Opioid dependence: What you need to know
What are opioids?
Opioids, also known as narcotics, are chemicals that work in the brain and are often prescribed as powerful pain relievers. Opioids also affect emotions and can produce the experience of euphoria, or the feeling of being "high." Some opioids such as heroin are illicit, or illegal. Prescription opioids are controlled or scheduled substances, which means that the government regulates their use.
There are many different kinds of opioids available for prescription. Doctors often prescribe opioids to help treat pain from dental procedures, injuries (including specific work-related injuries), surgeries, or conditions such as cancer. When used correctly, prescription opioids are generally safe, but when they are used without a doctor's prescription or in ways other than what the doctor prescribed, they can be very dangerous.
All brand names cited above are the property of their respective owners. Vicodin is a registered trademark of AbbVie Inc. Lortab is a registered trademark of UCB Inc. Lorcet is a registered trademark of Forest Pharmaceuticals. Zohydro ER is a trademark of Zogenix, Inc. Dilaudid, OxyContin, and MS Contin are registered trademarks of Purdue Pharma L.P. Tylox and Duragesic are registered trademarks of Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. Percodan, Percocet, and Opana are registered trademarks of Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. Fiorinal is a registered trademark of Watson Pharmaceuticals. Robitussin and Avinza are registered trademarks of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. Tylenol is a registered trademark of McNeil Consumer Brands, Inc. Darvon and Darvocet are registered trademarks of Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals Inc. Duramorph is a registered trademark of Baxter International, Inc. Demerol is a registered trademark of the Sanofi-Aventis Group. Actiq is a registered trademark of Cephalon, Inc.The most commonly misused prescription opioids are hydrocodone and oxycodone.
Opioids are misused when they are taken more often or in higher quantities than prescribed, or when they are used recreationally, or nonmedically. Opioids, which are usually pills, may also be crushed into powder to snort or injected with a needle. Snorting or injecting opioids causes them to enter the bloodstream and brain very quickly. Taking opioids in this way is very dangerous and increases the risk of both dependence and overdose.
People who take opioids recreationally without a valid prescription may get or take opioids from a friend or family member. Others may buy them illegally from a mail order company or on the street. Dependence can make people do things they wouldn't ordinarily do to acquire opioids.
What is opioid dependence?
Opioid dependence is a chronic disorder like diabetes or high blood pressure and can develop as a result of either legitimate use or misuse of opioids. Frequent opioid use physically changes the brain, so that the brain starts to think that it needs opioids to function normally. That is why people with opioid dependence experience cravings and symptoms of withdrawal when the effects of opioids begin to wear off.
Anyone can be dependent on opioids; it doesn't mean you are a bad person or lack willpower. People become dependent on opioids in many different ways. Some people first begin misusing opioids after a doctor prescribed them for pain following a procedure or accident. Other people misuse opioids recreationally, which means they take them just because they like the way they make them feel.
Opioid dependence can be characterized by the 4 Cs:
Some of these symptoms are physical and can include:
Opioid dependence is more common than you think
The effects of opioid dependence
Relapse is a part of this chronic disorder, like symptom breakthrough is with other chronic conditions. Relapse happens when someone with opioid dependence who had stopped taking opioids begins taking opioids again.
Long-term use of opioids causes physical changes in the brain that make people with opioid dependence feel like they need opioids in order to function properly. Because of this, people are at risk of having cravings or encountering triggers that can lead to relapse even if it has been a long time since they stopped taking opioids.
When people have a relapse, they sometimes feel they have failed. But that isn't always the case. Everyone has different needs, and a relapse can simply mean that a person isn't getting the support and/or counseling he or she needs or that he or she may need to try a different medication. Sometimes finding the right combination of support and/or counseling and medication can make the difference needed for a successful recovery.
The good news: opioid dependence can be treated
The importance of a comprehensive treatment plan
Opioid dependence is a chronic condition in need of long-term management, but there is no single treatment that is right for everyone. Before treatment begins, or following a relapse, people with opioid dependence should work with their doctors, counselors, and any others involved with their treatment to develop a plan based on their individual treatment goals. An effective treatment plan should include support and/or counseling that is designed to meet that person's specific needs and may also include medication. Learn more about treatment options for opioid dependence.
In addition to their doctors, some people lean on their friends and family during their recovery process while others prefer the confidentiality of a therapist or counselor. Some like to share their experiences while others seek help privately. Either way, counseling and support should be a key part of any treatment plan.
There are a number of different kinds of support and counseling available for the treatment of opioid dependence. These include behavioral therapy, group therapy, self-help groups, and personalized support programs. Personalized support programs allow people with opioid dependence to customize their experience to meet their specific needs and goals. Learn more about how support and counseling can help.
Maintenance medications can help reduce cravings, without making the person feel "high." These help give people a chance to change their habits and to avoid relapse.
Maintenance medications can help reduce cravings, without making the person feel "high." This helps free a person from thinking about opioids all the time. Because opioid dependence is a chronic disorder, it is never really cured. The maintenance step is about managing the disorder so that the person is able to regain control of his or her life.
Maintenance medication, in combination with support and/or counseling, is critical to preventing relapse. Unfortunately many people are not able to stick with their treatment plan as they should. Learn more about treatment with maintenance medication.
Current treatments for opioid dependence offer options
Everyone is different… why should treatment plans be the same?
Some people lean on their friends and family during their recovery process while others prefer the confidentiality of a counselor. Some like to share their experiences while others seek help privately.
Personalized support programs allow people with opioid dependence to customize their experience to meet their specific needs and goals. Learn more about support and counseling.