Opioids, also called Opiates or Narcotics, are found in certain prescription pain medications including hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, fentanyl, morphine, and illegal drugs such as heroin. Doctors will prescribe Opiate painkiller medications to treat acute pain. Prolonged use of Opiates can lead to a lessening of the pain relieving effects causing pain to become worse. As the effectiveness of the pain reliever begins to diminish, more of the drug is required for it to be effective.
Signs of Opiate Use Disorder Include:
- Sedation
- Small pupils
- Slurred speech
- Nausea/vomiting
- Flushed skin or itching
- Shallow breathing or slowed breathing
- Increased pain tolerance
How Does Someone Become Addicted to Opioids?
The body can actually develop a dependence to the drug. With prolonged use, changes to the functions in the brain’s nerve cells begin to occur. Even individuals using Opioids for a long period of time as prescribed by a doctor can experience this change. The nerve cells become used to having Opioids present and when they are taken away suddenly the individual may experience a number of withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant feelings and reactions which include vomiting, nausea, hot and cold sweats, diarrhea, low energy, irritability, insomnia, muscle aches and pains, and abdominal cramping.
Treatment of Opiate Abuse
Following the detoxification of Opiates, addiction is treated with behavioral therapy and medication. Evaluation and treatment of co-occurirng mental health disorders will also typically be conducted. If diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder and Opiate addiction, it is important that the client receive specialized treatment for both conditions. At Life Circle transitional living, we operate as a comprehensive assisted sober living for individuals with co-occurring disorders. Through comfortable housing, individualized treatment, and a highly experienced support staff, we can provide residents with the care and structure needed to help them build lives and become responsible members of society. Contact us today to learn more at 877.846.5073.
