NABHS offers opioid addiction treatment, guiding you to nearby rehabs with medication-assisted treatments and support your recovery today.
Opiate or opioid abuse has been a growing problem in recent years, leading to significant disruptions in the lives of individuals and families affected by it. This addiction is a silent killer lurking in the shadows that are waiting to strike.
What is Opiates or Opioids?
Opiates or opioids are drugs that are used to treat pain. These can include:
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Morphine
- Heroin
- Methadone
- Tramadol
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Opium
- Tapentadol
Addiction to opioids can result in physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms combined with major health issues like an overdose. Additionally, opiate addiction can lead to financial, legal, and social problems, including loss of employment, and strained relationships.
It is estimated that millions of people in the United States are suffering from opiate addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2022, an estimated 9.2 million people misused opioids in the past year, with a significant portion related to prescription pain relievers and heroin.
Fentanyl was involved in nearly 70% of all opioid overdose deaths in 2022. The presence of fentanyl in various drugs has significantly increased the risk of overdose.
Young adults (18-25) and adults aged 26-39 are particularly affected, with high rates of opioid misuse and overdose deaths. Older adults and adolescents also continue to be impacted, though at lower rates.
The opioid epidemic has affected people from all walks of life and has been declared a public health emergency by the federal government. Increased access to addiction treatment and public awareness campaigns on the risks of opiate usage are all part of efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.
Is Opioid Addiction a part of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5?
Yes. It is a part of substance use disorder under Opioid Use Disorder.
Diagnostic Criteria for Opioid Use Disorder
A problematic pattern of opioid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
- Opioids are often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
- There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control opioid use.
- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the opioid, use the opioid, or recover from its effects.
- Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use opioids.
- Recurrent opioid use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
- Continued opioid use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of opioids.
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of opioid use.
- Recurrent opioid use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
- Continued opioid use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance.
- Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
- A need for markedly increased amounts of opioids to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
- A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of an opioid.
Note: This criterion is not considered to be met for those taking opioids solely under appropriate medical supervision.
- Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
- The characteristic opioid withdrawal syndrome.
- Opioids (or a closely related substance) are taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Prescription Opioid Addiction
At various stages during an individual’s opiate use, medical care may become necessary.
- In the early stages, a person may seek medical care to manage chronic pain or other conditions that may lead to the prescription of opioids by a healthcare provider.
- As the use progresses and becomes problematic, the person may seek medical help to address the physical and psychological dependence caused by opiate use. This can include detoxification and withdrawal management, as well as counseling and behavioral therapies to address the underlying issues that led to the addiction.
- In case of an overdose, immediate medical attention is required, such as administering naloxone, a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of opioids.
- In case of long-term use, a person may suffer from various health issues such as cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, and depression which will require medical attention.
It is important to consider that the sooner treatment is obtained, the higher the odds of success for anyone battling opiate addiction.
What triggers an opioid addiction?
- The development of opioid addiction can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as genetics, mental health, and the individual’s environment.
- A person may sometimes become addicted to opioids just a few days or weeks after first consuming the opioid in excess or in a manner other than what is recommended.
- However, in other cases, addiction can develop more gradually. In order to attain the same amount of pain relief, for instance, a person may start using an opioid as prescribed for pain management, but with time they may start taking more than what is recommended.
- Opiate addiction sparks the dopamine pathways by binding to specific receptors in the brain, activating the release of dopamine and triggering the brain’s reward system. This makes a person crave the drug and experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it. Over time, chronic use can alter the brain in ways that make quitting the drug more challenging and raise the likelihood of addiction.
Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal
- Dysphoric mood
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Lacrimation or rhinorrhea
- Pupillary dilation, piloerection, or sweating
- Diarrhea
- Yawning
- Fever
- Insomnia
Opioid Addiction Treatment
When looking for an opioid addiction treatment near me or opioid addiction treatment center, remember to choose a setting that suits you and your needs.
Inpatient Treatment for Opioid Addiction
Inpatient treatment includes recreational therapy, group therapy, and family therapy, giving patients a chance to process their feelings and experiences in a safe, supportive, and comfortable environment. Patients who receive inpatient therapy can concentrate on their rehabilitation free from the distractions and temptations of daily life.
It also allows patients to receive a high level of care and support during the early phases of recovery, which can be crucial for success.
DUAL DIAGNOSIS
An opioid or opiate addiction might co-occur with a emantal health disorder, such as:
- Anxiety
- Major depressive disorder
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
We ensure that you get the treatment for both your mental health disorder and addiction, so that there is true progress and resolution.
Other treatment options for Opioid Addiction
Opioid Addiction treatment can include multiple elements that might be given alongside the main treatment, such as:
- Cognitive behavioral Therapy
- Group Therapy or Support Groups
- Medication Assisted Therapy
- Psychosocial Education
- 12-Steps Program
- Holistic Program
