Dr. Tim O’Connor, MD
Psychiatrist
The opioid crisis continues to affect families across North Carolina. While prescription pain medications once accounted for many opioid-related addictions, illicit fentanyl has dramatically increased the risk of overdose in recent years.
The opioid crisis continues to affect families across North Carolina. While prescription pain medications once accounted for many opioid-related addictions, illicit fentanyl has dramatically increased the risk of overdose in recent years.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), fentanyl is now involved in the majority of opioid overdose deaths across the state.Â
Behind those statistics are individuals and families trying to navigate a condition that can feel overwhelming, frightening, and isolating.Â
The good news is that opioid addiction is treatable.Â
Whether you are concerned about prescription pain medications, heroin, fentanyl, or another opioid, effective treatment is available. Advaita Integrated Medicine provides evidence-based opioid addiction treatment in North Carolina, helping individuals build a path toward long-term recovery.Â
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a medical condition characterized by the continued use of opioids despite negative consequences. It affects brain circuits involved in reward, motivation, learning, and self-control, making it far more complex than simply lacking willpower.
Opioids include both prescription medications and illicit substances.
Prescription opioids may include:
Illicit opioids include:
Many people develop an opioid use disorder after initially taking prescription medications exactly as directed. Others begin using opioids recreationally or are unknowingly exposed to fentanyl through counterfeit pills or contaminated drugs.
Regardless of how opioid use begins, repeated exposure changes how the brain responds to pain, reward, and cravings. Over time, stopping opioid use often becomes far more difficult than simply deciding to quit.
Opioid addiction develops over time rather than appearing all at once. While every person’s experience is different, there are common behavioral, physical, and psychological signs that opioid use is becoming increasingly difficult to control.
No single symptom confirms opioid addiction. A comprehensive clinical assessment considers patterns that develop over time and how opioid use is affecting a person’s daily life.
Opioid withdrawal can be physically and emotionally uncomfortable. While withdrawal from opioids is generally not life-threatening in otherwise healthy adults, the symptoms can be severe enough to make stopping without support extremely difficult.
The fear of withdrawal can be a powerful motivator that makes quitting even more difficult.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
For short-acting opioids such as heroin, withdrawal symptoms often begin within 6 to 12 hours after the last use, typically peak within the first few days, and gradually improve over the following week. Longer-acting opioids may produce a different timeline.
The intensity of withdrawal depends on several factors, including the type of opioid used, the amount used, how long it has been used, overall health, and the presence of other medical or mental health conditions.
Because withdrawal can be physically demanding and cravings often increase the risk of relapse, anyone considering stopping opioid use should first speak with a qualified healthcare professional. A clinical assessment can help determine whether medical detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, or another level of care is the safest and most appropriate option.
Opioid addiction is highly treatable, and recovery often involves more than simply stopping opioid use. Effective treatment addresses the physical dependence, the psychological aspects of addiction, and the factors that contribute to long-term recovery.
Treatment recommendations are based on the individual’s needs, medical history, recovery environment, and whether other mental health conditions are also present.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. Research consistently shows that MAT can reduce opioid use, lower the risk of overdose, and improve long-term treatment engagement.Â
Depending on a person’s needs, medications may include:
Medication decisions should always be made in collaboration with a qualified healthcare provider.
Therapy helps individuals better understand the thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and life circumstances contributing to opioid use while developing practical skills to support long-term recovery.
CBT is an often-used therapy for helping individuals recognize patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to substance use while developing healthier ways of responding to stress, cravings, and difficult emotions.Â
Recovery becomes more sustainable when people begin building a life that competes with substance use. CRA focuses on strengthening relationships, employment, recreation, and other meaningful activities that support long-term recovery.Â
Opioid addiction often affects the entire family. Family therapy can improve communication, establish healthy boundaries, and help rebuild trust throughout the recovery process.Â
Recovery is rarely a straight line. People’s needs often change over time, and treatment should be flexible enough to change with them.
We offer multiple levels of care so individuals can receive the support that best fits their situation.
Treatment options may include:
Weekly therapy helps individuals develop coping skills, prevent relapse, and address the emotional and behavioral factors contributing to opioid use.
Our psychiatric providers evaluate co-occurring mental health conditions and determine whether medications may support recovery.
Many of our psychiatrists and medication providers have specialized training in addiction medicine and understand the unique challenges of treating substance use disorders alongside mental health conditions.Â
When appropriate, medications can help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and support long-term recovery as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Â
Recovery often requires more than attending a therapy session once a week. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides multiple hours of treatment each week, giving individuals the opportunity to strengthen coping skills, manage cravings, address relapse triggers, and build a recovery plan while continuing to live at home. An IOP can be an appropriate option for those stepping down from a higher level of care or for individuals who need more support than traditional outpatient treatment can provide.
For individuals who need a greater level of structure, our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers comprehensive treatment several days each week while allowing participants to return home in the evenings.
PHP combines individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatry, medication management, and recovery planning to help individuals stabilize early in recovery and prepare for a successful transition to a lower level of care.
Treatment recommendations are based on a comprehensive clinical assessment, ensuring each person receives the level of support that best matches their recovery needs.
Opioid addiction frequently occurs alongside other mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Sometimes opioid use begins as an attempt to cope with emotional distress. In other cases, prolonged opioid use contributes to worsening mental health symptoms. Because these conditions often influence one another, addressing only one while ignoring the other can make recovery more difficult.
We approach treatment a little different than others. With us, psychiatry, therapy, and substance use treatment work together to address both conditions as part of a coordinated treatment plan.
Learn more about our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program.Â
If you or someone you know is experiencing an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately. If naloxone (Narcan®) is available, administer it according to the product instructions while waiting for emergency medical services.Â
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Â
For help finding treatment for opioid addiction, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential treatment information and referrals.Â
Opioid addiction can affect every part of a person’s life, but recovery is possible.
Whether you are concerned about prescription pain medications, heroin, fentanyl, or another opioid, seeking help early can make a meaningful difference.
Our team at Advaita Integrated Medicine can help you understand your treatment options, determine the appropriate level of care, and develop a plan that supports long-term recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about opioid addiction treatment in North Carolina.
This page should be clinically reviewed before publication.
Primary sources:
Psychiatrist
Psychiatric Physician Assistant
Psychiatric Physician Assistant
Clinical Therapist
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