Opioid Addiction
The United States is currently caught in the grip of an opioid overdose epidemic. Opioids are often prescribed by doctors to treat acute pain in patients. Opioids, also known as opiates, include hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, morphine, and other related drugs. These drugs work to reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain and affect the brain areas controlling emotion, diminishing the effects of a painful stimulus. It is estimated that between 26.4 million and 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide. According to a 2012 study, approximately 2.1 million people in the United States suffer from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers. Opioid medications can produce a sense of well-being and pleasure for people who take them. Some people will abuse pain pills by crushing them to snort or inject which will increase the feeling of euphoria.
Symptoms of opioid addiction include:
- A strong desire to use opioids
- The inability to control use or reduce use
- Legal problems caused by drug use
- Development of tolerance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping or reducing use
Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Inability to sleep
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
Treatment for opioid addiction consists of monitored detox at an inpatient addiction facility followed by long-term therapy and medication for continued recovery. For patients diagnosed with co-occurring disorders, which is when a person suffers from both a mental illness and a problematic substance abuse condition, it is important that they receive specialized care. Silicon Beach Outpatient Center is an intensive outpatient treatment program in Los Angeles. Our program provides clients seeking treatment for drug and alcohol addiction with a recovery program focused on healing the entire person. Clients receive therapy along with additional treatments including trauma support, relapse prevention, mindfulness meditation, yoga, transportation, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction contact the dedicated addiction recovery specialists at Silicon Beach Outpatient Center at 310.846.8215.
