Addiction to opioids and opiates has become one of the most urgent public health crises of our time. What often begins as a legitimate prescription for pain relief can quickly spiral into a life-threatening dependency. Whether it’s prescription medications like oxycodone or illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl, opioids carry a high risk of addiction, overdose, and long-term harm.
At Aliya Veterans, we recognize that for many veterans, opioid addiction isn’t just about the drug—it’s about the invisible wounds of service, the struggle to cope, and the barriers to healing. We are committed to giving back to those who gave everything. If you are a veteran struggling with addiction or know someone who is, Aliya Veterans is here to help.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are analgesics (painkillers) that interact with the brain and body to relieve pain. They include both prescription medications—such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl—and illegal drugs like heroin. While opioids can be effective for pain management, they also carry a high risk of dependence, addiction, and overdose, especially when misused.
Despite most opioids being highly restricted drugs, their abuse has been a societal problem in the US for a long time. The ongoing opioid crisis claims many tens of thousands of lives in the US each year, and while recently opioid deaths have been on the decline this should not take away from their dangerous potential to addict and destroy lives.
What Are Opiates?
Opiates are a subset of opioids that are naturally derived from the opium poppy plant. Common opiates include morphine and codeine. Unlike synthetic or semi-synthetic opioids like fentanyl or oxycodone, opiates occur in nature without chemical modification. Although they serve legitimate medical purposes, opiates can also be highly addictive and are often involved in substance use disorders.
Opiate vs Opioid
The terms opiate and opioid are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Opiates refer specifically to naturally occurring substances derived from the opium poppy, such as morphine and codeine. Opioids, on the other hand, is a broader term that includes all substances—natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic—that bind to opioid receptors in the brain.
In short, opiates are natural. Opioids, meanwhile, can be natural, but also include synthetic painkiller drugs like fentanyl.
What Is Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction is when the body is physically as well as psychologically dependent on opioids. It’s characterized by compulsive opioid use despite harmful consequences. It often begins with a legitimate prescription or recreational use but can quickly escalate as the body builds tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.
Opioid Addictions We Treat
At our facility, we treat a wide range of opioid addictions, including both prescription and illicit substances. Each addiction is approached with personalized care and evidence-based therapies.
- Fentanyl Addiction: Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to overdose deaths and is often mixed with other substances, unbeknownst to the user.
- Heroin Addiction: Heroin is an illegal opioid that produces intense euphoria but is highly addictive and dangerous. Many individuals turn to heroin after misusing prescription opioids.
- Codeine Addiction: Often found in cough syrups and pain relievers, codeine may seem mild compared to stronger opioids but can still lead to dependency and addiction over time.
- Hydrocodone Addiction: Hydrocodone is a commonly prescribed painkiller often combined with acetaminophen. Misuse can quickly lead to tolerance and addiction.
- Oxycodone Addiction: Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid found in medications like OxyContin and Percocet. It has a high potential for misuse due to its euphoric effects.
- Hydromorphone Addiction: Hydromorphone (e.g., Dilaudid) is a potent opioid used for severe pain. It acts quickly and intensely, increasing the risk of addiction and overdose.
Opioid addiction can affect anyone, regardless of background or circumstance. At Aliya Veterans, we offer compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to the unique struggles veterans face. Whether you’re struggling with fentanyl, prescription painkillers, or heroin, our team is here to guide you toward lasting recovery.
Opiate Addictions We Treat
We also specialize in treating opiate addictions—those involving naturally derived substances from the opium poppy. These drugs can be just as addictive and dangerous as synthetic opioids.
These include:
- Opium Addiction: Opium is the raw, natural substance extracted from the poppy plant. Though less common today, it still poses serious addiction risks.
- Heroin Addiction: Heroin, though technically derived from morphine, is often categorized as an opiate and remains one of the most addictive substances on the market.
- Morphine Addiction: Morphine is a natural opiate used to treat severe pain, often in hospital settings. Long-term use can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
- Codeine Addiction: As with opioids, codeine’s natural origin classifies it as an opiate. Prolonged or excessive use can result in significant health issues and addiction.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Addiction?
Opioid addiction can manifest in a variety of ways, often affecting the body, behavior, and mental health. Recognizing the warning signs early can be crucial for seeking timely help and starting recovery.
Physical signs of opioid addiction include:
- Drowsiness or excessive sleep
- Constricted (pinpoint) pupils
- Slurred speech
- Nausea or vomiting
- Itching or flushed skin
- Weight loss or poor hygiene
- Constipation
- Slowed breathing or heart rate
- Frequent flu-like symptoms or appearing “sick” often
- Track marks or needle scars (in cases of injection use)
Behavioral signs of opioid addiction include:
- Doctor shopping or frequent ER visits for pain medication
- Secretive or deceptive behavior
- Sudden financial problems or stealing to support drug use
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or social activities
- Neglecting work, school, or home responsibilities
- Risky behaviors (e.g., driving under the influence, unsafe sex)
- Dramatic changes in sleep patterns or routines
- Using opioids beyond prescribed amounts or without a prescription
Psychological signs of opioid addiction include:
- Intense cravings for the drug
- Anxiety or irritability when not using
- Mood swings or emotional instability
- Depression or apathy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Denial of a problem despite clear evidence
- Using opioids to cope with stress, trauma, or mental health issues
Recognizing the signs of opioid addiction is the first step toward getting help. Addiction doesn’t always look the same from person to person, but if you or someone you care about is showing several of these symptoms, it may be time to seek professional support. At Aliya Veterans, we offer judgment-free, evidence-based treatment designed to help you reclaim your life from opioid addiction.
Opioid Addiction Facts & Statistics
Opioid addiction is a public health crisis affecting individuals, families, and communities across the United States. The data surrounding opioid misuse paints a clear picture of its widespread impact and underscores the urgent need for effective treatment and prevention.
Opioid statistics include:
- Over 105,000 people died of an opioid overdose in 2023
- More than 1.6 million people will get hooked on prescription painkillers this year
- 745,000 people used heroin in the past year
- Over 2.1 million people in the U.S. have an opioid use disorder (OUD), according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- 80% of heroin users report starting with prescription opioids
Every statistic represents a life — at Aliya Veterans, we use evidence-based approaches to save those lives every day.
The Consequences of Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction affects every aspect of a person’s life, from their physical health to their relationships, career, and overall well-being. The longer addiction goes untreated, the more severe these consequences can become. These range from social isolation to psychological issues, respiratory and organ damage, all the way to fatal overdose.
Opioid addiction doesn’t just harm the body—it erodes every part of a person’s life. But with proper treatment and support, healing is possible.
The Relationship Between Opioid Addiction and Mental Health
Opioid addiction and mental health are deeply connected, often forming a cycle that’s difficult to break without professional help. Many people turn to opioids to cope with symptoms of mental illness, while prolonged opioid use can also contribute to new or worsening mental health conditions.
Common Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality disorders
At Aliya Veterans, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, helping individuals heal both physically and emotionally. Recovery begins with understanding the full picture.
When Do You Need Opioid Addiction Treatment?
It can be difficult to recognize when recreational or prescribed opioid use has crossed the line into addiction. However, there are clear warning signs that professional treatment is needed.
You may need opioid addiction treatment if you:
- Feel unable to stop using, even if you want to
- Experience withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Take higher doses than prescribed or use opioids illicitly
- Spend large amounts of time and energy obtaining, using, or recovering from opioids
- Neglect work, school, or relationships due to opioid use
- Have tried to quit before but relapsed
- Use opioids to cope with emotional pain or trauma
If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to seek help. Early intervention can prevent further damage and greatly improve your chances of recovery. Treatment isn’t just about stopping use—it’s about rebuilding a healthier, more fulfilling life.
How Long Is Opioid Addiction Treatment?
It takes as long as is required, depending on how “treatment” is defined. If referring to just residential treatment, that typically lasts 30 to 90 days (90 being the maximum most insurance will cover). When factoring in all other levels of treatment, particularly outpatient and aftercare, treatment for opioid addiction can take years or even be lifelong. While there is no one-size-fits-all timeline, treatment is most effective when it’s personalized and ongoing.
Typical Treatment Timelines:
- Medical Detox: 5–10 days
- Residential/Inpatient Treatment: 30–90 days
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): 2–4 weeks
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): 6–12 weeks
- Outpatient and Aftercare: Several months to a year or more
Longer durations of treatment are associated with better long-term outcomes. Recovery is a lifelong process, and many individuals benefit from ongoing therapy, medication management, and support groups even after completing a formal program.
Rather than focusing on how fast treatment can be completed, it’s more important to focus on how effectively it supports lasting recovery. Healing takes time—but every day in treatment is a step toward freedom.
Opioid Addiction Treatment Options
Treating opioid addiction effectively requires a balanced approach that combines both evidence-based and holistic treatments. Because each individual’s needs are unique, treatment plans should be flexible and customized. The best outcomes happen when care addresses not only the addiction itself but also any underlying mental health issues, trauma, or life circumstances. This means treatment can be as simple as medical detox, but also stretch from that, to residential, all the way through to outpatient treatment and aftercare.
Opioid Addiction Treatment at Aliya Veterans
At Aliya Veterans, we understand the unique challenges that veterans face—especially when it comes to opioid addiction. Service-related injuries, chronic pain, trauma, and mental health conditions like PTSD can all contribute to opioid misuse.
That’s why we offer the Valor Program, a specialized, veteran-focused program designed to support long-term recovery and whole-person healing. We take into account your service history, life experiences, and mental health needs to create a treatment plan that’s relevant and personalized.
If you or a loved one are struggling with opiate or opioid use, getting help from a qualified health care provider is essential. With the rise in opioid overdose deaths and the ongoing overdose epidemic, early intervention can save lives. Whether you are taking prescription opioids like oxycodone or oxycontin, experiencing opioid tolerance, or dealing with the effects of opioid withdrawal, health professionals can provide care and treatment tailored to your needs. Learn about overdose prevention, managing substance use and mental health, and safe opioid therapy to reduce your risk of overdose and begin the journey to recovery. Access overdose resources and guidance from experts today to take control and treat pain safely.
Start Recovering From Opioids and Opiates Today!
Our clinicians are trained to recognize the deep impact of combat and service-related trauma on opioid addiction and recovery. For that reason, we offer trauma-informed therapy, including sub-variants like narrative therapy, which is designed to help you reshape your internal story and thus address your trauma by changing your self-belief. Our clinicians are trained to recognize the deep impact of combat and service-related trauma on addiction and recovery.
At Aliya Veterans, we provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to your unique needs and life experiences. Whether you’re a veteran seeking specialized support or just exploring options, contact us today to speak with an admissions specialist.
You served your country — now let us serve you.