Opiates depress the central nervous system to ease the pain. They create feelings of euphoria and drowsiness. In the past few years, states have tightened restrictions on opioid prescriptions. However, the use of this drug is still a global concern because of its addictive property.
People who use prescription opioids are at risk for addiction. When they start developing a dependency on the drug, they may resort to methods that improve the high of the drug like snorting crushed pills, injecting, or using pills with other substances. Usually, people do these methods as they become tolerant of the drug so they require a higher dose to achieve the same euphoria. If opioids are not taken as prescribed, users can develop an addiction to them.
Signs of Opioid Addiction
When prescription or illegal opiates are used for more than a few days, users can develop an addiction to it. Tolerance is the first sign of addiction. This means users will have to take a bigger amount of the drug to get the same results. Other opioid addiction signs include symptoms of withdrawal if the user stops taking the drug. Signs like irritability, drowsiness, and mood swings should also be looked for.
Opiate Abuse Treatments
Typically, opiate rehabilitation includes detoxification, supported recovery, and psychotherapy. Detoxification includes withdrawing from the drug, usually by using medication. When detoxifying from opiates, doctors may prescribe patients with a drug like methadone to ease the transition. Users will find this medication helpful when they experience chronic pain.
What Opioid Addicts Should Do
If you or your loved one has been addicted to opioids, here is a guide to help:
- Be honest. If you are addicted to pain killers, be honest about this and do not underestimate the extent of your addiction. Talk to a professional counselor or doctor about the drug you are taking and the symptoms of dependency you are experiencing.
- Look for support. Do not keep your issue from your family or friends. Instead, seek out for their help. There should be a network of resources in your community that could help you. Also, look for peers who can relate. There are recovery groups out there who can influence the lives of people who are struggling with opioid use.
- Prepare yourself for withdrawal. When you stop taking opiates, you are likely to experience serious withdrawal symptoms. Thus, you must get the medical treatment you need so you can successfully get the drug out of your system with ease.