Opiate Addiction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Opiate addiction has become a serious public health emergency in recent years, with an alarming increase in overdose deaths.

Opiates are a class of drugs that include prescription pain relievers such as codeine, hydrocodone, and OxyContin and illicit drugs like heroin. When prescribed, these medications can effectively manage pain but can also lead to dependence and addiction.

The consequences of opioid addiction can be severe, including overdose and other serious health problems. Understanding the causes and treatment options for opioid addiction is essential for addressing this growing public health concern.

Key Takeaways

A clear understanding of opiate overdose can help to remain sober and healthy.

The article will discuss the following key points on opiate addiction:

Opiate addiction is characterized by an intense craving for the drug, an inability to control the use and continued use despite negative consequences.
Opioid addiction can have many negative consequences, including overdose and other serious health problems.
Misuse of prescription medications, exposure to opioids, genetics, chronic pain, and a lack of healthcare access are some causes of opioid addiction.
It is important to use prescription opioids only as a healthcare provider prescribes.

If you want help for yourself or a loved one, get quality assistance from The Recovery Team to achieve sobriety.

What Are Opiates?

Opioids are drugs derived from the opium plant or artificial, including prescription medications such as codeine, OxyContin, hydrocodone, and Vicodin. Opiate addiction is a serious public health problem that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.

These medications can effectively relieve pain and carry a high risk of overdose and dependence when prescribed. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that about two million people in the United States have a prescription opioid addiction.

Prescription opioids are typically taken orally but can also be injected or snorted to produce a faster and more intense high.

When opioid medications are used at a higher level or beyond a doctor’s instructions, it can lead to an inability to coordinate. The best thing a person can do to avoid prescription opioid addiction is to use the medication only as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

If someone experiences side effects, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of Opiate Addiction

Following are some signs and symptoms of opiate addiction:

Intense craving for the drug
Inability to control the use
Continued use of the drug despite negative consequences
Mood changes and irritability
Changes in behavior
Slow and shallow breathing
Drowsiness
Pinpoint pupils
Neonatal abstinence syndrome in Babies
Tremors and difficulty sleeping in babies
Nonfatal overdoses
Major injury
Inability to coordinate
Drowsiness

Causes of Opiate Addiction

Understanding the causes of opioid addiction is essential for addressing this growing public health problem.

Here are some of the common causes of opioid addiction:

Misuse of Prescription Medications

One of the main causes of opioid addiction is the misuse of prescription medications. Prescription opioids are often prescribed to treat pain, but they can be misused when individuals take them for non-medical reasons or use them in ways other than as prescribed. Misusing prescription opioids can lead to dependence, addiction, and an increased risk of nonfatal overdoses.

Exposure to Opioids

Another cause of opioid addiction is exposure to opioids. Individuals exposed to opioids, whether through prescription medications or illicit drugs, are at an increased risk of developing an addiction. Exposure to opioids can also lead to withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it difficult to stop using the drug.

Genetics

Genetics can also play a role in the opioid epidemic. Individuals with a family history of addiction are at an increased risk of developing it themselves. This is due in part to the fact that genetics can influence the way that the brain responds to opioids, making some individuals more susceptible to addiction than others.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a common reason for opioid use, and it can also be a cause of opioid addiction. Individuals who suffer from chronic pain may rely on opioids to manage their symptoms, leading to an increased risk of dependence and addiction.

Additionally, individuals who use opioids to manage chronic pain may develop a tolerance to the drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief.

Lack of Access to Healthcare

A lack of access to healthcare can also be a cause of opioid addiction. Individuals who do not have access to healthcare may be more likely to rely on opioids for pain relief or to self-medicate for other issues. This can lead to an increased risk of dependence and addiction.

It is important to note the risks associated with using prescription opioids. Prescription opioids can lead to dependence and addiction when used beyond a doctor’s instructions or at higher doses. The risks of dependence and addiction to prescription opioids are high and can lead to serious health problems, including overdose.

The Drug Enforcement Administration has launched a website to provide information about the risks of prescription opioid addiction and how to prevent it. The website also provides resources for healthcare providers and the general public to help identify the signs of opioid addiction and the signs of an overdose.

Treatment Approaches for Opiate Addiction

Several treatment options are available for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. The best thing that a person can do to avoid prescription opioid addiction is to use the medication only as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

It is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions and not take higher doses or more medicine than prescribed. If someone experiences side effects, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Here are some of the main treatment options for opioid addiction and to manage its withdrawal symptoms:

Medical Detox

Detox is removing the toxic substance from an individual’s body. For opiate addiction, detox is often the first step in treatment. The primary goal of detox is to manage withdrawal symptoms and help individuals to become physically stable enough to engage in further treatment.

Detox can occur in different settings, including hospitals, residential treatment centers, or outpatient clinics. The detox duration varies depending on the severity of the addiction and the type of drug used. Opioid detox typically involves medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches.

Detox should be conducted under the supervision of a healthcare professional or addiction specialist. Detox can be dangerous if not managed properly, and individuals may experience severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures or hallucinations.

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment involves living under the guidance of doctors in a treatment center while receiving treatment for opioid addiction. Residential treatment centers provide a structured environment where individuals can focus on their recovery without the distractions and triggers of their everyday life.

Residential treatment programs typically include a combination of MAT, behavioral therapy, and other support services to overcome drug abuse.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT is the main treatment for opioid addiction. It involves using medication to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The medications used in MAT are carefully monitored and prescribed by healthcare providers. MAT effectively reduces opioid use, nonfatal overdoses, and other negative outcomes associated with opioid addiction. MAT is often combined with behavioral therapy to provide a comprehensive treatment approach.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that helps individuals to change their behavior and develop coping skills to manage the triggers and stressors that can lead to opioid use. Behavioral therapy can be conducted individually or in a group setting. The goal of behavioral therapy is to help individuals to identify the underlying issues that contribute to their addiction and to develop strategies to overcome them.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is a type of treatment that allows individuals to receive healthcare provider treatment for opioid addiction while living at home. Outpatient treatment programs vary in intensity and may include MAT, behavioral therapy, and other support services.

Outpatient treatment is often more flexible than residential treatment, allowing individuals to maintain their daily responsibilities while receiving treatment.

Self-Help Groups

Self-help groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), support and guide individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Self-help groups are often led by individuals who have experienced addiction, providing a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges those in recovery face. Self-help groups can be an important source of support and encouragement for individuals in recovery.

It is important to note that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the main treatment for opioid addiction. MAT is a safe and effective treatment option that can help individuals to recover from opioid addiction and avoid nonfatal overdoses. The medications used in MAT are carefully monitored and prescribed by healthcare providers, and they can help to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery.

However, it is also important to recognize the risks associated with using prescription opioids. Prescription opioids can lead to dependence and addiction when used beyond a doctor’s instructions or at higher doses.

The risks of dependence and addiction to prescription opioids are high and can lead to serious health problems.

July 27, 2023