Owls Nest Recovery

Opioid Addiction Treatment in Florence, SC

Opioid addiction is one of the most difficult substance use disorders to recover from — and one of the most treatable when the right support is in place.

At Owl's Nest Recovery in Florence, SC, we treat opioid use disorder across a full continuum of outpatient care, with on-campus sober living and medication-assisted treatment available when clinically appropriate. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioids, help is available.

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What Is Opioid Addiction?

Opioid addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition that develops when the brain adapts to repeated opioid use.

With regular use, the brain's natural ability to produce pleasure and manage pain is diminished, leaving people increasingly dependent on opioids to feel normal — let alone well.

Opioids include a wide range of substances, both prescription and illicit:

Prescription opioids:

Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, codeine, tramadol, and others prescribed for pain management

Synthetic opioids:

Fentanyl, carfentanil, and related compounds

Semi-synthetic opioids:

Heroin, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and buprenorphine

Natural opioids:

Morphine and codeine derived directly from the opium poppy

Each of these substances carries addiction risk, and today's illicit opioid supply — heavily contaminated with illicitly manufactured fentanyl — means the line between prescription opioid misuse and exposure to a potentially lethal dose has never been thinner.

Signs of Opioid Addiction

Opioid use disorder exists on a spectrum, and the signs vary depending on the substance, the duration of use, and the individual. Common signs include:

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Using more opioids than intended, or using for longer than planned

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Failed attempts to cut down or stop

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Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from opioids

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Strong cravings that are difficult to resist

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Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home because of opioid use

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Continuing to use despite relationship problems, health consequences, or legal issues

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Giving up activities that were once important

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Using in situations where it is physically dangerous

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Developing tolerance — needing more to get the same effect

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Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using

Physical signs of opioid use include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, slowed breathing, nodding out at unusual times, and unexplained weight loss. Behavioral signs include secretiveness, mood swings, social withdrawal, and financial problems with no clear explanation.

Opioid Withdrawal

Opioid withdrawal is not typically life-threatening in the way that alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal can be, but it is intensely uncomfortable — and for many people, that discomfort is exactly what keeps them using. The fear of withdrawal is one of the most powerful drivers of continued opioid use.

Withdrawal typically begins within 8 to 24 hours of the last dose of short-acting opioids (heroin, oxycodone) and within 36 to 48 hours for longer-acting opioids. Symptoms include:

Intense drug cravings

Muscle aches and restless legs

Sweating, chills, and goosebumps

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Insomnia

Anxiety and agitation

Yawning and teary eyes

The acute phase typically lasts three to seven days. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms — including prolonged anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, and persistent cravings — can last weeks to months and are a significant driver of relapse after the initial withdrawal period.

Do You Need Medical Detox Before Treatment at Owl's Nest?

Most people with significant opioid dependence need some level of medical support during the withdrawal process before beginning a treatment program.

Owl's Nest Recovery does not provide medical detox. Before starting our program, clients with opioid dependence typically complete a supervised detox or stabilization elsewhere and transition to Owl's Nest to begin the work of recovery.

Our admissions team can help you identify the right detox resource and coordinate your transition to Owl's Nest so there is no gap in care. Call (843) 919-4097 and we will help you figure out the right first step.

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How Owl's Nest Treats Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction treatment at Owl's Nest combines medication-assisted treatment, evidence-based clinical therapy, 12-Step recovery, and peer community across our full continuum of care on our 13-acre campus in Florence, SC.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

At Owl's Nest, MAT is available when clinically appropriate and supervised by our Medical Director, Dr. George Cowan. MAT is never a standalone intervention here — it is paired with clinical therapy and 12-Step support, addressing both the physiological and psychological dimensions of opioid addiction.

Individual Therapy

Every client at Owl's Nest receives individual therapy sessions with a primary therapist. For clients with opioid use disorder, therapy commonly includes:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and reshape the thought patterns and triggers that drive opioid use

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to build emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills that support sustained recovery

EMDR for clients whose opioid use is rooted in unresolved trauma.

Motivational interviewing to build and sustain internal motivation for recovery, particularly during the ambivalent early stages

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a core component of treatment at Owl's Nest. Process groups, psychoeducational sessions, and 12-Step immersion are all part of the program.

12-Step Integration

Owl's Nest was founded in 2001 on 12-Step principles, and they remain central to everything we do.

Dual Diagnosis Care

Opioid use disorder is one of the conditions most frequently accompanied by co-occurring mental health challenges. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain are all common in people seeking treatment for opioids.

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Opioid Addiction & Fentanyl

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has become the dominant drug in the illicit opioid supply, and it is now found in counterfeit pills, heroin, cocaine, and even methamphetamine. Someone who has been managing opioid dependence with street heroin or counterfeit pills may not know what dose they have been taking — because fentanyl supply is inconsistent and the margin for overdose is extremely narrow.

If you or someone you love has been using illicit opioids of any kind, naloxone should be on hand. Naloxone (Narcan) is available without a prescription across South Carolina and can reverse an opioid overdose. For more information on where to find it in South Carolina, visit naloxonesavessc.org.

If fentanyl specifically is part of the picture, our dedicated Fentanyl Addiction Treatment page has additional information.

FAQs About Opioid Addiction Treatment

What types of opioids do you treat at Owl's Nest?

We treat opioid use disorder regardless of which opioid is involved — prescription pain medications, fentanyl, heroin, and opioid-acting substances like kratom and concentrated 7-OH products.

Do I have to take medication as part of treatment?

No. MAT is available when clinically appropriate, but it is not required.

How long does opioid addiction treatment take?

There is no standard answer. Clients move through PHP, IOP, and outpatient at a pace determined by clinical progress.

Does insurance cover opioid addiction treatment?

Yes, in most cases. Owl's Nest works with Aetna, Ambetter, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Elevance Health, Magellan, TRICARE, United Healthcare, and VA Community Care. Verify your insurance online to find out exactly what your plan covers.

What if I've tried treatment before and relapsed?

Prior treatment and relapse do not disqualify you from treatment at Owl's Nest — and they do not mean recovery is not possible for you.

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Get Help for Opioid Addiction Today

People recover from opioid addiction every day, including people who have been struggling for years and people who have tried treatment before.

Our admissions team is ready to talk, verify your insurance, and help you take the first step. The call costs nothing and there is no obligation.

Call or verify your insurance online to get started.