Why getting help is so important

Becoming opioid dependent can have a serious impact on every part of your life—from your daily routine to your closest relationships. It can threaten to compromise your plans, ambitions, and dreams.

For many who face opioid dependence, the critical question can be: "Is this what I really want out of my life?"

With treatment, opioid dependence can be managed
The goal of all treatments for opioid dependence is to enable patients to avoid withdrawal symptoms, stop opioid misuse, and regain control over their lives.

Dependence shouldn’t be tackled alone
Most people wouldn’t try to treat diabetes or asthma with willpower alone. As a medical condition, opioid dependence deserves treatment. What’s more, opioids don’t play fair: the need to satisfy cravings or avoid withdrawal symptoms can be so intense that even when people want to stop taking opioids they find it difficult—even impossible—without help.

The good news is, with the right treatment, opioid dependence can be overcome—and help is available.

What treatment does—and doesn't—do
As a medical condition, opioid dependence has a high risk of relapse. To learn to manage this risk, plan to make a commitment to ongoing treatment, including counseling. Since everyone is different, the treatment plan can be tailored to your individual needs. Length of treatment varies and can last anywhere from weeks to years—depending on what you and your healthcare team decide is best for you.

Talking with a doctor about your options can help. Find a doctor certified to treat opioid dependence in the privacy of his or her office.

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