Opioid Addiction
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin as well as powerful pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and many others. These drugs are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain. Opioid pain relievers are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but they are frequently misused (taken in a different way or in a greater quantity than prescribed, or taken without a doctor’s prescription) because they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief. Regular use—even as prescribed by a doctor—can produce dependence, and when misused or abused, opioid pain relievers can lead to fatal overdose. The current epidemic of prescription opioid abuse has led to increased use of heroin, which presents similar dangers. (National Institute on Drug Abuse. Opioids Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids on May 4, 2016)
Anyone with interest in Zepf Center AoD services need to have an assessment conducted in order to determine which services are appropriate. For our AoD services, our walk-in hours are at our 2005 Ashland Ave location:
- Monday: 9a-2p
- Tuesday: 9a-2p
- Thursday: 9a-2p
- Friday: 9a-12p
Zepf Center offers multiple programs to help combat addiction. These include:
- RESIDENTIAL SUB-ACUTE DETOXIFICATION (detox)
- SHORT TERM RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT (STR)
- Medication ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT)
- Intensive Group Therapy (IGT)
- INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM (IOP)
- NON-INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM (NIOP)
- Recovery Housing
Responding to the opioid crisis, the Lucas County Sheriff's Office created D.A.R.T. Click Here for more information.
Myth #1 – Addicts/Alcoholics Have to Want Treatment
Oftentimes family members believe the addict/alcoholic has to want treatment in order to experience success. Nothing could be farther from the truth. It is rare that a person enrolls in treatment out of sheer desire. Instead, he or she is typically forced into drug and alcohol rehab by a spouse or significant other, the judicial system or an employer, to name a few. It isn’t until some time has passed in addiction treatment that the individual sees the promise of recovery.
Myth #2 – Addicts/Alcoholics Must Hit Rock Bottom
Addicts/alcoholics come in many forms — even if the individual has not hit the stereotypical ‘rock bottom,’ he or she can still benefit from drug and alcohol treatment. The ultimate goal in recovery is to prevent the all-time low from taking place.
Myth #3 – Addicts/Alcoholics Are Not Likely to Change
Society often views addicts/alcoholics as stubborn and weak-minded. This is pure myth. Addiction is a disease that crosses all socio-economic boundaries, from high-functioning executives to high school dropouts. Although most addicts/alcoholics are resistant to substance abuse treatment, they will begin to see a brighter side of life once they give it a chance. Abstinence is the start of recovery — the psychic change comes a little later.
Myth #4 – Addicts/Alcoholics Must Recover for Themselves
This sort of ties back to myth #1. Addicts/alcoholics don’t have to want to be in treatment, nor do they have to recover for themselves. If they maintain the frame of mind that they’re in recovery for a loved one, that’s okay. The point is, they are in treatment. Once the individual gives recovery a shot, he or she will eventually accept this new way of life, whether it’s for someone else or not.
Myth #5 – All Addiction Treatment Facilities Are the Same
Sometimes the addict/alcoholic goes through several rehab centers until he or she finds lasting recovery. Family members often become exhausted and discouraged at this point, and they begin to think all facilities are alike. This is simply not true. Every addiction treatment center has a specialty, including dual-diagnosis, gender-specific, long-term residential and the Therapeutic Community model. When searching for the best drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, conduct extensive research before making a decision.