“Kicking” opiates is exceptionally hard for most addicts during the first week. If an addict succeeds the initial physical part of withdrawal, an addict will have to bear out a condition similar in some respects to methamphetamine withdrawal called P.A.W.S., post acute withdrawal syndrome. That’s really the tough part. It takes months and is predominately psychological. PAWS hits a average peak in 3 months making the risk of relapse very high for the first 3-6 months. That is why short term treatment claims can be mis-leading. Here are some links that are very helpful in explaining the complexity and details of what treatment and recovery look like:
Opiate Addiction, A New Breed of Drug Dependency Warrants Unique Approach ♦ Understanding Drug Dependence, Novus Medical Detox ♦ Treatment Options of Long Term Opiate Addiction ♦ Suboxone Assisted Treatment ♦ Aegis Medical Systems, Video Library ♦ National Advocacy ♦ Medical Assisted Treatment ♦ NIDA, Treatment Options ♦ links by Mary Slivinski
“The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” — Albert Einstein
DadOnFire 
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December 7, 2009 at 10:46 pm
supportrecoverytrainings
Opiate addiction does have some special components, which must be addressed if we want to help individuals who are seeking recovery. Medicated-assisted recovery is becoming more understood and supported. Support recovery trainings supports all pathways to recovery. Advocacy and public education are the key elements in creating positive change, by which to knock down the critical recovery roadblock that stigma and discrimination represent. I am dual-diagnosed individual in long-term recovery. At 46 years old I went to college, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelors in Science and Social Work, got my social work license and completed my Master’s program in one year. Today, I do advocacy on both levels, professional and personal. I believe that I am not the exception but more the norm for people in recovery. I speak out, at every opportunity, to present the reality of recovery. Society is only as strong as its weakest link; there are no throw-away people. It is the duty of the strong to help the weak so that they may become strong. Our public officials must stop cutting funding for programs that provide prevention, treatment and recovery support services. Each year those who seek help is growing larger but availability of programs to provide help is shrinking.
December 7, 2009 at 11:53 pm
dadonfire
I have talked with many opiate addicts including those in my own family. I know the issue is complex and difficult, especially when you add dual diagnosis. Some, including my self are seeking the answers. I agree with what you say. America needs to come to grips with a growing problem. I also believe that when we concern ourselves with drug addiction and mental illness, we engage in valuable introspection regarding what is breaking down in America.