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What Is Opioid Addiction?

Understand opioid addiction, how it happens, who is at risk, and what treatments are available.

Defining Opioid Addiction

Opioids are medications often prescribed for severe or persistent pain. Opioid painkillers are usually used by people with chronic, intense back pain or headaches, recovering from surgery, or who were badly injured in accidents. Unfortunately, opioids have a high potential for addiction because they can make the brain and body believe the drug is necessary for survival.

Addiction can worsen when tolerance increases, meaning individuals must use higher and higher doses to feel the effects of the drug. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, over two million Americans misuse opioids, and on average, ninety Americans die each day due to opioid overdose. 1

How Do Opioids Work?

Opioids work by attaching to proteins on nerve cells in the brain, gut, spinal cord, and other areas of the body. These nerve cells are called opioid receptors. When opioids attach to opioid receptors, they block pain signals sent through the body from the spinal cord to the brain. This results in the patient feeling less or no pain. 2

Types of Opioids

There are different types of opioids, both legal and illegal. These include the following:

  • Prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and methadone
  • Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl
  • Illegal opioids, such as heroin

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How Do Opioids Work?

Opioids work by attaching to proteins on nerve cells in the brain, gut, spinal cord, and other areas of the body. These nerve cells are called opioid receptors. When opioids attach to opioid receptors, they block pain signals sent through the body from the spinal cord to the brain. This results in the patient feeling less or no pain. 2

Types of Opioids

There are different types of opioids, both legal and illegal. These include the following:

  • Prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and methadone
  • Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl
  • Illegal opioids, such as heroin

Questions About Treatment?

Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.

Opioid Addiction

Psychological and Physical Signs of Opioid Use

Opioid use disorder is a medical condition in which an individual is unable to abstain from using opioids. They become dependent on the substance, and often can’t reach sobriety without intervention. Someone with opioid use disorder may structure their lives around obtaining the drug and feeling an opioid high.

Psychological Impacts

The effects of opiates can cause significant mood and behavior change. A common severe side effect of opioid abuse is depression, which can have intrusive and destructive influences on a person’s life. Depression will likely interfere with daily life, responsibilities, and personal relationships.

How to Identify Opioid Abuse

Signs of opioid abuse include:
  • Mood swings
  • Agitation
  • Irritability
  • Shallow or slow breathing rate
  • Depression
  • Lowered motivation
  • Lowered libido
  • Anxiety attacks
  • Constipation
  • Small pupils
  • Slurred speech

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms

Someone with opioid use disorder may experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using opioids. Withdrawal symptoms include intense cravings, sweating, aggravation, headaches, and other physical and mental side effects. However, someone can misuse opioids without physical dependence, making it easier to quit. 3

Sometimes, people may not show the signs of opioid abuse right away; nevertheless, it is important to look out for signs of opioid abuse in order to best direct addiction recovery.

Risk Factors of Opioid Addiction

The causes of developing opioid use disorder vary from person to person. Opioids provide pain relief and calming sensations, easily sought-after feelings. Thus, when combining these effects with the drug’s addictive qualities, the risk for abuse increases.

If someone is prescribed opioids and finds themself wanting to continue using the drugs after they run out, that may be a warning sign that they are vulnerable to opioid addiction. It’s important to stop using opioids when the pain diminishes and avoid asking for prescription refills. Even after the need for them subsides, continued use increases the chance of developing a tolerance and dependence on opioids.

Factors That Increase Risk of Opioid Addiction

Other risk factors that may lead to opioid addiction include:
  • Family history of addiction or substance misuse
  • Regular or heavy tobacco use
  • History of mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.)
  • Risk-taking or thrill-seeking behavior
  • Severe pressure at home or at work
  • Previous criminal activity

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Opioid withdrawal happens after the body has become reliant on receiving a consistent amount of opioids. Withdrawal symptoms from opioids can begin six hours after the last dose and tend to peak around after three days.

Sign of Opioid Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms from opioids include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Muscle aches and pain
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Runny nose
  • Chills
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Drug cravings

Most withdrawal symptoms will subside within a week. Medications and therapy can help make the withdrawal process smoother and minimize health risks.

Signs of an Opioid Overdose

Recognizing an opioid overdose can be difficult, but knowing the signs of opioid abuse and overdose is essential. America is in the midst of an opioid epidemic, and opioids are involved in most drug overdose deaths—in 2019, opioids were involved in 49,860 overdose deaths, which is a full 70% of all overdose deaths. Additionally, nearly 40 people die every day in the United States from an overdose death involving heroin. 4

Knowing these statistics, it’s vital to call 911 or seek medical care if you or someone around you may be overdosing. Even if you’re unsure if someone is having an overdose, it’s best to treat the situation as though the person is because, ultimately, you could be saving a life.

Toxicity Signals

Look for these opioid toxicity signs if you suspect an overdose:
  • Small “pinpoint” pupils
  • Inability to stay awake or conscious
  • Unresponsiveness to outside stimulation
  • Erratic pulse or no pulse
  • Slow, shallow breathing, or no breathing
  • Choking or gurgling noises
  • Limp body
  • Blue, pale, or cold skin

How Essence Healthcare Can Help

Opioid addiction

Medical professionals are the best people to turn to when seeking help for addiction. Essence Healthcare offers the full spectrum of care, including detoxification, rehabilitation, and a wide range of therapies to help with recovery.

For opioid use disorder, Essence offers personalized programs and treatments to end the cycle of addiction. Offering unique, customized care, Essence combines evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and the 12-Step program with more modern and inventive therapeutic techniques. This guarantees each patient gets the treatment plan that works best for them.

Call Us Today

At Essence Healthcare, people can heal in a compassionate, family-like atmosphere where their recovery and well-being are our highest priorities. We provide personalized, one-on-one treatment to recover as quickly as possible, allowing patients to start the next chapter of their lives.

Contact us today to learn more and begin the path to a positive and substance-free lifestyle.