Opiate Addiction and Recovery

Over the last decade, we have seen opiate addiction skyrocket, as well as opioid overdose rates. While there are paths to recovery from opiate addiction, first, it’s important to understand what opiates are, what addiction may look like, and recovery options.

What are Opiates?

Opiates, or opioids, are controlled, narcotic, prescription painkillers. They are typically used to treat mild to severe pain caused by injury or accident, and are prescribed by a healthcare provider. If used for too long or the prescription is too high, you can develop a tolerance to this strong painkiller, which may lead you to increase the dosage or frequency of which you take it.
With opioids, and many other drugs, the more you take and longer you use them, the more likely you are to develop an opioid addiction with a physical and mental dependency.

Opiates are split into two classifications: antagonists and agonists. Antagonists are believed to be the least addictive of the two opiates. They are sometimes used as part of detoxification if you are going through medication-assisted treatment for an existing or developed addiction.

Agonists are highly addictive as they release similar effects as natural endorphins. This class of opiates include morphine, fentanyl, heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and buprenorphine.

Examples of agonists are:

● Codeine
● Morphine
● Fentanyl
● Heroin
● Oxycodone
● Hydrocodone
● Buprenorphine
● Demerol
● Dilaudid
● Methadone

What Does Opiate Addiction Look Like?

Opiates produce endorphin-filled, euphoric, and tranquil effects and can leave someone feeling care free. These are the feelings that people who become addicted spend lots of energy chasing, and sometimes at all costs. There are high crime rates associated with opiate addiction as people may borrow or steal drugs or money from family or friends as a way to get their hands on more.
Symptoms of opiate addiction can vary from physical, emotional, psychological, and behavioral, and can range from mild to severe.

Emotional/psychological symptoms:

● Anxiety
● Depression
● Mood swings
● Irritability
● Paranoia
● Delusions
● Hallucinations
● New mental health symptoms
Physical symptoms:
● Restlessness
● Lethargy
● Muscle spasms
● Constipation
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Sweating
● Itching
● Seizures

Behavioral symptoms:

● Stealing drugs from friends or family
● Always asking for money
● Lack of interest in school, work, or other activities
● Change in social circle
● Lying about amount of consumption

Taking too many opiates may result in an overdose which can lead to a coma or death.

Recoverig from Opiates

Once you are addicted to opiates, it can be extremely difficult to stop. That’s why it’s better to enlist the help of medical professionals to help you go through withdrawal and detoxification safely. Proper care is essential in these beginning stages of the path to recovery because of the potential withdrawal effects that can range from sleeping problems and headaches to seizures. An opiate addiction treatment center will be able to give you a safe environment to rid your body of opiates before starting a recovery program.

Paths to Recovery at Victory Bay Recovery Center

If you choose to recover from your opiate addiction at a treatment facility like Victory Bay Recovery Center, you will be presented with a personalized treatment plan that is right for you. This can potentially include medication-assisted treatment, to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal, as well as therapy sessions including individual, group, and family. Recovery is possible and you don’t have to go through it alone. If you or a loved one is looking for opiate addiction recovery and treatment options, contact Victory Bay at 855.259.1624.