Prescription Opioid Addiction Treatment in Missouri City, TX

How Dependence Develops

The FDA’s guidance on opioid dependence notes that physical dependence can develop within just a few weeks of regular opioid use, even at prescribed doses. Dependence is not the same as addiction, but it is a precursor. When physical dependence is established, stopping the medication produces withdrawal. The discomfort of withdrawal becomes its own driver of continued use, separate from the original pain condition.

Addiction, characterized by compulsive use, loss of control, and continued use despite negative consequences, develops in a subset of those who become physically dependent. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, a personal or family history of substance use disorder, co-occurring mental health conditions (particularly anxiety and depression), and a history of trauma.

Signs That a Prescription Has Become a Problem

Many people with prescription opioid use disorder do not recognize it as addiction, because the origin was legitimate medical treatment. Signs that use has crossed into a disordered pattern include:

• Needing to take more medication than prescribed to get the same effect (tolerance)
• Running out of medication early and seeking early refills
• Visiting multiple doctors or emergency rooms to obtain prescriptions (“doctor shopping”)
• Experiencing withdrawal between doses: restlessness, sweating, nausea, anxiety
• Taking medication to manage emotional pain or anxiety, not just physical pain
• Continuing to use despite negative consequences on work, relationships, or health
• Feelings of shame or secrecy around use

Treatment at Shepherd Recovery Centers

Individualized Assessment

Our clinical team conducts a comprehensive assessment that distinguishes between physical dependence and opioid use disorder, evaluates the role of legitimate pain management in your history, screens for co-occurring conditions, and identifies the social and psychological factors maintaining current use. This assessment is the foundation of an effective, individualized treatment plan.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

For clients with prescription opioid use disorder, MAT is frequently an important component of treatment. SAMHSA guidelines support buprenorphine (Suboxone) and extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol) as first-line treatments. For clients with a history of chronic pain that contributed to opioid use, our team works collaboratively to develop a plan that addresses pain management without fueling continued opioid dependence.

Therapy and Skill Building

Individual therapy using CBT and Motivational Interviewing addresses the psychological dimensions of opioid use disorder. Group therapy builds community and reduces the isolation that often accompanies addiction. Psychoeducational groups help clients understand the neuroscience of opioid dependence, which many find reduces self-blame and increases engagement in treatment.

Chronic Pain and Addiction

Clients who have co-occurring chronic pain and opioid use disorder require specialized attention. Our team is experienced in working with clients who need to address their pain without returning to opioid medications. This often involves integrating non-opioid pain management strategies, including CBT for chronic pain, physical activity recommendations, and coordination with the client’s medical providers.

Prescription opioid misuse costs the United States more than $78 billion annually in healthcare costs, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement. (CDC, 2021)