Take the first step. Let's recover together.
Understanding Opiates Addiction and Abuse
Opiates are drugs that reduce pain or induce drowsiness. Opiates are either derived from opium or contain opium. Opioid receptors in the central nervous system are what opiates bind to.
The illegal substance heroin, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and prescription-only pain relievers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others are all included in this category.
When a substance is so fundamental to a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions that continuing to use it despite repercussions becomes a craving or compulsion, that person is said to be psychologically dependent.
What uses for opioids are authorized?
Opioids on prescription are permitted for treating moderate to severe pain. These may consist of:
- An acute sickle-cell crisis is one example of vascular discomfort.
- Certain intense pain types (sudden and short-term).
- Discomfort brought on by cancer.
- Pain following surgery.
While taking prescription opioids as prescribed by a doctor is generally safe because they can offer euphoria in addition to pain relief, there is a risk of abuse and addiction.
Effects of Opioid Abuse:
Typical opioid side effects include:
- Vomiting and nauseous.
- Drowsiness (sedation).
- Physical dependence – When opioid use is stopped or reduced, dependence frequently shows up as withdrawal symptoms.
- Greater sensitivity to pain and a strong reaction to it (hyperalgesia). Chronic opioid use may cause this.
- Muscle stiffness.
- Hormonal and immune system dysfunction.
- Sudden, uncontrollable muscular jerks (myoclonus).
- Skin itch (pruritus).
- Mouth ache (xerostomia).
- A healthy person may have respiratory depression, especially at higher doses. The risk of fatal respiratory impairment may, however, be increased in persons with COPD, asthma, or other lung diseases.
Long-term effects:
Chronic opioid use has long-term negative repercussions, including:
- Persistent constipation.
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysregulation.
- Heightened danger of overdosing.
- Breathing problems while sleeping (SDB).
- Bone fracture risk is increased.
Opioid use disorder (OUD)
OUD is a problematic opioid use pattern that significantly impairs or distresses the user. Specific criteria, such as unsuccessful attempts to reduce or manage usage, use leading to social issues, and a failure to meet commitments at work, school, or home, among others, form the basis of a diagnosis.
Opioid use disorder is preferred to phrases like “opioid abuse or dependence” or “opioid addiction,” which have comparable definitions.
Opioid addiction develops when efforts to reduce or regulate usage fail or when use causes social issues and a failure to meet duties at home, work, and school.
Opioid dependency and addiction frequently occur together, making it physically challenging to cease using opioids and raising the risk of withdrawal.
Symptoms of Opiates Abuse:
- A strong urge or desire to consume opioids or a craving.
- Issues with completing tasks at work, school, or home.
- Continued opioid use despite persistent interpersonal or societal issues.
- Decreasing or giving up activities due to opioid use.
- Using opioids in dangerous physical conditions.
- Using medications in higher doses or for more extended periods of time than recommended.
- Persistent desire or futile attempts to reduce or regulate opioid consumption.
- Acquiring, using, or recuperating from the effects of the opioid taking a long time.
- Continued opioid use despite a persistent physical or psychological issue that was probably brought on by or made worse by opioids.
- Tolerance (i.e., need for increased amounts or diminished effect with continued use of the same amount)
While opioid use disorder shares many characteristics with other substance use disorders, it also has specific distinctive characteristics. For example, in as little as 4 to 8 weeks, opioids can cause physical dependence.
In chronic users, abruptly discontinuing opioid usage can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, such as widespread pain, chills, cramps, diarrhea, dilated pupils, restlessness, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and extreme cravings. Since these feelings are so intense, utilizing opioids to prevent withdrawal is significantly motivated by them.
A person dependent on a substance usually experiences tolerance and withdrawal:
Opioid tolerance:
When a user of opioids starts to have a diminished response to the drug, they develop opioid tolerance and need more opioids to get the same effect.
Opioids have the ability to convince your brain and body that the substance is essential for survival. As a result, you might discover that you require more medication to get well or reduce pain when you get used to the dose that has been recommended. In addition, this phase might cause dependency.
Many individuals are unaware of how addiction affects our brains and how much more intricate and harsh it is than they think.
Opioid Dependence:
Opioid dependency develops when the body modifies routine processes to accommodate frequent opioid usage. For example, when a medicine is withdrawn, unpleasant bodily effects appear.
Drug withdrawal occurs when people experience specific physical and psychological symptoms/changes if the use of the substance is instantaneously reduced or suddenly halted.
When the subject stops the opiate intake, they may also experience withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Dry heaves and nausea.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Detecting phantom objects (hallucinations).
Opioid Overdose:
When a person consumes enough substance to cause a fatal reaction, this is referred to as an overdose.
Restlessness, tremors, overactive reflexes, quick breathing, disorientation, aggression, hallucinations, panic states, abnormally elevated fever, muscle pains, and weakness are among the symptoms that people most frequently encounter when they overdose on prescription opioids.
They might also experience circulatory failure, unusually high or low blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat that might cause a heart attack, and nerve issues that can cause a seizure.
An upset stomach can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping. In addition, an overdose may cause unconsciousness, poisoning, and convulsions.
Treatment:
Rehab facilities are extremely beneficial in the treatment of opioid addiction and are of great help needed during withdrawal symptoms. In addition, psychologists can offer assistance in helping patients overcome addictions, cope with stressful situations, and manage their chronic conditions.
Talk to a mental health care professional if the behavior is causing distress and disrupting your life. Make contact with a treatment professional very away so they can explain your therapy options to you.