is very important because quitting abruptly can be tough on your body and can even cause dangerous reactions.

Once you are through withdrawal and feeling more comfortable physically, you will begin to unpack how opioids became such a controlling part of your life. Maybe you were prescribed painkillers after surgery or an injury and found yourself needing more and more just to feel normal. Or perhaps opioids became a way to numb emotional struggles you didn’t know how to face. Whatever your personal situation, opioid rehab gives you the emotional support and knowledge to understand what’s beneath it all and heal in ways that last.

Some of the most common addictive opioids which may require rehab include:

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is actually used to help people stop using stronger opioids but sometimes it can become a problem on its own. Opioid rehab will help you gently come off buprenorphine while learning healthier ways to manage cravings and the issues behind your drug use.

Learn More about Buprenorphine

Codeine

Codeine addiction can creep up quietly because it’s often prescribed for mild to moderate pain or persistent coughs. Opioid rehab is about helping you safely move past codeine reliance and addressing the reasons why it became such a big part of your life.

Learn More about Codeine

Demerol

Demerol (meperidine) can quickly become addictive, even when it’s prescribed for legitimate pain. Treatment for opioid addiction supports you through detox and helps you find new, safer ways to manage your physical pain or emotional struggles.

Learn More about Demerol

 

Dihydrocodeine

Dihydrocodeine might seem less intense than other opioids, but addiction can still quietly take hold. Rehab will help you safely withdraw and work through the reasons behind your dihydrocodeine use so you can find lasting relief without medication.

Learn More about Dihydrocodeine

Dilaudid

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is a powerful opioid that can quickly lead to a serious dependency. In opioid rehab, you will safely come off Dilaudid and learn practical, healthy ways to handle both the pain and emotional issues which are often behind Dilaudid abuse.

Learn More about Dilaudid

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is one of the strongest opioids and has been causing tragic loss of life, particularly in the US and Canada. Rehab for fentanyl protects you from the life-threatening dangers of fentanyl overdose and helps you rebuild your life safely.

Learn More about Fentanyl

 

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is commonly prescribed for injuries or surgeries, but many people find themselves hooked without meaning to. Opioid rehab helps you safely get off hydrocodone and find alternative pain relief methods.

Learn More about Hydrocodone

Methadone

Methadone is meant to help people get away from opioids, but it can also lead to its own dependence issues. Rehab helps you safely withdraw from methadone, find an alternative opioid addiction treatment medication and face the underlying problems that have kept you using opioids.

Learn More about Methadone

Morphine

Morphine is a powerful painkiller that can quickly turn into a difficult dependency. Opioid rehab gives you medical and emotional support to stop safely while also resolving the root causes of your addiction.

Learn More about Morphine

 

Oxycodone (OxyContin)

Oxycodone, particularly OxyContin, has played a major role in America’s opioid crisis due to its high potential for addiction. Opioid rehab supports you to safely taper your use and rebuild your life from the ground up.

Oxycodone (OxyContin)

Tramadol

Even though tramadol is sometimes seen as less addictive, dependency can still happen fast and be tough to break. Opioid addiction treatment gives you careful support to stop safely and helps you deal with underlying physical and, possibly, emotional issues.

Learn More about Tramadol

Vicodin

Vicodin addiction can start quietly because it is often prescribed after injuries or surgeries, leaving many people struggling to stop. Opioid rehab for Vicodin involves detox, therapy and aftercare so you can put dependency behind you.

Learn More about Vicodin

Private inpatient opioid rehab vs. NHS outpatient opioid rehab

Picking between outpatient and inpatient opioid rehab is about figuring out what type of environment will best help you recover. Inpatient opioid rehab means stepping away from your daily life and staying in a comfortable, supervised centre where medical professionals support you around the clock. It is ideal if you need a break from triggers and stresses or if you are a little isolated without much support.

Outpatient opioid rehab, meanwhile, might work better if your home life is stable and you need to continue working, studying or caring for your family. It provides therapy and medical care through regular visits, allowing you to stay connected to your usual life while gradually moving away from opioid use.

Here is a simple breakdown of the key considerations:

 

Inpatient opioid rehab

Outpatient opioid rehab
Daily environment You will receive fully supported residential care away from stressors or opioid triggers You will stay at home, attending treatment sessions regularly
Access to medical help Immediate 24/7 support whenever you need it Varies but may include scheduled medical check-ins
Medical detox Safe and fully supervised at the opioid rehab centre when you arrive Less intensive oversight with detox possible arranged off-site
Type of therapy Intense daily therapy and wellness activities Therapy is integrated into your regular weekly schedule
Balancing life Structured days to fully focus on recovery and make the most out of your time Allows you to continue taking care of daily responsibilities like family or work
Availability and cost Private, immediate access but with fees Affordable and possibly free through the NHS but you may need to wait for a spot to open up

Therapies involved in opioid addiction treatment

 

When comparing opioid rehab programmes and centres, make sure that they offer a good mixture of treatments, including:

Individual therapy
During individual therapy, a compassionate therapist will listen as you share your struggles, fears and hopes. This is your chance to really understand yourself better and build a life where you don’t need opioids.
Group therapy
This is a chance to learn from and connect with others who understand firsthand the unique challenges of breaking free from opioids. It is also an important part of creating a community spirit in opioid rehab.
Family therapy
These compassionate therapy sessions help you and your loved ones openly discuss how opioids have impacted your family so you can begin to understand and trust each other again.
Holistic therapies
Activities like yoga, mindfulness meditation and gentle exercise can help you feel calmer and manage stress naturally without opioids. Creative therapies like art or sound therapy can also give you a comfortable way to express your emotions when words aren’t enough.
Behavioural therapy
Behavioural therapy gives you practical tips to spot when stress, sadness or difficult moments are pushing you towards opioids. Instead of using pills to cope, you will learn simple but effective ways to handle these moments more safely.

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How to find opioid addiction treatment near me?

If you’ve decided that opioids have controlled your life for long enough, we’re here to help you turn things around. At Addiction Helper, our caring team understands exactly how overwhelming this can feel, and we’ll guide you through the best opioid rehab options for you. Reach out today, and we’ll help you put opioids behind you for good.

Reclaim Your Life Today

Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between opioid rehab and opioid detox?
Opioid detox is the initial step of safely getting opioids out of your body and managing the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that happen during this phase. It typically lasts a few days to a few weeks and occurs under medical supervision. Opioid rehab, on the other hand, is the broader recovery programme that follows detox. It focuses on understanding why you became reliant on opioids and gives you emotional support, therapy and practical skills to help you stay drug-free in the long term.
How long does opioid rehab typically last?
The length of opioid rehab depends on your situation, but generally, inpatient opioid rehab programmes usually run between four weeks and three months. Shorter rehab programmes (around 28 days) help stabilise you and equip you with essential recovery skills. Long stays (60-90 days or more) allow deeper emotional healing and a stronger foundation for lasting recovery. After completing a residential programme, you will usually continue with outpatient therapy or aftercare to help maintain your progress.
What medications are used in opioid addiction treatment?
Several medications can help make opioid withdrawal and recovery safer and more comfortable. Common forms of opioid addiction treatment medication include methadone, which helps ease withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings; buprenorphine (Subutex/Suboxone), which also helps manage withdrawal with less risk of misuse; and naltrexone, which blocks opioid effects and helps prevent relapse. Your medical team will choose medication based on your personal needs.

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