By We Level Up Lawrenceville NJ | Author Giselle Leung, PharmD, BCGP | Editorial Policy | Research Policy
Breaking Free from Opiate Addiction: A Path to Recovery
Opiate addiction has emerged as one of the most devastating health crises facing our communities today. In New Jersey alone, opioid-related overdose deaths have increased by 43% from 2016 to 2022, according to the NJ Department of Health. Behind each statistic is a person struggling with a powerful dependency that affects not just their health, but every aspect of their life.
At We Level Up NJ, we understand that addiction isn’t just about the substance but the person. Our treatment center provides comprehensive, evidence-based care designed to address the complex nature of opiate addiction. We combine medical expertise with compassionate support to create a foundation for lasting recovery.
Recovery isn’t just possible. It’s happening every day in our center. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, know that our team is ready to guide you at every step toward a healthier, drug-free life.
Understanding Opiate Addiction
What Are Opiates and How Do They Affect the Body?
Opiates are naturally derived substances from the opium poppy plant, including drugs like heroin, morphine, and codeine. These differ from synthetic opioids like fentanyl and oxycodone, which are manufactured but produce similar effects. Both types bind to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and triggering dopamine release—creating intense feelings of pleasure and relief.
This powerful effect on the brain’s reward system is what makes opiates so addictive. With repeated use, the brain’s chemistry changes, leading to a 3-stage progression:
- Tolerance: The body adapts to the drug’s presence, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect. This often happens quickly with opiates, sometimes within just days of regular use.
- Dependence: The body now relies on the drug to function “normally.” Without it, uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms occur, ranging from flu-like symptoms to severe pain and distress.
- Addiction: The most serious stage, where drug-seeking becomes compulsive despite harmful consequences. At this point, using opiates isn’t about feeling good; it’s about avoiding feeling terrible.
Recognizing the Signs of Opiate Addiction
Opiate addiction rarely remains hidden for long. Common indicators include:
Physical signs:
- Constricted pupils
- Drowsiness or nodding off
- Slurred speech
- Constipation
- Sudden weight loss
- Track marks (if injecting)
Behavioral changes:
- Doctor shopping (visiting multiple doctors for prescriptions)
- Stealing medications or money
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Continued use despite negative consequences
A person struggling with opiate addiction might successfully hide some symptoms, but the progressive nature of addiction means these signs typically become more apparent over time. Early recognition can be life-saving. Understanding these warning signs is crucial for family members and loved ones.
The Dangers of Opiate Addiction
The risks associated with opiate addiction extend far beyond the immediate high. Prolonged use can lead to devastating health consequences that affect nearly every system in the body.
Life-Threatening Health Risks
Opiate overdose remains the most immediate danger, claiming nearly 70,000 lives annually in the United States during the past 5 years. During an overdose, breathing slows or stops completely, cutting off oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.
Without prompt intervention with naloxone (an overdose-reversing medication), death can occur within minutes.
Even without overdose, long-term opiate use damages the body in numerous ways:
- Respiratory problems: Chronic breathing depression and increased risk of pneumonia
- Immune system suppression: Greater vulnerability to infections and disease
- Gastrointestinal damage: Chronic constipation that can lead to bowel obstruction
- Liver damage: Particularly when opiates are combined with acetaminophen
- Hormonal imbalances: Resulting in reduced fertility and sexual dysfunction
Beyond Physical Health: The Wider Impact
The consequences of opiate addiction extend far beyond physical health. Many people lose jobs, homes, and financial stability as the addiction progresses. Relationships can fracture due to dishonesty, unreliability, and changed behavior.
Get Your Life Back
Find Hope & Recovery. Get Safe Comfortable Detox, Addiction Rehab & Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Care at the We Level Up Treatment Centers Network.
Hotline (877) 378-4154Opiate Addiction Statistics
Pharmaceutical firms promised the medical community that opioid painkillers wouldn’t lead to drug addiction in the late 1990s, and doctors started prescribing them more often. Prior to it becoming obvious that these drugs could really be highly addictive, there was a significant increase in the prescription of opioid prescriptions, which resulted in widespread misuse of both prescription and over-the-counter opioids.
760,000
Since 1999, drug overdoses have claimed the lives of more than 760,000 people.
Source: HHS
75%
In 2020, opioids were implicated in about 75% of drug overdose fatalities.
Source: HHS
1.6 Million
1.6 million people had an opioid use disorder in the past year.
Source: HHS
Why Choose We Level Up NJ for Opiate Addiction Treatment?
When it comes to overcoming opiate addiction, the treatment center you choose matters tremendously. At We Level Up NJ, we’ve created a healing environment specifically designed to address the unique challenges of opiate dependency.
Our New Jersey facility combines clinical excellence with genuine compassion. Our treatment team includes board-certified addiction specialists, Master’s-level therapists, and experienced nursing staff, all of whom work together to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
We’re also proud to maintain accreditation from The Joint Commission, reflecting our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and safety. When you choose We Level Up NJ, you’re not just entering a treatment program; you’re joining a community dedicated to your lasting recovery.
Our Opiate Addiction Treatment Programs
Detoxification: The Critical First Step
For most people struggling with opiate addiction, the recovery journey begins with detoxification: the process of safely removing opiates from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms.
Opiate withdrawal, while rarely life-threatening, can be intensely uncomfortable. Symptoms typically include:
- Muscle aches and pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Anxiety and agitation
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
Our medical team uses evidence-based medications to minimize these symptoms, making the detox process as comfortable as possible. This might include medications like buprenorphine to reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms, or supportive medications to address specific symptoms like nausea or anxiety.
Throughout detox, our nursing staff monitors vital signs and provides around-the-clock care to ensure that complications are immediately addressed. This medical supervision is crucial. Attempting to detox from opiates without proper support often leads to relapse due to the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient Treatment: Immersive Healing
Following detox, many clients transition to our residential inpatient program. This structured environment provides the intensity of care needed to address deeply ingrained patterns of addiction.
Our inpatient program offers:
- Removal from triggers and access to substances: The residential setting creates a protective bubble where clients can focus entirely on recovery without the temptations and stressors of their usual environment.
- Structured daily schedule: Activities include individual therapy, group sessions, educational workshops, and holistic activities designed to build recovery skills and address underlying issues.
- 24/7 support: Our clinical staff is available at all hours, providing support during difficult moments and ensuring continuous care.
- Peer community: Living alongside others in recovery creates opportunities for connection, mutual support, and shared learning that can be profoundly healing.
For many people with moderate to severe opiate addiction, this immersive approach provides the solid foundation needed for lasting recovery. The residential setting allows for intensive therapeutic work that isn’t possible in less structured environments.
Outpatient Treatment: Flexible Support
For those with milder opiate dependencies or those transitioning from inpatient care, our outpatient programs offer flexible treatment options that accommodate work, school, or family responsibilities.
We offer several levels of outpatient care:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): A highly structured program with 5 to 7 days of treatment per week.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): A step down from PHP, typically involving 3 to 5 days of treatment per week.
- Standard Outpatient: The least intensive option, with 1 to 2 weekly sessions to maintain recovery progress.
These programs include many of the same therapeutic elements as inpatient treatment but allow clients to practice recovery skills in real-world settings. This gradual transition helps bridge the gap between the structured treatment environment and independent recovery.
These programs include many of the same therapeutic elements as inpatient treatment but allow clients to practice recovery skills in real-world settings. This gradual transition helps bridge the gap between the structured treatment environment and independent recovery.
Comfortable Facilities & Amenities
High-Quality Addiction & Mental Health Rehabilitation Treatment
Rehab Centers TourRenowned Addiction Centers. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient rehab programs vary.
Addiction Helpline (877) 378-4154Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:
15+
Years of Unified Experience
100s
5-Star Reviews Across Our Centers
10K
Recovery Success Stories Across Our Network
- Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
- Onsite Medical Detox Center
- Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
- Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
- Coaching, Recovery & Personal Development Events
Therapeutic Approaches
Behavioral Therapies: Rewiring Thought Patterns
At the core of our treatment approach are evidence-based behavioral therapies that address the psychological aspects of addiction. These therapeutic modalities help clients identify and change the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients recognize the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. From CBT, individuals learn to identify triggers and develop healthier coping strategies.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines acceptance and change strategies by teaching skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills are particularly valuable for managing the intense emotions that often arise during early recovery.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy helps strengthen motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. This approach is helpful for clients who may be uncertain about their commitment to recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Science-Based Support
For many people recovering from opiate addiction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) provides crucial support during the early stages of recovery. Combining behavioral therapy with medications helps reduce cravings and decrease the abuse potential of opiates by increasing the retention rate in the MAT program.
The primary medications used in MAT for opiate addiction include:
- Methadone: A long-acting opioid agonist that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings. While it can be addictive, when methadone is used at the maintenance dosage and used under medical supervision, it does not produce the same high that is associated with other opiates.
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone): A partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine, helps manage withdrawal and cravings by acting on the same drug targets as opiates. It produces less euphoria and carries a lower risk of respiratory depression than full agonists. When buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is used together, naloxone lowers the risk of abuse potential of buprenorphine because it can cause withdrawal symptoms when injected or inhaled.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol): Naltrexone works as an opioid antagonist. By blocking the action of opiates, it reduces the reward associated with drug use. Since there is a chance of opiate withdrawal, starting the medication requires medical supervision and the person to be completely opiate-free.
These medications are always prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapies.
Research consistently shows that MAT significantly improves treatment outcomes, reducing illicit drug use, criminal activity, and risk of overdose death.
Holistic Therapies: Healing the Whole Person
Recovery involves more than just abstaining from substances. It’s about creating a fulfilling, balanced life. Our holistic therapies complement traditional treatment approaches by addressing the mind-body connection and providing healthy outlets for stress and emotion.
Our holistic offerings include meditation, yoga, movement therapy, nutrition counseling, and art and music therapy.
These complementary approaches help address the physical toll of addiction through stress management and emotional regulation, all of which are crucial in long-term recovery.
World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Addiction & Mental Health Programs. Complete Behavioral Health Inpatient Rehab, Detox plus Co-occuring Disorders Therapy.
CALL (877) 378-4154End the Addiction Pain. End the Emotional Rollercoaster. Get Your Life Back. Start Drug, Alcohol & Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment Now. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Substance Abuse Specialists Who Understand Addiction & Mental Health Recovery & Know How to Help.
Personalized Treatment Plans
No two journeys through addiction are identical, which is why cookie-cutter approaches to treatment often fall short. We Level Up NJ recognizes that effective treatment must be tailored to each individual’s unique needs, challenges, and strengths.
Individualized Assessment and Planning
Your treatment journey begins with a comprehensive assessment conducted by our clinical team. Based on this assessment, we develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your needs.
This plan isn’t static; it evolves as you progress through treatment, with regular reassessments to ensure we’re providing the most effective care at each stage of recovery.
Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders
According to SAMHSA, 20.4 million adults in the U.S. experienced both substance use disorders and mental health conditions simultaneously in 2023. This is particularly common with opiate addiction, which often co-exists with conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.
Our dual diagnosis approach treats these conditions concurrently, recognizing that mental health and addiction are deeply intertwined. This integrated approach significantly improves outcomes compared to treating addiction alone, addressing the underlying issues that often drive substance use while providing tools to manage both conditions effectively.
Success Stories and Outcomes
The true measure of any treatment program lies in the transformed lives of those who’ve completed it. While respecting confidentiality, we can share that We Level Up NJ has helped hundreds of individuals break free from the grip of opiate addiction and rebuild their lives.
Our evidence-based approach has supported clients in achieving significant milestones in recovery:
- Maintaining long-term abstinence from opiates and other substances
- Rebuilding relationships damaged by addiction
- Returning to work or school
- Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress and emotional challenges
- Finding purpose and meaning beyond substance use
One of the most powerful aspects of our program is the community of recovery that forms among clients. Connections formed during treatment become essential to our clients’ ongoing support network, providing understanding and encouragement.
Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.
Searching for Accredited Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers Near You? Or Mental Health Support?
Even if you have failed previously, relapsed, or are in a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. Call us when you feel ready or want someone to speak to about therapy alternatives to change your life. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.
FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7Getting Started with Treatment
The first step toward recovery can be overwhelming, but we are here to help. Our admissions process is designed to be as straightforward and supportive as possible. Here’s what you can expect when reaching out to We Level Up NJ:
The Admissions Process
1. Initial Contact: Your journey begins with a phone call to our admissions team at (877) 378-4154. During this confidential conversation, a compassionate admissions specialist will listen to your concerns and gather basic information about your situation.
2. Insurance Verification: If you plan to use insurance, we’ll verify your benefits to determine coverage for different levels of care. We work with most major insurance providers and can clearly explain your benefits.
3. Clinical Pre-Assessment: A member of our clinical team will conduct a more detailed assessment of your needs, including substance use history, mental health concerns, and medical conditions. This helps us determine the appropriate level of care.
4. Admissions Coordination: Once the assessment is complete, our team will coordinate your admission, including transportation arrangements if needed. We’ll also explain what to bring and what to expect upon arrival.
5. Arrival and Orientation: Upon arrival at our facility, you’ll complete the intake process and receive an orientation to the program. Our priority is making you feel welcome and comfortable during this transition.
Taking the First Step
The decision to seek treatment is the most courageous step in the recovery journey. If you’re reading this and feeling uncertain, remember that reaching out doesn’t commit you to anything. It starts a conversation about possibilities for change.
Our admissions team understands the courage it takes to make that call. They’re not there to pressure you, but to listen, answer questions, and help you understand your options. Whether you’re ready to begin treatment immediately or just exploring possibilities, we’re here to help.
Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to seek help! When it comes to addiction, taking action today could save your life or the life of someone you love.
Your Journey to Recovery Starts Here
Opiate addiction may feel like an insurmountable obstacle, but with the right support, recovery is not only possible. It happens every day at We Level Up NJ.
The path to recovery isn’t always straight or easy, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Our team is ready to guide and support you through each step of the journey: from that first phone call through treatment and into ongoing recovery support.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opiate addiction, don’t wait another day to seek help. The decision to reach out could be the first step toward a transformed life.
Contact We Level Up NJ today at (877) 378-4154 to speak with our compassionate admissions team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to pay for opiate addiction rehab in NJ?
While there are costs associated with professional addiction treatment, most people don’t have to pay the full amount out-of-pocket.
At We Level Up NJ, we accept most major insurance plans. Most of them usually cover a significant portion of addiction treatment services.
Our admissions team can verify your insurance benefits and explain all financial aspects before you commit to treatment.
How long does opiate addiction rehab last in New Jersey?
The duration of opiate addiction treatment varies based on individual needs, addiction severity, and progress in recovery. At We Level Up NJ, we offer programs of various lengths to accommodate different situations.
Rather than focusing solely on time frames, we emphasize meeting clinical milestones, such as stable abstinence, successful coping skills, and resolution of underlying issues, to determine when a client is ready to transition to the next level of care.
Where in New Jersey can you find opiate addiction rehab?
We Level Up NJ is conveniently located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, making our comprehensive opiate addiction treatment accessible to residents throughout the state and neighboring areas.
Our facility serves clients from major New Jersey cities including Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Atlantic City, as well as from the New York metropolitan area. Our admissions team can provide information about our services or refer you to other appropriate resources.
Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.
See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.
Start a New Life
Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up treatment center network delivers various recovery programs at each treatment facility. Call to learn more.
- Personalized Care
- Caring Accountable Staff
- Comfortable Amenities
- Licensed & Accredited
- Renowned w/ 5-Star Reviews