What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that interact with nerve receptors in the body, reducing the intensity of pain signals to the brain. They are often prescribed by doctors as a way to manage pain after surgery or an accident or to manage chronic pain caused by degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to helping people manage pain, opioids also cause the brain to release endorphins, creating a relaxed or euphoric feeling. Because of this, opioids are highly addictive. In many cases, people who have been prescribed painkillers by their doctors become physiologically dependent on them.
Examples of Opioid Drugs
Opioid drugs fall into three different classes — natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Regardless of the type, opioids of all kinds can be misused and have addiction potential. The following is a list of some of the most commonly used opioid drugs.
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Oxycodone (OxyContin®)
- Heroine
- Methadone
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
- Opium
- Fentanyl
Signs of Opioid Addiction
Many people who are struggling with opioid addiction may not display symptoms right away but over time, physical dependency can start to interfere with daily life. The following are some of the potential warning signs of opioid addiction.
Physical Signs
- Drowsiness
- Weight loss
- Loss of coordination
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Slurred speech
Behavioral Signs
- Irritability
- Depression
- Drastic mood swings
- Anxiety
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Isolation from family and friends
- Abandoning responsibilities
- New financial struggles
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Exploring the Difference Between Tolerance, Dependence, and Addiction
It may not be easy to determine if you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction. Understanding the meaning of the terms tolerance, dependence, and addiction can help in understanding the severity and what kind of treatment is necessary.
Opioid Tolerance
Tolerance occurs when a person using opioids begins to experience a reduced response and therefore, requires to consume more opioids in order to experience the same desirable “high”. Tolerance isn’t necessarily indicative of a problem because some prescription medications are known to become increasingly ineffective over time. However, when taken independently of a doctor’s close supervision, it could signal signs of a growing addiction.
Opioid Dependence
Dependence means that a person’s brain has adjusted to regular opioid use and without it, unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal will occur when stopped. Withdrawal symptoms can be mild such as headaches, sweating, and an upset stomach. However, they can also be more serious — which is why people who have been dependent on a drug for a long period of time need to reduce their intake gradually.
Opioid Addiction
Also called Opioid Use Disorder or OUD, opioid addiction occurs when drugs are taken repeatedly any attempt to cut down or control use are unsuccessful despite many negative consequences. Unlike tolerance and dependence, addiction is a disease that is characterized by physical changes in the brain, making it especially difficult for the user to stop. It is therefore critical that anyone with opioid addiction immediately seek out treatment and addiction recovery with the help or a licensed clinical psychologist and a medical expert.
Taking a Step in the Right Direction
If you suspect that you have a dependency or addiction to opioid medications, the best thing you can do is to seek help immediately from a licensed professional with training and experience in addiction disorders. There are also some things you can do to start the process of reducing your dependence including removing drugs from your home, keeping a diary of your drug use, steering clear of social influences that make you want to use, and setting a clear goal for reducing and eventually stopping.
Dealing with opioid addiction is challenging, and, in most cases, requires professional help. If you’re ready to take control of your life and want to achieve life-changing, lasting sobriety, take the first step and contact Blair Wellness Group today to request an appointment.
Get the Concierge Treatment You Need and Deserve
At Blair Wellness group, we offer concierge-treatment models that allows our patients to seek customized and evidence-based treatment models in a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental environment. Our patients can schedule evening and weekend appointments, seven days a week, with direct access to a licensed clinical psychologist. We offer in-person appointments, teletherapy sessions, and telephone meetings, seven days a week.
You don’t have to face addiction alone — discover effective treatment solutions and addiction recovery in our Beverly Hills and Irvine offices. Contact Blair Wellness Group at 310.999.4996 or request an appointment online today.
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