What is the scope of the opioid crisis?
Opioid use disorder affects an estimated 2.7 million Americans. The crisis has evolved through three distinct waves: prescription opioid misuse (1990s-2010), heroin resurgence (2010-2013), and synthetic opioids including fentanyl (2013-present). Florida ranks among the top 10 states for opioid-related overdose deaths.
Opioid use disorder is classified in the DSM-5 as a pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, meeting 2 or more of 11 diagnostic criteria within 12 months. The condition alters brain structure and function in areas governing reward, stress, and self-control — which is why willpower alone is insufficient for sustained recovery.
Fentanyl now contaminates the majority of the illicit drug supply, making even casual or experimental opioid use potentially fatal. Fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, and lethal doses can be as small as 2 milligrams.
What medication-assisted treatment does Ascend offer for opiate addiction?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the gold standard for opioid use disorder. The FDA has approved three medications, and Ascend's medical team evaluates each client to determine the most appropriate option:
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sublocade): Partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing euphoria at therapeutic doses. Available in sublingual film, tablet, or monthly injectable (Sublocade) formulations.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol): Opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors entirely. Available as monthly injectable. Requires full opioid clearance before initiation (typically 7-14 days).
- Methadone: Full opioid agonist dispensed through licensed OTPs (Opioid Treatment Programs). Ascend coordinates with methadone clinics when clinically indicated.
Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse demonstrates that MAT reduces opioid use, overdose death, criminal activity, and infectious disease transmission. MAT combined with behavioral therapy produces significantly better outcomes than either approach alone.
Questions About What medication-assisted treatment does?
Call our 24/7 admissions line or verify your insurance online.
How does EMDR help with opiate addiction and trauma?
An estimated 60-80% of individuals with opioid use disorder have experienced significant trauma. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps process traumatic memories that often drive addictive behaviors.
Developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically guided eye movements) while the client processes distressing memories. The therapy has been extensively validated by organizations including the World Health Organization, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the American Psychiatric Association.
At Ascend, EMDR is integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan alongside CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and group therapy. For clients with co-occurring PTSD and opioid use disorder, trauma processing is essential — unresolved trauma is one of the most common relapse triggers.
“Opioid use disorder is a medical condition — not a character deficiency. Medication-assisted treatment combined with behavioral therapy is the most effective approach we have. We give every client access to evidence-based care without stigma.”
What is the treatment timeline for opiate addiction?
Opioid use disorder treatment at Ascend follows a structured progression through multiple levels of care:
- Stabilization (Week 1-2): Clinical assessment, MAT initiation or stabilization, psychiatric evaluation, treatment planning. Clients entering from detox are evaluated for appropriate level of care.
- Active Treatment — PHP (Weeks 2-8): Full-day programming including individual therapy 2-3x weekly, daily group therapy, MAT monitoring, psychiatric services, and family therapy.
- Step-Down — IOP (Weeks 8-20): Reduced intensity with continued individual and group therapy, MAT management, relapse prevention skills, and community reintegration support.
- Continuing Care (Ongoing): Outpatient sessions, telehealth support, MAT management, alumni programming, and peer support connections.
NIDA research indicates that treatment durations under 90 days have limited long-term effectiveness for opioid use disorder. Many clients benefit from 12+ months of continued MAT and therapeutic support.
