Opioids are biological (harvested from opium poppies) and synthetic chemicals that bind to opioid receptors in the human body and create morphine-like effects. Opiates are a subset of opioids and generally refer to naturally occurring chemicals derived from the opium poppy. learn about the history of opiate use and addiction

Our Maintenance To Abstinence program is a new intensive treatment for opiate addiction. The treatment enables individuals addicted to opiate drugs like Vicodin®, Darvon®, Percocet®, and Oxycontin® to begin a new chapter in their lives, free from opiate dependence. read more about maintenance to abstinence

Prescription drugs make difficult and complex surgery possible, relieve pain for millions of people, and enable many with chronic medical conditions to control their symptoms and lead productive lives. Most people who take prescription medications use them responsibly. However, extensive use of prescription drugs is a serious public health concern because the continued use of prescription opioid-based drugs can lead to abuse and addiction, characterized by compulsive drug seeking and sometimes criminal behavior.

Addiction doesn't always occur among people who use opiate pain relievers, however, inappropriate use of prescription drugs can lead to addiction in some cases. Patients, healthcare professionals, and pharmacists all have roles in preventing misuse and addiction. For example, if a doctor prescribes a pain medication, the patient should follow the directions for use very carefully, and educate themselves on what effects the drug could have — along with potential interactions with other drugs — by reading all information provided by the pharmacist. Physicians and other health care providers should screen for any type of substance abuse during routine history-taking with questions about what prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines the patient is taking, how much and why.