Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jason Z.W. Powers, MD, MAPP
Board-Certified in Family Medicine & Addiction Medicine | University of Pennsylvania
Understanding the Crisis
Drug poisoning is now the leading cause of injury-related death for Texans aged 24 to 69. Texas drug deaths increased 68% between 2019 and 2024, driven largely by opioids and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Opioid addiction often begins innocently. A prescription for pain after surgery, an injury, or a chronic condition. The brain's reward system responds to opioids by flooding it with dopamine, creating a powerful association between the drug and relief. Over time, the brain adapts, requiring more of the drug to feel normal. This is physical dependence, and it can develop in as little as a few weeks of regular use.
If you or someone you love is caught in this cycle, you are not alone. Recovery is possible, and it starts with one call.
Common opioids: Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), Morphine, Codeine, Tramadol, Fentanyl, Methadone, Heroin
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Recognizing the Signs
Needing higher doses for the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms when not using (muscle aches, sweating, nausea). Constricted pupils. Drowsiness or nodding off. Constipation and weight changes.
Doctor shopping for multiple prescriptions. Taking more than prescribed. Running out early. Hiding use from family. Spending increasing time and money obtaining opioids. Neglecting responsibilities.
Strained relationships. Job loss or declining performance. Financial problems. Legal issues. Loss of interest in activities. Isolation. Continued use despite knowing the consequences.
The Science
Understanding the physical impact helps explain why willpower alone is not enough. The brain can heal with sustained recovery.
Opioids flood the brain with dopamine, creating intense euphoria. Over time, the brain reduces its own dopamine production, making it impossible to feel normal without the drug. This is why opioid addiction feels like a physical need, not a choice.
Opioids slow breathing. At high doses, breathing can stop entirely, the primary cause of overdose death. Risk increases dramatically when mixed with alcohol or benzodiazepines. Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse an overdose but must be given quickly.
Chronic use causes severe constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain. Opioids suppress immune function. Injection use adds risks of HIV, hepatitis C, endocarditis, and skin infections.
Self-Assessment
Take this quick, confidential assessment. It only takes 2 minutes.
Your assessment is confidential. We'll personalize your results and recommendations.
If your results suggest you may benefit from a conversation with a counselor, we'd like to follow up. Completely optional.
Based on your answers...
This self-assessment is not a medical diagnosis. A professional evaluation is recommended.
The Progression
Taking medication as prescribed for legitimate pain.
Taking more than prescribed. Using for mood, not just pain. Seeking early refills.
Physical need. Withdrawal when stopping. Doctor shopping. Tolerance requiring higher doses.
Loss of control. Compulsive use despite consequences. May transition to heroin or fentanyl. Medical detox required.
What to Expect
Reaching out can feel like the hardest step. Once you do, we walk you through the rest.
Someone on our team answers and listens, with no judgment.
We ask about your situation and verify insurance at no cost.
Your care team recommends detox, residential, or outpatient.
Many clients start the same day. We handle logistics.
Withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal is intensely uncomfortable but rarely life-threatening with medical supervision. Our team provides 24/7 care with medication to manage symptoms.
Anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, yawning, runny nose. Begins within hours of the last dose.
Severe muscle/bone pain, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, insomnia. Most uncomfortable phase.
Physical symptoms ease. Anxiety, depression may persist. MAT helps manage cravings.
Physical withdrawal resolves. Cravings, mood swings, sleep issues continue. Ongoing treatment prevents relapse.
Your Treatment Path
Every person's path to recovery is different. We offer a full continuum of care so you get the right level of support at every stage.
Medically-supervised detox with 24/7 nursing care. 4-6 day programs with medication to manage withdrawal safely.
Learn About Detox24/7 inpatient care at 3 Texas campuses. Group therapy, individual counseling, family workshops, and the Positive Recovery curriculum.
Learn About ResidentialFlexible programming 3-4 days per week at 15+ Texas locations. Continue working or going to school while getting the support you need.
Learn About IOPA Different Approach
Opioids initially provide relief and euphoria. Our approach helps you find those feelings naturally, through positive emotions, meaningful relationships, engagement, purpose, and achievement.
When your life is genuinely fulfilling, opioids lose their power. This is what makes us different from traditional programs that focus only on what's wrong.
Learn About Our ApproachMedication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
FDA-approved medications help manage withdrawal, reduce cravings, and support long-term recovery. MAT is always combined with therapy.
Partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal without producing the full high. Gold standard for opioid MAT. Can be prescribed in outpatient settings.
Reduces anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, and sweating during acute detox. Not an opioid itself.
Blocks opioid effects entirely. Monthly injection prevents relapse. Used after detox is complete.
Monthly buprenorphine injection. Steady medication levels without daily dosing.
All medications are prescribed and monitored by our physicians. MAT is most effective combined with behavioral therapy and our Positive Recovery curriculum.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Many people who develop opioid addiction also struggle with chronic pain, depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Treating one without the other often leads to relapse.
At Positive Recovery, we treat the whole person. Our clinicians address co-occurring disorders alongside opioid addiction with coordinated care.
"The staff and treatment was absolutely amazing. Facility was beautiful and peaceful. I learned a lot about myself that I still use today."Donna Campbell Google Review
For Families
The fear of overdose is constant. You may feel helpless, angry, exhausted, or all three at once.
You are not helpless. Our family workshops help loved ones understand addiction as a medical condition, set healthy boundaries, and support recovery without enabling. Even if the person you love isn't ready for treatment yet, we can help you.
Common Questions
Opioid withdrawal is intensely uncomfortable but rarely life-threatening when medically supervised. The bigger danger is quitting alone and relapsing, because tolerance drops rapidly. A dose tolerated before withdrawal can be fatal after even a few days of abstinence.
Acute withdrawal typically lasts 4-7 days, peaking around days 1-3. Our detox programs run 4-6 days. Post-acute symptoms (cravings, mood changes, sleep issues) can persist for weeks to months.
Not necessarily. Some clients use MAT short-term during detox and early recovery, then taper off. Others benefit from longer-term MAT. Our medical team works with you to find the right approach.
Yes. How it started doesn't change what it is. Opioid use disorder is a medical condition defined by dependence, loss of control, and continued use despite consequences. It deserves the same treatment and compassion as any disease.
Yes. The Mental Health Parity Act requires most plans to cover substance abuse treatment. We're in-network with BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and many others. Call 713-904-4699 for free verification.
You can set boundaries, stop enabling, and call us for guidance. Our team can discuss options including professional intervention services. Call even if your loved one isn't ready yet.
After detox (4-7 days residential), our IOP runs 3-4 days/week with day and evening options at 15+ locations. Many clients return to work during IOP. However, most opioid-dependent clients need medical detox first.
We Also Treat
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Where We Treat
We treat opioid addiction across Texas. Start at our Houston treatment locations, our Dallas-Fort Worth treatment locations, or our Austin and Hill Country treatment locations, or browse all 20+ Positive Recovery locations to find the clinic closest to you.
Opioid addiction is serious, and you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions team is here 24/7 to talk things through.
